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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78432 ***
+
+Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE SURPRISE.]
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE FRONTIER SERIES—Illustrated
+ The YOUNG PIONEERS, BOSTON, LEE & SHEPARD.]
+
+
+
+                    _THE FRONTIER SERIES_
+                          ——————————
+
+
+                             THE
+
+                        YOUNG PIONEERS
+
+                              OF
+
+                        THE NORTH-WEST.
+
+
+                              BY
+
+                       DR. C. H. PEARSON
+
+           AUTHOR OF "THE CABIN ON THE PRAIRIE," ETC.
+
+
+                        _ILLUSTRATED._
+
+
+                         BOSTON 1890
+                 LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS
+      10 MILK STREET NEXT "THE OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE"
+                NEW YORK CHAS. T. DILLINGHAM
+                     718 AND 720 BROADWAY
+
+
+
+ Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by
+
+                       LEE AND SHEPARD,
+
+   In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District
+                       of Massachusetts.
+
+
+
+                           CONTENTS.
+                             ————
+
+CHAPTER
+
+     I. THE FAIRY OF THE FORT.—PLEASURE AND SORROW.
+
+    II. A RIDERLESS PONY.—THE BUFFALO WALLOW.
+
+   III. THE FLIGHT FROM THE WIGWAM.—INDIAN WATCH-DOGS.
+
+    IV. THE TRAGEDY ON THE RIVER.
+
+     V. THE LITTLE HUNCHBACK.—AUNT ESTHER, THE IMMIGRANT.
+
+    VI. THE IMMIGRANT WAGON.
+
+   VII. BURR-OAK CIDER.
+
+  VIII. TOM'S RIDE CONTINUED.—THE CHIEF'S DAUGHTER.—SINGULAR ADVENTURE.
+
+    IX. HOG'S BACK.—THE SOLITARY HORSEMAN.
+
+     X. A NIGHT ON THE PRAIRIE.—DANGER.
+
+    XI. A PIONEER BOY'S OPINION OF THE EAST.—DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+   XII. THE DWARF'S DISCOVERY.—BRAIN OR BONE.
+
+  XIII. A STRANGE VISITOR.—THE MAN IN THE CHIMNEY CORNER.
+
+   XIV. SECOND IMPRESSIONS.—AUNT ESTHER AND THE PLOUGHMEN.
+
+    XV. ONE SWALLOW DOES NOT MAKE A SUMMER.—TRIBULATIONS OF A FAT MAN.
+
+   XVI. FRANKIE'S SECRET.—THE INVISIBLE PURSUER.
+
+  XVII. GRUBBING.—HONEST MR. GREY.
+
+ XVIII. JOHN TOWER'S TOWN.—A WEDDING TOUR.
+
+   XIX. THE WRONG CABIN.—THE COUPLE UNDER THE UMBRELLA.
+
+    XX. THE CIRCLE IN THE LODGE.-WAKAN'.
+
+   XXI. AUNT ESTHER'S TROUBLE.—THE LAMP IN THE WINDOW.
+
+  XXII. AN INDIAN LOVER.—THE MAGIC MOCCASONS.
+
+ XXIII. FOREBODINGS.—SHINGLING THE CABIN.
+
+  XXIV. THE SILENT BOATMEN.
+
+   XXV. THE CAPTIVE MAIDEN.
+
+  XXVI. A BIRD-SONG IN THE NIGHT.
+
+ XXVII. BLACK NANCY SHOUTS.—A DREAM.—THE TWO SAVAGES.
+
+XXVIII. THE MYSTERY OF THE MOCCASONS.—THE MAN WITH THE LANTERN.
+
+
+
+                      THE YOUNG PIONEERS.
+
+                            ———————
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE FAIRY OF THE FORT.—PLEASURE AND SORROW.
+
+"WHY don't he come?" And Alice McElroy's fingers glided impatiently
+over the keys of the piano-forte.
+
+She glanced again into the square below. There stood pony, saddled and
+bridled, pawing the paved court, restlessly awaiting the presence of
+his young mistress.
+
+The morning was superb—a cloudless Minnesota sky of intensest blue, the
+air dry, balmy, bracing, delicious, the velvet green of the immense
+prairie prismatic with glistening dewdrops.
+
+As the fair-browed maiden skipped to the other side of the fort
+building, and gazed from the window upon the scene, she drank in its
+wondrous beauty with a wild delight.
+
+The frontier fortress was built on a swell of land remarkable for
+prairie land. One would think that nature designed it for just such a
+structure as crowned it with the murderous munitions of war. Strange
+that in the heart of that vast savanna there should rise a huge mound,
+or half hill, of height and circumference sufficient to command the
+entire wide-stretching landscape. Over this flower-enamelled plain,
+sloping from the fort on every side to the arching horizon, the
+kindling eye of the young girl wandered with worshipful enthusiasm.
+
+"I shall wait no longer!" she exclaimed, decisively. "Charley has been
+set to some task, I warrant, and there's no guessing when he'll get
+through. What's the use of always having a 'boy' escort. As if I cannot
+take care of myself! There are no Indians about now. I shall go alone
+for once. Pony is as good company as I wish."
+
+And tripping down stairs, and out into the court, she mounted her
+miniature steed. There was a clattering of dainty hoofs, and she was
+flying across the plain.
+
+
+These early morning rides were Alice McElroy's special pleasure.
+Horseback exercise on the open prairie had been prescribed by the fort
+physician on account of the delicacy of her constitution, and the
+cough, which though slight and inconstant, gave him, of late, some
+concern.
+
+But never before had she gone without an attendant. And as Mrs. Jones
+discharged the duties of governess to the McElroy children, Alice
+and Willie, and she knew her own son Charley to be brave, manly, and
+discreet beyond his years, he was often detailed to accompany Alice.
+
+As we have seen, Alice expected Charley to attend her on this occasion.
+But as he did not promptly make his appearance, glad to assert her
+independence, she ventured without him.
+
+The truth is, Alice, although affectionate and noble, was towards
+Charley petulant and innocently imperious at times. What queer
+creatures girls are, indeed! Mr. Jones, with his family, occupied a
+log cabin near Spirit Lake at the time of the fearful Indian uprising,
+and Charley distinguished himself there by his romantic adventures and
+heroic conduct—a mere lad that he was. He was, therefore, petted by the
+soldiers, and fairly doted on by Alice's mother and General McElroy,
+commander of the forces at the Fort.
+
+Alice also liked him as a playmate, and admired his fine qualities. But
+to have a "boy" for guide and protector on her prairie expeditions, and
+she a young lady in her teens, "what an idea!"
+
+With an exuberant sense of freedom from restraint, and of superiority
+to juvenile guardianship, Alice dashed along, now putting pony to a
+round trot, now to a full gallop, then resting the reins on his glossy
+neck, permitting him to take his own way—just as she was doing with so
+much comfort to herself.
+
+Between pony and rider there was perfect sympathy. An intelligence
+and devotion almost human characterized the wee horse. It was a rare
+animal,—a thorough-bred specimen of a species once famous but now
+nearly or quite extinct in this country,—for which the general paid a
+fabulous sum, presenting him as a birthday gift to his only daughter
+for her sole use.
+
+Never was beast better loved and treated. Winding her white arms around
+his curved neck, she would talk to him as if he understood each word.
+And are we certain he did not? You could not make Alice think him so
+stupid. She fed him with dainties from the table, and plucked for his
+mouth the sweetest grass-tufts. And her voice, her step, her hand were
+"all the world" to him.
+
+How pony drooped with failing appetite when for three weary weeks his
+gentle little mistress lay sick! When, convalescing, she was supported
+to the window, it was affecting to watch him as he waited beneath the
+sill for the feeble word of recognition from her pallid lips. And when
+she first stepped out of doors, pony rushed frantically to her side,
+and would not be pacified, despite the outcries and protestations of
+the frightened nurse, until she repeated his name and caressingly laid
+her soft hand on his forehead.
+
+Pony took short steps, but nimble, and got over the ground much faster
+than some longer limbed coursers I have seen. He liked so to go—no
+working one's passage, whip or spur-wise, with him.
+
+Doubtless high feeding and light work has much to do with the muscular
+thrill of speed experienced by the well-handled and mettlesome steed.
+But the loved form on pony's back, so graceful and unburdensome, full
+of glee, praised and patted him, and encouraged his best efforts. And
+away, away he sped, the fairy rider's eyes sparkling and cheeks abloom,
+and wavy silken tresses floating on the breeze, as they skimmed along,
+unmindful alike of distance and of time.
+
+Alice McElroy gave a sudden start, when at length she descried just
+before her a piece of woods. Had she ridden so far? She saw no trees
+from the fort, only commingled grass and flowers extending like a sea
+of verdure to the bending sky. But pony was sweating. How nice, she
+thought, to rest a while in the leafy shade, before returning!
+
+Riding in among the trees, she stopped the horse a moment, listened and
+gazed about, to be sure no danger was near. How silent the sheltering
+retreat! Not a sound broke the pervasive stillness, save a plaintive
+bird chirrup in the dim solitude.
+
+"O, isn't it perfectly lovely!" she ejaculated. "And yonder's a river.
+How clear and smooth the water is! And what splendid flowers,—there's
+the cardinal flower, if I live,—magnificent! Now, pony," she added,
+dismounting, and leaving the reins loose, "you just get cool,—don't
+wander off,—mind, now, while I gather a bouquet for darling mother and
+my dear good governess; then we'll start for home."
+
+At which pony, with contented air, fell to nibbling the grass,
+displaying his nice taste by nipping, too, a bright blossom now and
+then, out of regard, perhaps, to Alice. And she, with an occasional
+glance at him to be positive he staid near, strolled by the river brink
+culling flowers. They grew in tempting profusion, and she soon had a
+bountiful store. And reclining on the yielding moss, among the feathery
+ferns, she began to arrange the wild-springing beauties.
+
+"Perfectly beautiful!" she murmured. "Won't mother and Mrs. Jones be
+surprised when they learn how far pony and I have been to-day all
+alone!"
+
+"Pony, are you there? Yes, I see you now. You're a dear good pony! How
+much nicer it is to ride all alone! One can do just as one pleases.
+Besides, Charley is so boyish! There's Tom, now," and a slight flush
+crept to her temples; "how grand it was, his pushing off the cliff that
+horrible savage that was creeping up to murder him!"
+
+At this point she stopped soliloquizing, and hummed to herself a while.
+
+"Yes, Tom's studying to be a minister. I suppose he wouldn't 'dare' to
+play as Charley does. Soldiers can play, but ministers must pray." Then
+she laughed. "I shouldn't like to do nothing but preach, and pray, and
+think about another world, about preparing to die. Death is frightful;
+though, if one is good enough to go to heaven, and 'old'—but I'm only—"
+
+A slight rustling of the bushes snapped the thread of her musing. A
+heavy hand was laid on her shoulder; she glanced backward. A hideous
+savage bent over her.
+
+The blood seemed to freeze in her veins at the sight. She attempted
+to scream, but the sound died on her lips. Her eyes became fixed and
+glassy.
+
+The Indian's face wore a fiendish expression, as he held his tomahawk
+above her head. She tried to fall on her knees and beg for mercy.
+Then Indian, trees, water, swam confusedly round. Her eyes closed in
+darkness and insensibility.
+
+The savage for a moment looked down upon the rigid features of the
+white girl as if undecided whether to strike or not. That doubt
+arrested the descending weapon. Something connected with her dress
+caught his attention.
+
+"Ugh," he grunted, and, stooping, detached from her belt a shining gold
+chain and locket, the latter containing the likeness of her mother.
+
+This appeared to turn the current of his intentions; for taking the
+girl in his arms, he bore her a short distance up the river side,
+dragged a canoe from out the thick shrubbery, placed her in it, gave
+it a quick running push, and dexterously jumping in after, paddled the
+light boat along.
+
+When Alice recovered her consciousness, she found herself lying alone
+in the bottom of a canoe, and an ugly-featured Indian sitting in front
+of her.
+
+At first she deemed it a dream. Then, bewildered, she rubbed her eyes
+with her hands to be certain she was awake. Soon, like lightning flash,
+the horror of her condition broke in upon her mind. In a frenzy of
+fear, she roused herself to attempt escape.
+
+"Squaw, keep still!" spoke the Indian, angrily. "Think swim, run, get
+'way? No. Water deep. Injun killee you!"
+
+"Dear, good Indian," pleaded the terrified girl, "don't kill me. Take
+me back; let me go home, and father 'll give you—"
+
+"Squaw speak no one word more!" grunted the savage, with an ominous
+look.
+
+O, the agony of that moment to the captive! How she wrestled with her
+emotions, striving not to provoke her fierce captor by unavailing
+outcries!
+
+Crouching in the swift-moving, fragile craft as it shot through the
+dim woods, now hidden by the pendent branches, now lighted by ruddy
+sunbeams, hurried on to what fate she knew not, minutes were as ages.
+
+By and by they came to shoal water. The Indian now laid his paddle in
+the bottom of the canoe, and employed a long pole to propel with. Soon
+he stranded the airy vessel, and ordered her to get out. Easily lifting
+the canoe on his shoulders, and driving her before him, they tramped a
+long way through the woods, away from the water.
+
+At last, they came to a spot not covered with trees. Back of it, and
+somewhat remote, was a line of smoke rising, indicative of an Indian
+village.
+
+But the Indian did not take her there. Turning to the left, they struck
+into the forest again, continuing their journey till they reached an
+old tumble-down wigwam. Entering, he pointed Alice to a corner, took
+from a pouch at his side a thick piece of smoked venison, tore on a
+strip with his teeth, handed it to Alice, saying,—
+
+"Squaw hungry; eat!"
+
+Alice was faint from fear and fasting, but too wretched to partake of
+the untempting food. Dreading, however, to arouse his resentment, she
+tasted a morsel, and concealed the remainder.
+
+
+When night fell, her captor stretched himself on the ground in his
+blanket, near the entrance to the wigwam, and was shortly asleep.
+
+O, the long, long watch that night to Alice! She could not sleep. The
+heavy snoring of the savage in the gloomy wigwam, the hooting of the
+screech-owl and howling of the wolf without, the tumult of fright,
+grief, and foreboding within her throbbing breast, thoughts of her
+father's and mother's distress because of her prolonged and mysterious
+absence,—under these circumstances, her eyes were as wide open as
+if they never could close again, and her brain active well nigh to
+insanity.
+
+She was still awake when the pioneer streaks of morning penetrated
+the hut. After a while the savage bestirred himself, arose, lighted a
+filthy pipe, seated himself in front of her, cross-legged, and smoked
+in grim silence.
+
+With sharpened intuitions, Alice studied his physiognomy, to discover,
+if possible, some human quality to which she might appeal. But the
+paint-streaked copper-face staring stolidly at her, though evidently
+that of a youngish warrior, was repulsive and malignant in the extreme.
+
+"Where am I?" gasped the girl, at length, with clasped hands.
+
+"In wigwam," laconically replied her captor.
+
+"Yes," answered Alice, startled at the sound of her own voice, "but, I
+mean, how far from the fort?"
+
+"Twenty, fifty, 'hunderd' mile; big way; no git back, never!"
+
+"O, do carry me there," cried she. "You shall have money, anything. My
+father is General McElroy; he'll pay you all you ask, and more too!"
+
+But at mention of her father's name, a terrible scowl corrugated the
+brow of the savage, and, emitting great puffs of smoke, he muttered,—
+
+"Injun no do it. White chief kill Injuns, many!"
+
+Alice poured forth a flood of entreaties, sobbing heart-brokenly.
+
+The savage drew his scalping-knife, bent a threatening gaze on her, and
+said,—
+
+"Squaw hold tongue; Injun cuttee out!"
+
+And the girl was silent and hopeless, but shook with an "aguish"
+terror, her sad eyes fixed on her captor, full of anguish and
+supplication more moving than speech.
+
+The Indian puffed serenely at his pipe a while longer, then putting
+it by, drew from his dirty pouch more dried meat, and tossing her
+a portion, commanded her to eat. This time, half famished, she
+obeyed, which appeared to please her captor, who, after regarding her
+intently, as if deciding a matter of importance concerning her, said,
+peremptorily,—
+
+"Squaw stay in wigwam!" and disappeared in the woods.
+
+Alice, with beating heart, watched the fading figure of the savage till
+lost to view.
+
+Where was he going? How soon would he come back? When he reappeared,
+what would be her destiny? If he did not return, what then? Alone in
+the wilderness, without food or fire, and no means of procuring either!
+It was frightful to expect his return, and starvation if he staid away.
+
+The appalling novelty of her position brought into ascendency a new
+class of feelings. She had a bright intellect, and military blood
+coursed in her veins. Reason and courage reasserted themselves.
+
+"If I perish, I will do so trying to escape," she resolved.
+
+And strong in this purpose, and buoyant with a sensation of freedom now
+that the Indian was away, in her eagerness she ran into the forest.
+
+But suddenly stopping, she pressed her hand to her forehead in deep
+thought.
+
+Which way should she go? Grave question that.
+
+Sinking to her knees, and whispering an earnest prayer for guidance
+and protection, she hurried into the hut, picked up the venison she
+threw away the night before, and set out on her perilous and uncertain
+undertaking.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A RIDERLESS PONY.—THE BUFFALO WALLOW.
+
+PONY appreciated the tender herbage, and the grateful shade of the
+wildwood, for he was "a dear lover of nature," after his manner, and
+perhaps would have voted, if admitted to the right of suffrage, to
+spend the remainder of the season there, could winsome Alice be near.
+He might cast his ballot thus, were it not for two objections—the grain
+he would miss and the titbits from the McElroy table, and the insects
+that abounded in the forest.
+
+Flourish, and flirt, and lash his luxuriant tail, shake his comely
+mane, toss his shapely head, stamp his delicate feet, suddenly trot to
+a fresh place, no matter what violence or strategy he used, the hungry
+flies would persist in trying to suck the life-current through his
+sleek skin. In fact, his exertions, whether offensive or defensive,
+increased his troubles, attracting his foes from afar, till the air
+swarmed with whizzing, buzzing, trumpeting blood-suckers.
+
+Strange, is it not, that so insignificant a trifle as a tiny fly can
+so harass and baffle a quadruped heavy enough to outweigh millions on
+millions of such enemies?
+
+Pony endured the torture and fought the battle with as much patience
+and valor as, perchance, you or I would, were we subject to his
+annoyance. But even horseflesh will not bear everything. And pony,
+desirous of permanent relief, darted out from under the ravenous cloud
+of pitiless parasites, and trotted to where he left his gentle young
+mistress, attaining the flowery bank where she had sat, and uttering a
+questioning whinny simultaneously, as much as to say,—
+
+"Please, Miss Alice, shall we not hasten out upon the breezy prairies?"
+
+But the pretty wee animal saw no Alice there!
+
+He snorted, pricked forward his tremulous ears, smelt of the earth,
+then of the bunches of flowers; neighed loud and shrill; waited,
+trembling with excitement for the familiar reply,—furiously shaking his
+head and whisking his tail the while at the pursuing insects,—dashed
+down the river bank, scenting the ground as he went, like a hound on
+the track; turned, and smelt up along the border of the stream; paused
+suddenly, as if to deliberate, then wildly wheeled about, and, with mad
+swiftness, struck a straight course for the fort.
+
+How wonderful is instinct! What so excited pony? Why did he hunt for
+a trail that should guide to the missing girl? Why his alarm and
+concern? What caused him precipitately to relinquish the search, and
+speed homeward as if on an errand of life or death? Ah, if the dumb,
+yet ofttimes singularly intelligent brutes could all speak, as did the
+prophet's wiser beast, what might we not learn from their now sealed
+lips! What an infinite gulf between their inarticulate muteness and
+human speech! O, what our condition, were we like them unable, as a
+race, to embody our thoughts in words! God be praised for the gift of
+speech, for who but He give it us and denied it to them?
+
+
+"Miss Alice, whar' you be?" And black Nancy's ebony face peered into
+closets, clothes-presses, behind doors, and under beds. "Now you jist
+stop foolin'! Dinner's bin coolin' more'n half an hour, and yer father
+and mother are that worried. Can't yer 'make strouble' 'nough widout
+hidin' away when eberyting is a spilin'! Come, honey, dat's a good
+girl; come eat yer dinner."
+
+But remonstrate, scold, reason, and coax as the affectionate negress
+would, there was no answer.
+
+Perseveringly the servant continued her search, hoping each instant
+that from some place of concealment her frolicsome charge would spring
+forth as she was wont, and with ringing peals of laughter, fling her
+dimpled arms around her neck with a kiss, or scamper through the halls,
+challenging pursuit.
+
+The colored waitress's brow became knitted with anxiety, and reentering
+the dining-room, she said,—
+
+"Please, marm, I can't find Miss Alice no whar!"
+
+"O, well," pleasantly returned the lady, "she is probably in at Mrs.
+Colonel Thomas's. You just step across the square, and inquire."
+
+The general and his wife were rising from the table when black Nancy
+returned, reporting that she had visited all the officers' rooms, and
+could get no tidings of Alice.
+
+"It is certainly very strange," observed Mrs. McElroy, going to the
+window. "But what does this mean?" she quickly added, as the sound of
+a horse's feet smote upon the ear. "Pony has rushed into the yard,
+covered with sweat and foam, saddle and bridle on, but riderless!"
+
+"Call Charley," gravely said the general.
+
+The lad instantly made his appearance.
+
+"Charley," asked the general, "have you been to ride with Alice to-day?"
+
+"No, sir," he replied.
+
+"Do you know if she went?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+Black Nancy now recalled with dismay that Alice apprised her the night
+before that she intended to ride in the morning, requesting her to tell
+Charley to be ready to attend her, all of which had been forgotten till
+this moment.
+
+"I fear she ventured alone, and something has happened to her,"
+remarked the mother, turning pale. "When did you first miss her from
+the house, Nancy?"
+
+"Dunno, missus, zactly. 'Parently 'twas 'bout eight, missus, when de
+hat was taken from de place whar—"
+
+"Eight o'clock; who was on guard, husband, at the gate, then?"
+
+"Call private O'Connor," said the general.
+
+
+"O'Connor, did my daughter pass out on her pony when you were on duty
+this morning?" asked the general, as that worthy entered.
+
+"An' indade did she, the blissed crayther," answered the Hibernian.
+
+"Was any one with her?"
+
+"Not a sowl, yer honor, save her own swate self, sure; an', says I, the
+Howly Vargin be praised, but if there's a saint in heaven, sure an'
+she's that same, her hair stramin' an' her eyes sparklin', a ridin' off
+so light an' aisy—"
+
+"Rub down the pony, and put him up," sharply interrupted the general.
+Then, addressing his weeping wife, he said,—
+
+"Don't distress yourself, dear; I will go out at once with men enough
+to scour the prairies far and near. We shall certainly find her."
+
+As if by electricity, the sad news of the loss of Alice went through
+the fortress, and, as if by magic, a force duly instructed, well
+mounted, and provisioned so as to be able, if necessary, to remain
+through the night, was departing for the search, each member of the
+expedition ambitious of being the one to restore the missing girl to
+her parents.
+
+As the company left, O'Connor was leisurely grooming pony. A remarkable
+insubordination seized the little animal.
+
+Jerking at the halter, and kicking with both hind heels to impart force
+to the jerks, and at the same time keep the Irishman at bay, the strap
+parted, and pony, at liberty, started after the soldiers.
+
+"Howld, howld, ye baste!" shouted O'Connor, running to head pony off.
+And by a short cut getting in front of her, he furiously brandished the
+curry-comb.
+
+But pony had a will for once, and a temper, too.
+
+Laying flat her ears, and drawing back her lips, disclosing double rows
+of formidable teeth, she made directly for the Celt, as if to eat him.
+
+With a wild whoop Erin fled, pony following, her glistening ivories
+within an inch of his pate. The spectators in windows and court,
+overcome at the ludicrousness of the rare spectacle, laughed and
+applauded, forgetful for the moment of the loss of Alice, till Erin
+took refuge in a friendly doorway. Then pony galloped out upon the
+prairie, and joined the cavalcade.
+
+That wise and experienced officer, General McElroy, had laid out the
+work of hunting up Alice with far-sighted and systematic skill. The men
+were divided into squads, each with its distinctive mission, and all to
+report often to him. Signals were appointed which would enable the most
+widely separated corps to communicate with each other, and with the
+commander-in-chief.
+
+How like clockwork is military discipline! In this instance, however,
+there was one connected with the expedition irreducible to rules. That
+was pony, the volunteer. Defying orders, signals, and the ordained
+plan, the bantam steed would proceed in "one" direction, and that
+only. He even aspired to lead—the usurper. If the cavalry followed,
+how pleased he seemed! If they swerved from the route he preferred, he
+would curve and canter up to them, then back to "his" track, neighing
+for them to come also.
+
+Pony's mute though eloquent appeals and manœuvres attracted the
+attention of Captain Manly. He was a close observer, was versed in
+natural history, and passionately fond of good horses. He was aware
+that not alone that useful animal, but the dog, the elephant, and
+others of the dumb kingdom, frequently exhibit a marvellous sagacity.
+Thrusting his spurs into his own beast, he was quickly at the side of
+his superior.
+
+"General," said he, making the military salute, "the horse your
+daughter rode this morning having, it appears, broken loose from
+confinement, is hovering near my men. The little animal acts, I think,
+as if it would lead us to some particular locality. It may be a whim of
+mine, but I fancy it might not prove amiss to humor the creature, and
+see what comes of it."
+
+"Singular, very," ejaculated the gray-bearded veteran, levelling
+his glass at pony. "Every movement of the animal is instinct with
+intelligence. Do as you please, captain, and if anything turns up,
+signalize promptly."
+
+"I have great faith in horses," remarked the captain, on rejoining his
+command, to a brother officer. "They differ in intelligence just as men
+do. Some are stupid, others acute. Some love their owners, others care
+only for the stall mere eye and trencher servants.
+
+"Observe what a sensitive organization has that pony. His nostrils and
+ears,—the latter ever in motion, alert for the faintest whisper,—trim
+limbs, clear, bright eye, proud, self-conscious carriage,—there's a
+world of affection and good sense in that beast. I owe my life to a
+horse like that—except that mine was large and powerful.
+
+"It was on the plains. A messenger arrived at our station, stating that
+a stage had been attacked by Indians, and imploring relief. Most of my
+command had been detailed as escort to an immigrant train; but taking
+ten men with me, we hurried to the scene of action.
+
+"The crack of rifles and yell of savages urged us forward, and rounding
+a bluff, we were at once on the battle-field. The stage had been
+captured, and was filled with Indians, while a redskin sat on each of
+the four horses. The fellows, with gory scalps dangling, were enjoying
+a ride. Several bodies of dead and wounded whites lay around, while
+in the distance, the fight was still raging, showing that some of the
+passengers had survived the onslaught.
+
+"I comprehended at a glance how matters stood. The plains, you know,
+are all dotted with round hollows, say a dozen feet across, called,
+'wallows.' To these, the huge buffalo resorts to roll, covering himself
+with a coating of moist earth to rid himself of the lively little
+eaters infesting his shaggy hide.
+
+"In one of these buffalo wallows four men had found refuge, their heads
+being just visible; and riding dexterously and rapidly in a circle
+about them, shooting arrows or fire-arms, were not less than a hundred
+and fifty Indians. The cunning copper-faces would keep their bodies on
+the side of their ponies away from the white men, making a galloping
+breastwork of each horse.
+
+"The danger was that the whites would exhaust their ammunition; then
+the rascally savages would show no favor.
+
+"The Indians were between us and the men in the wallow, and the
+intervening bluff had concealed our approach. Giving word to charge on
+the savages, in order to break through to the rescue of the whites,
+whose fire was slackening, we rushed with a cheer to the onset. The
+surprise was complete, and at first successful. But perceiving the
+handful I had with me, the scattering savages rallied, and assaulted us
+with great ferocity.
+
+"An arrow-head struck my arm. The reins dropped. My horse reared;
+I lost my balance, and was hurled violently to the ground. Before
+recovering from the shock, a savage was upon me to take my scalp.
+
+"Utterly at his mercy, he would soon have finished the job, when, with
+a defiant snort, my faithful beast swept up, and seizing my assailant
+in her capacious mouth, dragged him over, and trampled him with her
+fore feet. How she smote and bruised him! It was a terrific sight.
+
+"I had by this time regained my feet, and remounting, being better
+armed, we succeeded in putting the Indians to flight."
+
+"The instinct of the brute is a great puzzle to me," remarked his
+comrade, "it is so marvellously quick, subtle, and unerring. It seems,
+in certain respects, to surpass reason. There, for example, is the
+honey-bee. The honey-hunter repairs to the fields provided with a
+little box containing honey. Catching some bees, he shuts them within,
+and through the glass top watches till he sees that they have loaded
+themselves with the sweet liquid. The insect is then liberated. It
+rises in the air, flies round in several widening: circles, till,
+having ascertained the direction of its home, it makes directly for
+it, the hunter following, sure that if he retains the bee in sight, he
+shall find the honey-tree.
+
+"Now, how does the insect—no matter how far or where the hunter bore it
+while imprisoned in the box—find out the right way home, and not only
+so, but reach it by a perfectly straight, or, as it is termed, 'a bee
+line'?"
+
+"The horse will do the same thing," said the captain. "I had ridden
+one day forty miles across trackless prairies—an entirely new route to
+me. On returning, the sky became overcast, and not having a compass,
+I got lost. Giving the reins to my horse, the sagacious animal chose
+an opposite course from that I had been pursuing, carrying me across
+marshes and streams, and through almost impenetrable thickets, by,
+I subsequently learned, an almost mathematically direct line to my
+destination. And yet the country was as new to him as to me.
+
+"But see, there are woods! Pony is entering them. Ah, yonder's a river;
+and what is this on the bank?" he earnestly exclaimed.
+
+For there lay Miss Alice's hat, containing a few withered flowers, and
+near by two partially arranged bouquets!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE FLIGHT FROM THE WIGWAM.—INDIAN WATCH-DOGS.
+
+WHEN Alice McElroy awoke to consciousness, and to find herself in the
+canoe with the savage, two opposite states of mind and feeling were
+induced. Overpowering terror and grief swallowed her up in a tempest of
+horror, and yet her faculties were preternaturally busy in noting the
+course she was being transported, so as to be able, if chance occurred,
+to retrace her way.
+
+Little did her pitiless captor imagine that the young girl who lay by
+turns moaning and pleading in her sorrow, or speechless from fright,
+observed objects they passed with a vividness that photographed their
+image indelibly on her memory.
+
+When, therefore, she took flight from the wigwam, her first endeavor
+was to discover the real direction homeward.
+
+The Indian had said that they had come a "big way" from the fort. But,
+judging from the slow progress they had made, on the whole, she was
+convinced that he had purposely exaggerated the distance. Perhaps it
+was only a few miles to the river. Perchance her father might be there
+searching for her.
+
+But what dangers and difficulties might be between her and rescue she
+dared not anticipate. A giant elm, lightning-blasted, she had seen in
+coming, and there, a mile or so away, she could discern its ghostly
+outline, stretching its bare branches heavenward. This welcome landmark
+decided her course, and the assurance she felt that the decision was
+correct gave her courage.
+
+What did she not suffer in that dreadful journey! Struggling through
+thorny bushes and interlacing shrubs, tearing hands, face, and neck
+till blood trickled from the smarting wounds, bewildered in bushy
+labyrinths where the confined air was so hot and suffocating as to
+cause her to pant and gasp for breath, sinking knee-deep in mud and
+ooze of slimy marshes, startled by sounds of she knew not what wild
+creatures. But the fearful apprehension that her captor, discovering
+her absence from the wigwam, would pursue and overtake her, stimulated
+her lagging energies.
+
+About noon, she came to the margin of a small lake. In the tops of the
+tall, overhanging trees were large birds, of black plumage and odd
+shape, with great, coarse, red throats. The water beneath was black,
+and thickly covered with broad, floating leaves. On the shores grew
+poisonous plants with brilliant blossoms and sickening scents. Here,
+weary and trembling, she sat down, and drawing from her dress-pocket
+the dried venison, ate a little. Then descending to the border of the
+pond, and scooping up some water in her hands, she eagerly drank.
+
+Now, recollecting that she did not see this lake while carried off by
+the Indian, the conviction that she had wandered from the path startled
+her. Frantic at the thought, on she went, looking sharply to descry
+some waymark that would set her right again. Walking and resting in
+turn, afternoon wore off, and evening twilight fell.
+
+The sun went down, and darkness brooded on the forest. Urging her weary
+limbs along in the awful gloom, slipping, stumbling, falling over
+moss-grown tree-trunks, scratched and clasped by remorseless branches,
+all at once she heard the howling of wolves, as if hundreds of them
+were assembled in grim concert. Then, in the direction of the howling,
+she saw a lurid light and dusky figures moving about.
+
+She was too well acquainted with frontier characteristics not to
+recognize in the scenes before her an Indian encampment; for she
+had heard her father tell that the coyotes, or prairie wolves, will
+surround a camp at nightfall, and at nine or ten o'clock commence their
+serenade chorus, and that the Indians will not kill the discordant
+voiced animal, regarding him as a watch-dog. For let any one approach
+the camp, and the wolf-music instantly ceases, and the Indians know
+that somebody is about. Then they keep away from their fires, and watch
+for the intruder.
+
+When the knowledge of her proximity to an Indian encampment burst upon
+her, Alice sank to the ground, overcome with conflicting emotions.
+If it was the same encampment that she passed with the Indian, then
+she had returned unconsciously on her own steps, and must still be
+near her captor's hut, and when morning dawned, he would certainly
+retake her. The conclusion was appalling. How ought she to act under
+the circumstances? How would it do to enter the encampment and claim
+protection? Might not some in the barbarous community, for the hope of
+generous reward, extend it, and restore her to her father?
+
+A faint hope sprang up in her heart. Softly gaining the summit of the
+mound she was on, she gazed earnestly at the encampment. Those swarthy
+forms, how hideous and terrifying! Turning, she fled into the covert
+of the woods like a bird chased by the cruel hunter, and toiled with
+the energy of a mortal fear to put as much space as was in her power
+between herself and those "habitations of cruelty."
+
+Sitting down at last, her strength all spent, she leaned for rest
+against a craggy oak.
+
+"I must not sit here but a moment," she said to herself.
+
+But a resistless drowsiness benumbing her sensibilities, with an
+ineffectual attempt to shake off the spell, she dropped into a deep
+sleep.
+
+A sharp report aroused her. Starting to her feet, she saw with wonder
+that the sun was up: she had slept till morning. And a second wonder—a
+few rods in advance was the river. With a cry of joy at the familiar
+sight,—to see which she had dared and endured so much,—she sprang
+forward, purposing to descend the bank, and if the stream at that point
+was not too deep, wade over.
+
+A warning buzz in her pathway brought her to a stand-still, for a few
+paces ahead, coiled ready to strike, was a large rattlesnake. She
+retreated backwards, the reptile darting out his forked, fiery tongue
+at her till assured of his own safety, then slowly uncoiled itself and
+glided away.
+
+Making a circuit, she began once more to go down the bank. A mat of
+dried rank sedges and osiers was before her. Stepping upon it, a score
+of snakes beneath the treacherous covering rattled and hissed, and with
+a shiver and a scream, she fled back again.
+
+A gun was now discharged in the distance across the river. Then she
+dimly discerned a soldier's uniform. Her heart gave a bound—it was her
+father's men looking for her. She was about to call to them, when a
+great flat hand was placed sternly and silently over her mouth.
+
+It was the Indian. Lightly throwing her over his shoulder, he bore her
+rapidly away. In vain, she struggled and tried to cry out. The iron
+grip relaxed not, and in sight of final escape, she was a captive once
+more.
+
+
+Not long had the savage, with his victim, gone, when the fort soldiers
+appeared under the trees opposite.
+
+"I am sure, captain, that it was a girl's voice. It was as genuine a
+scream as I ever heard," said one of the men.
+
+"I heard it," added another, "and something like a dress went
+fluttering over the bank yonder!"
+
+Instantly, the eager soldiery forded the stream, and penetrated every
+part of the adjacent wood. But no trace of human existence was found,
+save a bit of dried venison under the tree where Alice had reposed.
+
+Through the concealing bushes, the adventurous red-man carried the girl
+with the ease and swiftness of a panther, to a point low down on the
+stream. Here he pushed from its hiding-place a canoe, and tying his
+captive's mouth with tight folds of dirty cloth, he laid her in the
+boat, and paddled noiselessly along.
+
+Long and diligent was the search for the lost maiden. Prairie, forest,
+and river were scoured, and large rewards offered for her recovery, but
+without avail. Weary weeks, melancholy months, rolled round, bringing
+no news of fairy Alice.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE TRAGEDY ON THE RIVER.
+
+"HUSBAND, ar'n't you coming to get some rest? We've had a long journey,
+and we've a great ways to go yet. And you know we land before morning.
+You will be all tired out; and I can't sleep, I worry so about you."
+
+It was a loving womanly voice that uttered this, and a pale, care-worn
+face it was that peered through the little aperture over the state-room
+door, the blue eyes glancing anxiously about for a glimpse of the
+person addressed.
+
+"Coming soon!" was the hearty response, though the tones sounded
+strangely, borne on the night air along the dimly-lighted steamer.
+"Wait till this steamboat passes."
+
+And Mr. Willard kept his solitary lookout, spell-bound by the magic
+of night, on the Mississippi. How varied and bewitching the scene!
+Ploughing the liquid element was the monster leviathan, rushing,
+thundering by, spouting fire, while star-like from the shore glimmered
+the lamps of village, and city, and farm-house. Is it strange that Mr.
+Willard lingered to gaze as if fascinated?
+
+He was an affectionate, kind-hearted man, but impulsive, excitable,
+and, when aroused, headstrong. He had inherited a small property from
+his father, which, with his daily earnings, provided a snug home for
+himself, wife, and three children, in a growing town in Maine.
+
+His "lot" joined the old homestead where his wife was born, and well
+contented was she to settle for life, as she supposed, by the side of
+her parents, and among the scenes of her childhood and youth. With
+reasonable frugality, her husband was able to maintain the family
+respectably, and a mile away was the school-house and the village
+church, so that the intellectual and religious training of the children
+need not be neglected.
+
+But Mr. Willard contracted the "western fever," and announced to his
+wife his determination to sell their property, and start for the cheap,
+rich lands of Minnesota. The announcement was to her as the tolling of
+a funeral knell. And with gentle reasoning, she sought to change his
+purpose.
+
+"We are happy here," she tearfully said, "and have met with no
+reverses. It is not necessary for us to go west, as is the case with
+many. If we were suffering for the comforts of life, or likely thus to
+suffer, I would not shrink from any change that promised an improvement
+in our circumstances."
+
+But the more he read, and thought, and argued, the stronger his wish
+to emigrate; and, with a foreboding heart, the wife prepared for the
+removal.
+
+The pleasant cottage, with its productive vegetable garden and smiling
+flower-beds, and the household effects, were sold. And the morning for
+the departure of the Willards witnessed a sad sight.
+
+The family had many friends who called to utter a last word to those
+who that day were to leave them, never, perhaps, to return. Mr. Willard
+and wife were both members of the church, and the pastor was there also
+to add his blessing.
+
+But when the aged father and mother came to say "good-by" to the
+favorite daughter and the petted grandchildren, the old man bracing
+himself tremblingly on his cane, while the tears flowed down his
+furrowed cheeks, Walter Willard's conscience smote him for causing so
+much sorrow. It was, however, too late to retreat, and the train soon
+bore them from view.
+
+The husband's ardent temperament quickly threw off depression. They
+were now really on the way to the Great West—the Eldorado of his day
+and night dreaming. Each hour the swift-winged cars were bringing him
+nearer the goal of his hopes. The thought of this speedily swallowed
+up parting regrets. How many acquaintances he made on the road!
+What delightful chats with those going, like himself, towards the
+setting sun! How companionable and confiding he became with his new
+associates!—Informing them of his history, his plans, his expectations,
+his means, his destination.
+
+"Husband, is it safe to let those men know how much money you carry
+with you?" the more prudent wife ventured to inquire.
+
+But the caution was soon forgotten.
+
+And now he was floating on the great river he had so longed to see. And
+as the late hours wore on, with "his soul in his eyes," he continued
+gazing at the ever-changing scenery.
+
+It was a densely inhabited hive—that boat. But Sleep had long since
+with velvet fingers closed the eyes of the jaded travellers. Not a
+passenger was up save the enthusiastic Mr. Willard.
+
+Not one? Who is that, past midnight, creeping stealthily by the berths
+of the hard-breathing sleepers? Why moves he so noiselessly? Sometimes
+he is motionless; then he skulks warily along: his manner, movements,
+attitudes, show him to be one whose deeds are more of the night than of
+the day.
+
+And see, another figure. The two meet; they whisper together with rapid
+and significant gestures. They part, and then reappear, approaching on
+either hand the lone emigrant looking unsuspectingly off over the water.
+
+Suddenly they clutch him by the throat; his arms are pinioned and mouth
+gagged. Greedy fingers take his watch and money. There is a struggle,—a
+heavy body goes overboard,—a splash, a gurgle—and all is still. The
+prowlers separate, glide away, disappear.
+
+Mrs. Willard awoke as if struck by a blow.
+
+"Walter! Walter! Where are you?" she called. "Children, which of you
+will go and find father? Perhaps he has dropped asleep in another part
+of the boat."
+
+"I'll go for him," answered thirteen-year-old Georgie; and, rubbing
+open his eyes, he threaded the forsaken passages, repeating,—
+
+"Father! Father!"
+
+The lad approached the scene of the robbery just as the unhappy victim
+was precipitated into the stream. In the darkness, he saw a confused
+conflict, and the thrusting over the boat side of a dark body, and
+heard the dull plunge. But hastening to the spot, all was silence and
+vacancy.
+
+Had he been dreaming? Was it illusion? All at once, his heart stood
+still, for that form cast into the current, indistinctly outlined in
+the starlight, looked like his father!
+
+Overcome of terror, he hurried back to the state-room with
+horror-blanched cheeks, unable to tell what he had seen. Then the
+mother, hoping and fearing, clasping the son's hand, went forth to the
+search.
+
+One o'clock. Two o'clock. The porter knocks at the Willards'
+state-room. The steamboat bell gives notice of a "Landing."
+
+"Hurry!" says the porter to the lingering wife. "The boat stops only a
+minute!"
+
+"But where's my husband?" she asks, weeping, and calls distractedly,
+"Husband! Husband!"
+
+"Mother," the boy whispers, with white lips, "I saw two men throw
+father into the river."
+
+The boat grazes the rude pier. The plank is thrown out for the
+passengers. The baggage is thrown ashore.
+
+"Hurry! Ma'am, hurry!" reiterates the porter, seizing the arm of the
+bewildered woman, and pushing her over the narrow crossing, which is
+instantly withdrawn, and the steamer is off.
+
+But what of the mother and children left in the damp twilight on that
+strange shore? What of the husband and father?—For he comes not. What
+of the money he had with him? The avails of the neat New England home,
+with which he was to build up another home in the wilderness.
+
+There stands the stricken group by their heaped up boxes and trunks, in
+fright and agony. How different it might have been had the ill-fated
+man considered his wife's happiness before adventuring west! Or if, on
+the road, he had preserved the reticence of the discreet traveller!
+
+And, O, what black deeds the darkness hides from every eye but One!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE LITTLE HUNCHBACK.—AUNT ESTHER, THE IMMIGRANT.
+
+"MADAM, can I assist you in any way? You seem to be a stranger, and in
+trouble."
+
+Mrs. Willard was naturally retiring, and withal distrustful of
+strangers. She glanced scrutinizingly at the speaker. His frank, open,
+manly face, instantly disarmed suspicion.
+
+"Fearing, from your conversation on the boat with the porter," he
+continued, "that a serious calamity had befallen you, I succeeded in
+getting off at this landing to aid you, if you need assistance."
+
+"O, sir," she wailed, "I know not what dreadful thing has happened. My
+husband disappeared in the night; and my little boy, here, says he saw
+two men throw him overboard. Can it be that my poor Walter is murdered,
+sir? It seems as if my heart would burst, I am so terrified and
+wretched!" And the ghastly face, and clasped hands, and piteous tones,
+might melt adamant. "Georgie, darling, tell the gentleman about it."
+
+"It is not necessary, madam; it would only distress you," answered the
+young man. "I overheard the story. It may not be so bad as he thinks.
+Perhaps an accident happened to your husband, and he will yet make his
+appearance. It is always well to look on the bright side, madam."
+
+"But what shall I do?" she inquired. "Mr. Willard was taking us to
+Minnesota. He had the money with him. What can be done to ascertain
+what has become of him, and if all is indeed well,—" and she spoke more
+cheerily,—"to let him know where we are. He'll be worried about us.
+And," she added, hesitatingly, "if he has been injured, I shall want to
+take care of him. Do—you—really—think—sir," and the words now faltered
+and dragged as if the horror-palsied tongue refused its office,
+"that—he—was—robbed—and 'thrown into the river?'"
+
+Her pleading eyes were fixed on his, as if she would read his inmost
+thoughts.
+
+"Ah, yes, you think so!" she cried, wringing her hands.
+
+Her listener turned away to hide his emotion.
+
+"You believe my Walter was murdered. My dear 'husband!' The 'father of
+these boys!' Cast into the river! Children, we are now alone! Alone
+in the far west! Without friends! Without home! Without money! And he
+murdered!"
+
+The bitter agony concentrated in accent, look, and attitude cannot be
+portrayed.
+
+"Woman," abruptly interposed the young man, "for your own sake, for
+your husband's sake, should he still survive, for your children's sake,
+be calm. This is no time to abandon yourself to grief and despair. God
+is alive. He will not forsake you. Rouse yourself for action. These
+boys look up to and depend in this hour wholly on you. For their sake,
+I repeat, be calm."
+
+This timely exhortation, uttered with magnetic force, was not without
+effect.
+
+"You are right," she meditatively replied. "I must not selfishly yield
+to sorrow. Counsel me. What course ought I to pursue in these fearful
+circumstances?"
+
+A few rods up the shore stood a tavern. A servant lingered near.
+Calling him, they young man said,—
+
+"Take this lady's baggage to the house."
+
+And when he had seen it all safely conveyed there, he led the stricken
+group after.
+
+"Now," said he, as they seated themselves in the "Ladies' Room," "you
+need, madam, to summon all your resolution to consider your position
+and duty as composedly as possible. Because of your family, you
+must even be heroic. A true mother will hold up her offspring when
+affliction comes, teaching them by her own sublime example how to meet
+the storm."
+
+"True, sir, true," remarked the lady, quietly weeping.
+
+"It would be wrong to disguise the painful fact that circumstances
+appear to indicate that your husband has been foully dealt with, that
+your boy's conclusions concerning his father may be correct. Scoundrels
+of the deepest dye take passage in the immigrant trains and on the
+Mississippi steamers for the purpose of finding out who has money or
+jewelry, and, when opportunity favors, of plundering them. Your husband
+may have made dangerous acquaintances on his journey, and paid the sad
+penalty. But, even if he was thrown into the river, he may have been
+picked up by some boat, or gained the shore. It was farther down stream
+that the affair happened,—if it did occur,—and we must make inquiries
+at various places, and see if any intelligence can be gained concerning
+him. I will with pleasure attend to this. Remain here till I report
+results. There's a down steamer's bell, now; keep up good courage,
+madam, till I return."
+
+And running to the rude pier, he sprang into the boat.
+
+And now that the young man has gone, let us notice more in detail the
+little company he has felt so much interest to serve.
+
+Besides Mrs. Willard, at a discreet remove from her, is her maiden
+sister, "aunt Esther." She is of light complexion and hair,—the
+latter very abundant,—natural; is somewhat stoutish; has a large,
+firmly-carried head, an ample forehead, and a fine face. Each article
+of her apparel, from neck-ribbon to gaiter-boot, fits nicely, showing
+her to be orderly and exact. She rarely speaks, but when she does, it
+is to the point. She makes no demonstrations towards any one—not even
+towards a baby. If obliged to notice such a morsel of humanity, it is
+in a tenderly stately style, without lullaby or petting.
+
+When Mr. Willard broached the subject of immigrating, she lifted
+her neatly-arched eyebrows in lofty surprise. And when at last she
+expressed her opinion, it was decidedly against the scheme.
+
+"If Mr. Willard wishes to banish himself to the world's end, he may do
+so. 'I' shall not stir an inch on such a wild-goose chase, and his wife
+is foolish if she does."
+
+But when the Willards started, without previously hinting her intention
+of doing so, she descended from her room clad in a tidy travelling
+suit, rode to the depot, had her trunk checked, and seated herself in
+the cars. She did not even bid adieu to her acquaintances; perhaps her
+lips were too firmly closed to open for so slight a civility. Her face
+was, however, unusually pale.
+
+"O, Esther," exclaimed Mrs. Willard, as the reticent maiden sank into
+the next seat, "are you to accompany us? How glad I am!"
+
+"I did not say so," was the unbending rejoinder. The maiden lady's
+ear-drops grew pendulous from some smothered emotion. "I shall go a
+little way, to see that you and the children are properly cared for.
+Men are so inefficient!"
+
+The boys, however, noticed that their single relative had "coupon"
+tickets in her reticule—though each was secretly torn off in succession
+for the conductor.
+
+"Little pitchers" have sharp eyes and wits as well as "big ears," and
+the lads drew a pleasing inference from what they saw. For odd and
+uncommunicative as was aunt Esther, they loved and respected her. She
+had done them too many cross-good turns for it to be otherwise, and
+they very well knew that her judgment was golden.
+
+"I bet aunt Esther is going all the way with us," gleefully said
+Georgie to his mother. "I peeped over her shoulder into her'
+carpet-bag, and she had a string of tickets a mile long."
+
+"Hush, child," answered the mother; "she will overhear you. But I must
+think you exaggerate a trifle."
+
+"And then her trunk is big as all out doors."
+
+"Not quite," quietly said the mother.
+
+But the self-reliant, cool-headed, authoritative maiden lady, in the
+emergencies of the journey, was worth her weight in diamonds.
+
+When the hackman at Boston demanded, with oaths and threats, an
+exorbitant fare of Mr. Willard, the latter, to avoid a quarrel, would
+have acceded to the unjust charge had not aunt Esther, majestically
+confronting the bully, bade Mr. Willard put up his purse, saying,—
+
+"I'll settle this bill, sir," tendering the astonished Jehu the legal
+amount. Eying her an instant, he pocketed the money without a syllable
+of protest.
+
+Farther on, a baggage-master would have collected three dollars and a
+half for his private benefit, had not aunt Esther come to the rescue.
+
+At Buffalo, the hackman who had engaged to take them directly to the
+waiting steamer, landed them instead at a hotel, saying the boat had
+gone. But while trunks and bandboxes were with markable rapidity being
+conveyed into the over-hospitable house, the urbane proprietor standing
+smiling on the steps, waiting to bow them in also, aunt Esther, leaning
+from the carriage, inquired by whose authority they were brought there.
+
+"Too late for the boat, to-night," answered the driver. "Step along,
+madam," taking hold of Mrs. Willard's arm.
+
+"Sir," exclaimed aunt Esther, "you contracted to put us aboard the
+steamer in season. You shall do so, or pay the damage to us of our
+detention, or I'll report you to the police."
+
+Hackmen are quick at reading character—and landlords no less so. The
+twain whispered together, the baggage was ill-naturedly restored, the
+vehicle whizzed for the wharf, and they were aboard the boat a full
+hour before it sailed.
+
+You are now introduced to the "old maid."
+
+If we slight the boys, we shall offend the mother. Georgie you are
+slightly acquainted with. He is a bright, active lad, his leading
+weaknesses being a disposition to fret for the sake of a scene, and an
+inordinate love of peppermint and sugar in hot water—indulged in for
+his "stomach's sake and often infirmities," a very handy boy at almost
+anything.
+
+Ferdinand, the eldest, in his seventeenth year, manly, smart, and
+muscular, somewhat vain of his extreme age, and also of his handsome
+face and figure and personal prowess, slightly too fond of dress also.
+
+Between these is Frankie, "going on" to thirteen, nicknamed Little
+Hunchy, because of a spinal curvature with which he is deformed.
+
+Frankie is a character. When about five, he was playing on the ice,
+when a drunkard came reeling by, pelted with snowballs by rude boys,
+and, I am sorry to add, girls. Too much intoxicated to discriminate
+between the innocent and the guilty, seeing little Frankie, he seized
+him in his blind rage, and dashed him to the frozen ground, and
+staggered on.
+
+The child did not appear to be seriously hurt at the time, but a year
+afterwards, it was observed that his back was bent, and in spite of
+medical skill, intelligent nursing, and carefully adjusted gymnastics,
+the vertebræ kept pushing outwards. As is the case in such affections,
+the "sternum" (breast-bone) also curved outwards. This double crooking
+sadly interfered with his bodily development otherwise.
+
+Ten years after the cruel concussion, his legs and arms were singularly
+slender and feeble, his height much that of youth at his age, while the
+disproportionate humped back and chest gave him the appearance of "old
+head" and shoulders "on young" legs.
+
+Frankie's head was a study. Long from the frontal region to the
+lateral, and widening in its sweep; a prominent perceptive forehead;
+calm, reflective, dark-gray eyes; the upper lashes singularly long, and
+curling boldly upward; heavy eyebrows extending nearly to the ears;
+a picked snub-nose, the incomplete nostrils causing the end of the
+organ to set up the more decidedly; hair abnormally coarse, erect, and
+bristling, in a line from neck to forehead, imparting a belligerent
+aspect; face serious, depressed, sagacious, defiant. Such is a rough
+portrait of the deformed child-man.
+
+Child-man I say, for in stature and physical ability so almost
+infantile, but the surmounting so very, very old! Then his voice. Then
+his voice! You would expect from that massive, sage-like, impressive
+head, deep bass tones. On the contrary, from the perked-up, compressed
+chest issued marvellously thin, yet slightly harsh, piping sounds.
+
+A sad life had Frankie's been since rum laid its bloated, blasting
+hand upon him. Strangers saw him only to cry out, "What a deformity!"
+Neighbors exclaimed, "If he had been my child, I had rather he had
+died than live to be so unshapely." Wherever he went, he attracted
+attention, and few guarded, even in his presence, their thoughtlessly
+expressed commiseration. He had heard thousands of lips declare him a
+monstrosity—a being only to be exclaimed at and shocked by. Yet he was
+possessed of an exquisite delicacy of feeling, and was too sensitive,
+even had he remained well-formed.
+
+Consider his condition. He was little; the large looked down on him.
+He was weak; the strong could assail him. He was distorted; the
+compliments paid to the comely were condemnation to himself.
+
+At school he was unable to join in boyish sports, and could, therefore,
+contribute little to the general stock of amusement; and being so
+queerly made up, so different from his mates, like a speckled bird
+all the rest picked at him. Alas for the poor, the unfortunate, the
+deformed, in this superficial world!
+
+So, poor, unfortunate Frankie, as the years wore on, came to look on
+mankind as so many social foes. When a new comer opened his lips,
+Frankie expected him to make some stinging criticism on his bodily
+infirmities. He had experienced small consideration for his feelings,
+and he did not anticipate much. And as "self-preservation is the
+first law of nature," it became a habit to be always mentally on the
+defensive, ready to return glance for glance, or, it need be, word for
+word. Although, for the most part, he endured the criticisms of the
+rude with a sort of savage contempt.
+
+As a result of all this, Frankie seldom smiled, talked little,
+and as his reliable means of protection lay in his looks and oral
+remonstrances, his precociously mature face assumed more and more
+an antagonistic, forbidding, consequential expression, which
+inarticulately said to the starer, "Mind your business!" And to those
+tempted to undue familiarity, "Hands off, or take the consequences!"
+
+And when he rebuked impertinence, his countenance expressed terrible
+things—a method of defence harmless, it is true, yet often more
+effective than if, with less repelling power of physiognomy, he had
+possessed more executive ability.
+
+I alluded to the peculiar appearance of Frankie's hair. The effect
+of the emotions on the human hair is well-known. Excessive terror
+causes it to rise—to "stand on end," as the common phrase is. Grief
+or anxiety turns it white. Is it improbable, then, that the hair on
+Frankie's cranium grew stiffly perpendicular because of his life-long
+unhappiness? Disappointed, suspicious, resentful, incessantly
+irritable,—might not these feelings, so deep, perpetual, controlling,
+have changed the structural character of his hair? We propound the
+query for others to answer.
+
+Yet, let us repeat, Frankie was exquisitely sensitive and tenderly
+affectionate. He loved those he did love deeply, strongly, undyingly.
+His mother knew this. His brothers intuitively had glimpses of the
+fact, gruff as his manner was towards them, and boyishly inconsiderate
+as they too frequently were of his happiness.
+
+Ferdinand and Georgie were blessed with an exuberance of animal life.
+They inherited a good constitution, and were sound in health. To run,
+climb, leap, wrestle, swim, were much easier than not to. Praised for
+their fine figures, by acquaintances, in the same breath that Frankie
+was pitied, it was natural that they appreciated their physical
+superiority to their unfortunate brother.
+
+With infinite longing, he would watch them at their games and their
+light tasks. O, were he only like them! And how familiar became their
+reiterated question, natural, yet triumphant,—
+
+"Don't you wish you could do this, Frankie?"—as they displayed before
+him their strength and agility!
+
+How Mrs. Willard wept one day, when, hearing some lady callers having
+in his hearing complimented Ferdie and Georgie, and pitied him for
+being distorted and dependent, after they left, the little hunchback,
+sad-eyed, pale, yet tearless, his shrill, minute voice tremulous, said,—
+
+"Mother, do you wish I was dead?"
+
+"Why, no, child," she replied; "what makes you ask such a question?"
+
+"Everybody pities you on my account," he answered, adding, with a pain
+too poignant for tears, "I don't see of what use I can ever be to you."
+
+But does a mother ever love a crippled or malformed child less than
+the more favored? Mrs. Willard pressed the dwarf to her heart, the big
+old-young head strained to her throbbing bosom, and exclaimed,—
+
+"Wish you dead, my darling Frankie? No; better they all die than you.
+You are the dearest child I have."
+
+From that moment Frankie never doubted her, but increasingly distrusted
+the carping world.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE IMMIGRANT WAGON.
+
+"THERE he is!" cried Mrs. Willard; and she turned pale.
+
+It was early morning. A heavy mist enveloped the river. But her eager
+eyes, piercing the fog-curtain, recognized, in the foremost passenger
+descending from the steamer, the young man who had so nobly volunteered
+to search for her husband.
+
+The three days the stranger had been absent were weary, anxious days to
+her. Not a boat touched at the landing, even in the darkness, but she
+heard the signal bell—hopingly, forebodingly watching for tidings of
+her lost companion.
+
+But, impatient as she had been to hear from the young man, now that he
+had arrived, she trembled at his approach. Ah, how much, at some solemn
+crisis, is crowded into a brief interval! Was she a widow, and her sons
+without a father? A word now, and that awful question would be settled.
+
+The young man walked towards the hotel slowly and gravely. With womanly
+quickness, she saw that he came with an unwelcome message, else his
+step would be eager and light.
+
+"Well?" she whispered, inquiringly, as he entered.
+
+"Madam," said he,—and he paused, as if deliberating how to word what he
+had to communicate,—"I have learned nothing favorable or unfavorable.
+Nothing has been seen of Mr. Willard at either of the landings. Still
+he may have been rescued from the water, and carried to some obscure
+cabin among the bluffs; or possibly a steamer may have taken him
+aboard. I have, however, sent back to Dunleith, to have posters printed
+describing Mr. Willard, and calling for information concerning him.
+A copy will be put up in every conspicuous place, circulated on the
+steamers, and among the settlers along shore. I see no alternative but
+to await the effect of the handbills."
+
+Meanwhile, the whole family, entering the room, had clustered about
+their new friend, breathlessly listening.
+
+Slightly aside was aunt Esther, her face partially averted, her lips
+firmly knit together, and her countenance worried, yet resolute.
+
+Ferdinand leaned against the door-casing, in a pensive, thoughtful
+attitude, weighing each sentence freighted with so much significance.
+
+Georgie, his hand clasped in his mother's, gazed into her face, as if
+more troubled for her than aught else.
+
+The Hunchback had drawn a chair to the plain centre-table occupying the
+middle of the apartment, his sharp elbows resting on the stand, his
+great head propped on his weak little hands.
+
+"I am sure, sir," said aunt Esther, breaking the terrible silence that
+had settled on them all, struck dumb as they were by the blow that had
+smitten the husband and father from their side,—"I am sure, sir, that
+we are greatly obliged." But she did not finish the acknowledgment; her
+words choked her, and simultaneously they all began to sob.
+
+"Madam," said the young man, addressing Mrs. Willard, "may I ask if you
+will deem it best to return east immediately?"
+
+"I could not," she faltered, "while my poor husband's fate is
+unsettled."
+
+"But," he gently suggested, "to board long at this hotel would be very
+expensive. You mentioned that Mr. Willard had the money with him. Will
+you be offended if I inquire what your condition is financially?"
+
+"Fortunately," was the reply, "I persuaded Mr. Willard, on reaching the
+boat, to let me take charge of a portion of the funds. Here is what he
+handed me." And she counted from her purse fifty-five dollars.
+
+"A sorry amount for a family," was the response. "Now, I have been
+revolving this subject, and have a plan to propose. You would scarcely
+wish to go back to New England at present; that is plain. And had you
+means, it would be imprudent to tarry here. There have been copious
+rains this season. The Mississippi, therefore, overflowed wide tracts
+of land. The freshet is now subsiding, leaving the submerged vegetation
+exposed to the sun. This will create sickness; and here, shut in among
+these bluffs, the air is, you have reason to know, intensely hot, so
+that the miasma is developed more rapidly, and acts with a deadlier
+influence on the system. Remain here two weeks, or perhaps even one,
+and some of you will be down with ague and fever, or some other bilious
+disease. Now, my idea is that you had better go off upon the healthful
+prairies, away from the miasma of the river, among the large-hearted
+prairie farmers, take up land, and set to work improving it while
+waiting to hear from your husband. How does this strike 'you?'" he
+inquired, turning to aunt Esther.
+
+"This is my sister, Miss Esther Willard. She disapproved of our removal
+west, and only came out to accompany us on the road," explained Mrs.
+Willard.
+
+"Then she does not fancy the frontier?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Her opinion will not, therefore, be biased in favor of my plan. Miss
+Willard, have the kindness to express your views freely on the point."
+
+"How far, sir, would the family have to go to find good, unoccupied
+land?"
+
+"O, not a great ways, necessarily; but I would advise from sixty to
+eighty miles."
+
+"How would they get there?"
+
+"I doubt not a conveyance can be obtained."
+
+"Who would do the farming?"
+
+"These boys," returned the young man. "Two of them are active and
+strong; the other would be a safe companion and adviser. Farming on the
+fertile prairies, you must recollect, is vastly different from what it
+is in rocky, sterile New England."
+
+"What would land cost?"
+
+"There are," he replied, "two sorts subject to settlement. First,
+'school lands,' so called because reserved to be sold for school
+purposes. These, at some appointed time, will be offered for sale at
+public auction. This may not take place for years. Until then the
+squatter or occupant has the use of it free; and when it is disposed
+of, usually by courtesy of the neighboring settlers, he has the first
+chance at bidding. The other lands can be bought at one dollar and
+twenty-five cents per acre, a cabin and a few other improvements being
+requisite as proof that the preëmptor is an actual settler, and not a
+mere speculator."
+
+"What would the boys do for school and church privileges?"
+
+"O, their aunt could teach them for a while," he smilingly responded,
+"should she decide to share their fortunes till they get fairly
+started. But immigration is rapidly coming in. Educational and
+Christian advantages will soon be enjoyed, and railroads must shortly
+be built. Land, if well chosen,—and on the route I would mark out one
+could not select amiss,—can but rise in value. So that, while waiting
+to hear from Mr. Willard, instead of getting sick and consuming what
+little means the family possesses, they will gain in health and vigor,
+and perhaps attain a nice property. Now, what say you to this scheme,
+Miss Willard?"
+
+The maiden lady's calculating nose seemed to lengthen, the sympathetic
+ear-drops waxed tremulous, her features worked as if a tenacious
+prejudice and strongly repressed emotions were fighting against
+conviction. At length, she said,—
+
+"I suppose you are correct, sir."
+
+"And you will not forsake your sister in her trouble?"
+
+There was a painful struggle. Dear, orderly New England,—where
+neatness, thrift, and plenty reigned, where she was born and
+nurtured,—and forms of friends she might not again behold! She was
+thinking of all this, and putting it in contrast to the loneliness,
+toil, and deprivation of the wild prairie. Could she, for others' sake,
+give up the old associations and comforts for the new scenes? Crushing
+the rebellious regrets, she answered,—
+
+"I shall not leave the family."
+
+"And," pursued her interrogator, "how do the boys vote on this
+question?"
+
+"I'm for the prairies," cried impulsive Georgie.
+
+"So am I," added Ferdinand.
+
+"And Frankie?" inquired the young man.
+
+But little Hunchback looked grave and depressed, and sadly shook his
+head.
+
+"What are your objections?" asked the young man.
+
+"I think the plan may be wise, but these boys never can carry it out.
+They haven't counted the cost," replied the dwarf. "A great deal of
+hard work will have to be done, and they don't like too much of it.
+They'll get discouraged in less than a week."
+
+"O, little Hunchy's blue!" interrupted Georgie. "I guess we'll do as
+much as he will."
+
+"True," replied the Hunchback, gloomily; "but I can do nothing."
+
+"Well, all seem to regard the plan as a good one," said their adviser.
+"Next comes the matter of ways and means. Perhaps, however, it will
+give you more confidence in the project to learn that I am well
+acquainted with pioneer life. My name is Thomas Jones. My parents were
+originally from the east. They emigrated in consequence of my father's
+losses in business, and the persecutions of creditors. His difficulties
+unsettled his mind in a certain direction, and we led a roaming life in
+the wilderness, too often removing to get ahead pecuniarily. He got to
+be a famous hunter and marksman, and was cool and brave in danger. He
+removed at last to Spirit Lake, and was mortally wounded there while
+defending the settlers at the time of the Indian uprising. My sister
+Sarah, too, was killed, and Charley and little Bub only escaped by
+concealing themselves in a hollow tree.
+
+"Soldiers from a frontier fort came to the relief of the cabin so
+bravely defended by my dear father, and subsequently returned for
+Charley and Bub, who had taken possession of the forsaken dwelling,
+and defended it against a second attack of the Indians. After
+father's death, which occurred at the fort, my mother, having been
+well educated, became governess to the two children, Alice and Walter
+McElroy, of the commander of the fortress. Through the generosity
+of a friend, and the kindness of the good missionary at L—, I was
+subsequently sent east to study for the ministry, and am now on my way
+to spend vacation with my relatives and acquaintances of the frontier.
+Good-by, now, for a little while. This evening I will see you further
+concerning our plan."
+
+"What a splendid fellow that is!" exclaimed Ferdinand, gazing
+gratefully and admiringly out of the window after young Jones. "Wasn't
+it fortunate that he happened along just as he did?"
+
+"'Happened' along!" repeated his aunt, looking shocked. "Do you believe
+in 'chance?' God sent him. Who of the thousands we saw on the journey
+paid us any generous attention? Did they not each 'take care of number
+one'? And how remarkable that he, of all that crowd on the steamer,
+should be just where he could hear us speaking of our dreadful trouble!
+Boys, this is a providence. God's hand is in it, and this assurance
+leads me to think we shall get along on the frontier."
+
+"Does God order everything?" piped little Hunchie, crossly.
+
+"I know what you mean, Frankie," kindly replied his aunt. "There are
+laws which, if we break, we must suffer the penalty. If we carelessly
+expose our money, we may be robbed. We are free agents, and can choose
+good or evil. If a man chose to rob another, he can do it. We are
+not machines. But when we suffer for our own faults, or through the
+wickedness of others, God, in pity, often sends his servants to our
+assistance. And 'I' do not doubt he sent Thomas Jones."
+
+Ah, what a prop in adversity is faith in One who not only has a
+father's loving interest in his children, but who wisely and powerfully
+befriends them, causing "all things to work together for their good!"
+How much more rational and ennobling such trust than to suppose
+ourselves and the great universe to have "happened" into existence,
+an existence without forethought, intelligence, order, or end, to be
+whirled remorselessly about by blind and pitiless Fate!
+
+Aunt Esther's words sent a thrill of hope to Mrs. Willard's heart, and,
+sadly smiling, she remarked,—
+
+"O, if indeed the mighty God is watching over us, I must not despair."
+
+
+"Ferdie, Frankie, Georgie, where are you? Come out here," shouted a
+cheerful voice in front of the tavern.
+
+The lads seized their caps, and hastened to see what was wanted.
+
+In a huge Pennsylvania wagon—"long enough," as they say in that state,
+"to reach from one mud-hole to another,"—sat the speaker, reins in
+hand. It was Thomas Jones. The boys started in surprise, and dolefully
+exclaimed,—
+
+"O, you are not going away—are you?"
+
+"Not yet," was the smiling reply. "How would you like to travel in a
+carriage of this sort? Ask your mother and aunt to step this way."
+
+As the two ladies approached, the young man dismounted, and said,—
+
+"Mrs. Willard, how would you and your household fancy a trip into
+prairiedom in this establishment? Not very elegant, you perceive; but
+please glance in, and see how much room there is inside."
+
+And he gently constrained her to mount to the driver's seat.
+
+"It will accommodate you all, and goods enough almost to furnish a
+cabin. And there are the horses, not handsome, but serviceable. It will
+be delightful wandering over the prairies in this way! Believe me, you
+will enjoy it."
+
+"Whose team is it?" asked Mrs. Willard.
+
+"Yours, madam."
+
+"'Mine!'" she ejaculated.
+
+"Mother's!" echoed the boys.
+
+"The horses will stand. Let us go into the house, and I will explain.
+You see, madam, I was very much perplexed how to get you on your
+enterprise. Stage-coaching would eat up your means, and leave you
+distant from unpreëmpted land. As I was walking up the street, turning
+this subject over in my mind, before a shop-shanty was this team, and
+the owner was engaged in bargaining to buy out the store. All that
+stood in the way of a trade were the wagon and horses. The immigrant,
+if he went into trading, would not longer need it, and the shopkeeper
+did not wish it. Here, perhaps, is a providence, thought I; and
+stepping up, I inquired how little money would pay for the wagon and
+span.
+
+"'Wal, stranger,' answered the immigrant, 'bein' as I'm bound ter have
+this ere shop, I'll part with the hull concern dog cheap.'
+
+"'I'll consider it,' said I.
+
+"Returning, I entered the bar-room. I'm seldom in there, you are aware,
+madam. The room was filled with smoke and smokers. Walking straight to
+the bar, I said to the landlord, in a loud tone,—
+
+"'That's a hard case.'
+
+"'What?' he asked, still stirring toddy for a toper.
+
+"'Why, about that woman up stairs, whose husband was lost in the river.'
+
+"'I heard about that,' said he, indifferently.
+
+"'But,' I persisted, speaking louder, 'it's a "very" hard case.'
+
+"'What's the row, friend?' asked a lounger.
+
+"'I'll tell you,' said I. And I rehearsed the whole account, having the
+fixed attention of all present.
+
+"'Is she gwine back ter the east?' inquired a rough customer, knocking
+the ashes from his pipe.
+
+"'No; she thinks too much of her husband. She's bound to stay till she
+hears what has became of him.'
+
+"'That's the kind,' he replied.
+
+"'She ain't gwine ter board here on that on "that" onsartinty—is she?'
+he further inquired.
+
+"'No; she and her boys are too smart for that. They are going out on
+the prairies. But,' I added, 'the husband had most of the money with
+him; and how the women and boys can get there is what puzzles me.
+There's a good wagon and span for sale up here, and if I had the money—'
+
+"'Stranger,' broke in a burly fellow, pulling out a greasy wallet, 'I'm
+'most dead broke; but ef yer don't let me have a finger in that pie,
+I'll know the reason. Here, gentlemen,' he continued, passing round his
+jammed and ancient hat, 'put in yer shiners fer the women and the boys.'
+
+"The result is, the team belongs to Mrs. Willard, and if she don't
+use it, I don't know what will become of it. But come, Ferdie," he
+instantly added, "let us go and put up the horses; then I'll make
+suggestions concerning the route."
+
+It was late that night when the Willards and their young pioneer friend
+separated, for he had much advice to give, and numberless questions to
+answer. Besides, he was to leave by stage in the morning, and this was
+their parting interview. With pen and ink, he sketched their course
+geographically, and also presented them with a pocket map of the
+country. These, Ferdie took charge of.
+
+"Good-by, Mr. Jones," cried the lads in a breath, as he left.
+
+"Boys," he replied, deeply moved, "my mother, brothers, and sisters
+always called me Tom. Don't 'mister' me again."
+
+"Tom, dear, dear Tom!" cried Georgie, throwing his arms around his
+neck; "I 'do' love you so!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+"BURR-OAK CIDER."
+
+IT was a bright morning when Tom took stage from — Landing, on the
+Mississippi, for the frontier prairies.
+
+There was a full load aboard, albeit every public conveyance can
+always accommodate "one more." A merry company they were, too. All
+men—journeying from various quarters for various purposes—health,
+pleasure, to "locate," or to visit immigrant friends in their
+wilderness homes.
+
+Well may you imagine that the "unruly member" enjoyed a gala day
+in that crowded vehicle, for a stage-coach is a social institution
+anywhere, but especially so where the freedom of western manners bears
+sway.
+
+A "light-weighted," wiry, ever-at-motion Hoosier, with twinkling black
+eyes and a saucily upturned nose, started conversation by plying
+each in turn with personal questions, put with the familiarity of
+an intimate acquaintance, his interrogatories being always answered
+cordially, sometimes wittily. They could the less resent the liberties
+he took, since at the outset, in a few characteristic words, he
+sketched his own history, announcing himself as "a shoolmaster from
+Ingianny, going to Minnesoty to teach school, if he could get one; if
+not, to hire out farmin'."
+
+"What is 'your' name?" he began, directing his attention to a portly
+gentleman of forty-five, occupying the right hand corner of the front
+seat.
+
+"Hammond, Dr. Hammond," was replied, with frank good humor.
+
+"Where from?"
+
+"The wooden nutmeg and pine wood pumpkin seed state, erroneously called
+Connecticut in the geographies."
+
+"Got a family?"
+
+"Too young to marry."
+
+"Calc'late to settle in these parts?"
+
+"If 'twill pay."
+
+"Going to invest in land?"
+
+"May 'risk' a trifle where it's a 'sure' thing."
+
+Passing thus in regular order among the passengers, with an assurance,
+volubility, persistency, and ingenuity that kept the company in a
+roar, sometimes putting a new question before the response to the
+previous one was fairly out of the mouth, he reached the last person
+but one—a young man in hunter's garb, and carrying a rifle. He was of
+Scotch-American descent, hardy and opinionated; had been, he said, on
+the frontier five years; was recently from a hunting expedition on the
+Red River with friendly Indians. This experienced youth the "Ingianny"
+man bored with numberless inquiries concerning the climate, soil,
+productions, growth, and population of the country.
+
+"The settlers are from most all parts, I reckons."
+
+"Yes," answered the hunter, naming different nationalities represented,
+ending with "Norwegians."
+
+"Norwegians! What sort of folks are they?"
+
+"Don't fancy them, nor their heathenish jabber," was the narrow reply.
+
+"Are they peaceable?"
+
+"O, they never make any trouble, are generally hard-working and honest.
+But for one, I can't relish the idea of these 'foreigners' coming over
+here and getting the best land. And of all the foreigners, I despise
+the Norwegians most. They are different from anybody else. I can tell
+one as far as I can see."
+
+"And where are 'you' from?" asked our questioner of the remaining
+passenger—a man of thirty, of fine physiognomy and gentlemanly bearing.
+
+"From Norway," was the affable response.
+
+"Then you are a Norwegian?" returned the astonished Hoosier.
+
+"I am," he pleasantly replied.
+
+An embarrassing silence fell on the party at this unexpected
+"dénouement," from the effects of which even the versatile and
+irrepressible "schoolmaster" could not rally, while the imprudent
+youth, whose eyes were so keen for Norwegians, looked chagrined and
+chopfallen enough at the sharp rebuke his prejudice and evil-speaking
+had received; for the comparison which the incident led us to make,
+between the young hunter and the well-bred stranger at his side, was
+not over-favorable for the former.
+
+"Big spring! Wud ayther iv the gintlemen like a taste uv the warther?"
+shouted the wide-awake Irish driver, as he reined in the horses, and,
+seizing a pail, hurried to a ravine a few rods off, followed by the
+passengers.
+
+The limpid water, cold and sweet, gushed from the earth in a powerful
+stream.
+
+"Magnificent!" ejaculated the doctor, swallowing great draughts.
+"Wouldn't take a thousand dollars for this spring, if it was on my
+place at home! Will you try some?" he added, rinsing his flask, and
+passing it, refilled, to Tom.
+
+Despite the slight flavor of whiskey that still clung to the
+drinking-vessel, Tom could but join in his enthusiasm. And as they
+resumed their ride, a number of accounts of remarkable springs were
+given by several.
+
+But Erin's dulcet tones again resounded, as he proclaimed,—
+
+"Those gintlemin as wish can git something to ate here."
+
+They were now in "the barrens." Stretching along a gentle ridge, in
+a singularly orderly way, presenting a striking resemblance to a New
+England orchard, were the "scrub" or "burr" oaks. Among the trees
+nearest the road stood a log house, over the door of which, on a rough
+oak board, was the inscription in red chalk, the letters staggering, as
+if formed by a drunken hand,—
+
+   "'Burr-oak Cider.'"
+
+"Cider!" repeated the Norwegian, as they dismounted. "I thought that
+was manufactured from apples."
+
+"An' sure," interrupted the driver, slyly winking at the doctor,
+"they make it here without the fruit at all, at all, an' it's the
+'gin-i-wine,' an' no mistake."
+
+
+The plain meal of corn-cake, fried pork, eggs, and coffee innocent of
+sugar or milk, was despatched, and Tom had quite forgotten about the
+"cider." But on returning to the stage-coach, the smell of the doctor's
+breath, and the unnatural excitability that prevailed, led him to
+suspect that some "beverage" stronger than the poor coffee of the table
+had been patronized while he was walking beneath the oaks.
+
+A suspicion that became knowledge, when, an hour later, the doctor, in
+the glow of his feelings—perhaps I should say, stomach—drew his flask,
+filled with "burr-oak cider," "alias" whiskey, from his coat pocket,
+and sent it the rounds, all partaking except the Norwegian and Tom.
+When restored to its owner, he held it up to the light, shook it, and
+looking at its contents with a professional air, said,—
+
+"That is what I call one of God's good creatures!"
+
+"And yet," boldly replied Tom, "how many accidents, losses, quarrels,
+murders, deaths, what poverty, wretchedness, crime it causes! It is on
+this account that so many of the great and good stigmatize it as the
+'worst' of 'man's' creatures."
+
+"O, I mean rightly used," answered the physician, with a touch of
+condescension.
+
+"Used as it has been here, for a common drink?" inquired the young
+critic.
+
+"Boy," he replied, with doctorial dignity, "I contend that there is a
+principle, in whiskey, which, as a tonic, is invaluable."
+
+"May I ask," politely interposed the Norwegian, "in which of the drugs
+employed in manufacturing and flavoring the article you find that
+principle?"
+
+"Sir," returned the whiskey advocate, getting nettled, "need I state
+that I refer to pure old Bourbon!"
+
+"Pardon me, then, for reminding you," courteously responded the
+Norwegian, "that one seldom sees 'old' Bourbon, much less old Bourbon
+'pure.' And surely the liquor called 'burr-oak cider,' sold at that
+wretched loggery, cannot be of the kind or quality you mention."
+
+"Besides," broke in Tom, "when you prescribe a 'tonic,'—'cinchona,' for
+example,—you are careful about the size and frequency of the dose—are
+you not? Why, then, take the whiskey 'tonic' in such large quantities
+and so often? A tonic is to strengthen the body when weak; but those
+addicted to the 'Bourbon tonic' use it when weak or strong, and
+continue it till it beggars or destroys them. It would be mal-practice
+to administer a tonic to those already over-stimulated.
+
+"But suppose, doctor, one should weigh two hundred, his face and eyes
+were red, the blood too much in his brain. Would not an intelligent
+practitioner recognize such a person as apoplectic? And would not
+tonics be hurtful and dangerous to him, especially whiskey tonics?
+Hence, is not, after all, your defence of alcoholic drinks, on medical
+grounds, a pleasant little piece of professional strategy? Do you not
+really hold to them because they are agreeable to the taste?"
+
+"You are a little personal," rejoined the physician, heartily laughing;
+"and I don't know but you are about right. But it is not best to be
+social bigots. An occasional glass cheers, enlivens, disperses the
+blues, leads a man to feel at peace with all the world, and forget
+care, fatigue, and sorrow. It promotes good fellowship, arouses the
+intellect, and enlarges the heart. How dry and insipid are public
+dinners without wine! And on a journey what introduces strangers so
+gracefully, and quickly makes them acquainted!"
+
+"An eloquent eulogy!" observed the Norwegian. "But, doctor, I have
+read of a custom in France, before the revolution, that adhered more
+faithfully to fact.
+
+"When a great personage, a marshal of France, a prince, duke, or peer,
+passed through a city of Burgundy or Champagne, the corporation of
+the city waited on him, delivered an address, and presented him with
+four silver goblets, in which were four different wines. On the first
+goblet he read this inscription, 'monkey wine;' on the second, 'lion
+wine;' on the third, 'sheep wine;' on the fourth, 'swine wine.' These
+inscriptions expressed the four descending degrees of drunkenness:
+the first, that which enlivens; the second, that which irritates; the
+third, that which stupefies; the last, that which brutalizes."
+
+The physician, like one of Victor Hugo's characters, combined, with
+admirable art and in masterly proportions, the thirst of a guzzler
+with the discretion of a judge, and had preserved his mental equipoise
+notwithstanding the whiskey. But the nervous little Hoosier had by this
+time become unduly "elevated," and posturing as if about to fiddle,
+sawed away with one arm across the other, and struck into a dancing
+tune.
+
+"'Monkey' wine," Tom murmured, nudging the doctor's elbow. "The 'tonic'
+is taking hold."
+
+From imitating the violin, the "Ingianny schoolmaster" proceeded to
+describe incidents in his history which showed that he had seen more of
+life among rowdy Mississippi raftsmen than in the school-room.
+
+"The 'tonic' is introducing to us the raftsman," whispered Tom. "What
+can so 'quickly make strangers acquainted.'"
+
+The Hoosiers ended his stories with a coarse song.
+
+"'Swine' wine," exclaimed the Norwegian, in disgust.
+
+Erin, on before, broke out also in rude strains, alternated with
+swearing at, and furiously lashing, his better-behaved horses.
+
+"The 'tonic' has mounted to the driver's head," said Tom.
+
+"'Monkey,' 'lion,' and 'swine' wines," chimed in his ally from Norway.
+
+But the deepening ravines made their way uncomfortably rough, the
+wheels now sinking into heavy ruts, anon surmounting some jagged rise
+of ground, while the driving was reckless in the extreme. Tom shouted
+to the driver,—
+
+"Be careful, or you'll turn us over!"
+
+"O, be aisy, me by," he roared in return, whipping the horses anew.
+"Dennis O'Brien's been acrass the prairies before to-day. Get ape, ye
+bastes!"
+
+A moment more, and the stage canted threateningly, righted, then came
+down, Tom's side, with a crash, his face resting on a sharp object
+protruding through the intervening leather. He was too closely pinioned
+by the passengers over him to move, and lay helpless, expecting each
+instant the horses to run and drag him thus. But the animals, becoming
+disengaged from the whipple-trees as the coach went over, although
+spurred on to the moment of the casualty by the drunken Jehu, waited
+quietly by for orders, like good temperance beasts who had taken no
+"tonic."
+
+When the door of their prison-house was opened, the passengers emerged,
+a sadly jolted and bruised set, happily, however, without serious
+injury, only to the stage, which was pretty well "smashed," obliging
+them to "foot it" to their destination, a distance of two miles. The
+Norwegian and Tom, however, enlivened the walk by reminding the doctor
+that it was "one of God's good creatures" that, turning the driver's
+brain, upset the stage.
+
+"Admirable 'tonic'! Powerful 'good creature'!" ejaculated the
+Norwegian. "By all means, doctor, when again we travel together, bring
+some burr-oak cider aboard; it helps on a journey!"
+
+"How true the old proverb," suggested Tom, "'Wine is a mocker; strong
+drink is raging; whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.'"
+
+"Young man," said the doctor, as they entered the little frontier
+village, "to what part of the east do you belong, did you say?"
+
+"No part," frankly answered Tom, "I was brought up in a log cabin on
+the prairies, but have been east studying."
+
+"Medicine?"
+
+"In part, but mainly for the ministry."
+
+"So you were a boy-pioneer?"
+
+"I was."
+
+"And now you propose pioneering it in religion and reform? Let me tell
+you that you will find it a mighty sight harder battling vice and sin
+than fighting poverty and Indians. But you've the pluck for it. I wish
+you success. Good-by."
+
+As Tom left, the doctor muttered,—
+
+"Well, if 'he's' a sample of what pioneering it does for body and mind,
+pity that there were not fewer dwellings of luxury, and more cabins!
+But how that youngster walked into my arguments! Fact is, I had a sorry
+cause to defend. Drinking is poor business."
+
+"Mr. Jones," said the Hoosier, drawing him mysteriously aside, "if I
+should light on your neighborhood, and get a school there, perhaps
+you'd help me out, if I got in a hard spot. Now, 'rithmetic isn't a
+mite nat'ral to me. You see I've had no great chance for schoolin'.
+You'd give an old acquaintance a lift on the diffikilt sums, I s'pose?"
+
+But the Hibernian driver saved Tom the trouble of replying, by asking,
+in a business-like way, "the gintlemin" to be sure and ride with him on
+their return, or not in the opposition line.
+
+"And get upset again?" suggested Tom.
+
+"An' sure an' the accidint wud niver have occurred at all, at all, if
+it hadn't been fur the—"
+
+"Whiskey," added Tom.
+
+"Faix, an' yer honor's right there," answered Erin.
+
+Tom scanned the countenance of the young Irishman. He had a clear blue
+eye, an interesting, intelligent face, and his brown hair curled in
+beautiful, clustering ringlets over a fair, open brow.
+
+"What a pity," observed Tom, "that a young man of your smartness should
+permit his head to be turned by the vile stuff! You'll marry one of
+these days, and be, perhaps, a drunken sot of a husband, and break your
+wife's heart, if you get the appetite fastened on you. Yet you might be
+a good and useful member of society."
+
+"An', indade, sir," exclaimed the warm-hearted Celt, touched by the
+frankness and sincerity of Tom's manner, "it's married I am now." And
+he dashed off a tear. "An' wut wud me angil uv a wife say had she seen
+me droonk to-day?"
+
+"Where is she?" asked Tom, much interested.
+
+"She's in the ould country, sir; an' I'm getting the dollars together
+to bring her over—her an' the babe."
+
+"Steer clear of the whiskey, then," said Tom, "if you wish to get them
+here soon, and make them happy after they arrive."
+
+"All the angils bless yez, sir! The reverend clargy couldn't spake
+betther nor yez. An' Dennis O'Brien is no fool to kape ter the drink
+that's harrmed many an' many a wiser an' a betther than he. An' sure
+it's not to the credit of a docthor ter be a recommindin' it to the
+likes o' me."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+TOM'S RIDE CONTINUED.—THE CHIEF'S DAUGHTER.—SINGULAR ADVENTURE.
+
+FORTY miles north-east of the landing, where Tom parted from the
+Willards, was a wide belt of woods, through which, down in its dim
+depths, ran a foaming river. The irregular limestone bluffs forming its
+banks were wild and picturesque in the extreme. Few, save the Indian,
+and the hunter, and trapper, ever entered these labyrinths.
+
+On the stream, farther down, where the woods ended in rolling prairie,
+a young town had started, and using the water power, furnished lumber
+to villages less favored; for the settlers deemed themselves fortunate,
+if by going a score of miles, they could procure a load of boards to be
+used in building their cabins.
+
+At this place, the stage deposited Tom—the route continuing no farther.
+The young Scotch-American also stopped there, who, on learning Tom's
+destination, stated that his father's cabin was twelve miles distant
+on Tom's path, and, as he would return next day with horse and wagon,
+offered to take Tom and his trunk along for company.
+
+"I shall get here by two in the afternoon, to-morrow," he said.
+
+Next morning, to "stretch his limbs," Tom started alone, on a short
+exploring walk up the river, amusing himself on the way gathering
+botanical and entomological specimens, and noting the varieties of
+birds that flitted on the wing, or floated on the water.
+
+Absorbed in thoughts of the dear ones he was going to visit, and in
+what he saw, he had gone some distance into the woods, when, coming
+to a widening of the trail, he saw, quietly preceding him, an Indian
+girl, of from sixteen to eighteen years of age. She was walking slowly,
+apparently unaware that any one was near. Rumors of Indian hostilities
+were afloat, and this evidence that he was in the vicinity of an Indian
+encampment was anything but welcome.
+
+His first impulse was to turn about, and noiselessly retrace his steps.
+A second thought showed the folly of this, for he had been shouting to
+awaken the echoes, and singing, to express his enjoyment, and crashing
+the dry twigs, up to the very instant of the appearance of the tawny
+maiden. So, despite her seeming ignorance of his presence, he felt
+assured she was aware of it.
+
+Making, therefore, the best of his uncomfortable situation, he hurried
+to overtake the stranger. Approaching, he was struck with her exceeding
+beauty, while the ornaments upon her person proclaimed her a chief's
+daughter.
+
+Her form was symmetry itself; her jet black hair, elaborately dressed
+and braided, was long, silken, and glossy; her carriage was graceful
+and dignified; while row after row of many-hued beads encircled her
+neck and shoulders, and embroidered her moccasons. And such face and
+eyes! The former, delicately tinged, perfectly regular, interesting;
+the latter, soft, lustrous, shaded by long, dark lashes.
+
+In his boyhood, Tom had read, in some high-wrought romance he chanced
+to meet, an ideal sketch of an Indian maid; this prodigy of nature
+fully realized that glowing portraiture.
+
+Scarcely, however, had he reached her side, when a short, dry cough,
+the insidious "coffin cough," so often heard in civilized dwellings,
+fell on his ear.
+
+"Indian girl sick?" he inquired, awkwardly striving to make himself
+understood.
+
+No answer was returned, nor did the movement of a muscle of the
+features, or a turn of the head, give token that she saw or heard him.
+Again she involuntarily coughed.
+
+Taking out a well-stocked medicine case, he drew forth a vial, and,
+displaying it to view, said,—
+
+"Indian girl sick; medicine, perhaps, make well!"
+
+Without a responsive glance or word, a little yellow hand was stretched
+out, the slender fingers glistening with rings. Pouring some medicated
+globules into the open palm, she gravely swallowed them, and continued
+her silent walk. Soon the cough softened a little, the irritation of
+the respiratory organs was soothed, and feeling that, possibly, on her
+favor his very life might depend, he sought, fruitlessly, to engage her
+in conversation.
+
+Suddenly, however, she disappeared down the side of the bluff. A
+profound silence, broken only by the rush of the stream and twitter of
+birds succeeded, yet that ambushed eyes watching every motion he could
+not doubt.
+
+Retracing his way with assumed carelessness, he had not gone far, when
+from the thickets leaped a band of yelling savages, naked to the waist,
+their hair flowing in wild disorder over their brawny shoulders. It
+was a startling onset; but understanding Indian character too well
+to manifest fear, he scrutinized his captors with a coolness that
+astonished himself.
+
+"Money! Money!" they shouted in rude English, thrusting their grimy
+paws from every side into his face.
+
+"No money!" he replied, shaking his head.
+
+Dancing, grinning, jeering, for a few exciting moments, they at length
+vanished in the woods.
+
+Feeling uneasy, and uncertain as to what the discovery he had made
+might forebode, he thought he would see if he could find their
+encampment. So, pushing his way through the bushes, and down the
+declivity, he discovered, hidden under the overhanging ledge, several
+Indian tents.
+
+Before one, tightly stretched from two stakes driven into the ground,
+was a deer's hide, the pelt of which an old hag was rubbing soft and
+smooth with a sharp-edged stone—a slow and laborious process.
+
+Just shooting into view from the other side of the river, and propelled
+by a squaw, was a canoe, laden with the limbs of trees for the fire;
+while in a lodge squatted the lazy "lords of the soil," playing games
+of chance, the paint on their faces showing that, if not on the
+war-path, they perhaps intended mischief to somebody.
+
+Feeling that in view of the Indians having recently left him
+unmolested, he might enter the camp without special danger, and as he
+wished, if possible, to ascertain their designs, he at once descended
+the ledge, and entered the tent. Seating himself, he watched their
+play. No notice was taken of him. One of the players, whose cruel leer,
+and the contortions of whose supple body, made him think of a human
+snake, struck into a savage song, swaying back and forth to keep time.
+
+Tom found it difficult to conceal his apprehensions, and the better
+to do so, in a frank, "at home" manner, he had just taken his turn in
+drinking from the dubious-looking pail of water that stood near, when
+the chief appeared, accompanied by his daughter.
+
+"Medicine for pappoose!" he said.
+
+"Yes," Tom gladly replied, and, carefully taking out the powder, showed
+him what was a dose, making him comprehend that the remedy was to be
+taken three times daily, saying,—
+
+"Make pappoose better!"
+
+"Good, good," answered the Indian, adding, "Good, white man, go home
+bimeby, quick! Indian no hurtee him."
+
+Taking the hint, Tom departed, reaching the little settlement, thankful
+at his easy escape. Did the gratitude of the Indian maid, operating
+through the love of the old chief for his strangely beautiful child,
+give him a safe return? Long did he ponder his strange adventure.
+
+It is an old adage, "All knowledge will come into use at some time."
+
+Tom's splendid constitution, thanks to the tug and toil of his varied
+experiences as a squatter's son, permitted him to study more and
+faster in a day than if he had been tenderly reared. Long deprivation
+of school privileges had also made him brain-hungry. As an inmate of
+an eminent physician's family, he had a taste awakened for anatomy,
+physiology, and the knowledge of diseases and their treatment.
+
+"Christ was physician of both soul and body; why should not I be?" he
+argued.
+
+Little did he think, however, as he waded through Diagnosis and the
+Materia Medica, and rode and talked with the knowledge-imparting
+doctor, that the first use he would have for the medicine case the
+physician had presented him at parting, would be to relieve an Indian
+girl, and thereby, perhaps, save his own life.
+
+He was aware that a frontier missionary must needs prescribe for
+the sick, or stand idly by and see them suffer; and from benevolent
+considerations, he had informed himself in medicine. He had begun to
+receive the reward, sure to accrue, sooner or later, to those who seek
+the good of others.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+"HOG'S BACK."—THE SOLITARY HORSEMAN.
+
+THE capacious immigrant wagon was packed over night, Mrs. Willard's,
+aunt Esther's, and the boys' trunks put in first, side by side, back of
+the second seat; for there were two seats—the driver's, then one behind
+that. On the trunks, mattresses were laid to recline on, if necessary,
+while riding, and to sleep on at night.
+
+Against the side of the canvas-top, hung in straps, handy for service,
+was Ferdinand's gun,—a Christmas present,—his name engraved on a brass
+plate screwed into the breech. Then came two sharp axes, a hammer,
+hatchet, and a small handsaw, a knife in a leather sheath, and a
+leather bag containing an assortment of nails of different sizes. These
+articles last enumerated were part of the original outfit of the wagon.
+
+Packed under the seats were cooking utensils, bags of grain for the
+horses, a sack of flour, and "bix box, little box, bandbox and bundle,"
+belonging to the women. Suspended at the back of the vehicle were two
+water-pails.
+
+The humble hamlet at which the Willards were tarrying, called a landing
+because steamers on their trips up and down the river touched there,
+was located in a gap in the limestone bluffs rising from the river's
+bank. Like a mighty wall, these huge bluffs extended along the shore,
+with here and there an opening, as if a giant hand had cut through to
+facilitate communication between the commerce of the Mississippi and
+the inland region.
+
+Rising on either hand, from the little port towered precipitous ledges,
+the opening narrowing as you left the water,—something as if you had
+started from the base of an irregularly acute angle,—and lessened in
+depth till, continuing to ascend, you emerge from the ravine, and stand
+on a level with the heights of the bluffs.
+
+It was morning twilight when the Willards were going up the ravine.
+Ferdinand, by right of seniority, elected himself driver, and holding
+the reins in his left hand,—he said that was the way "experienced"
+horsemen did,—and a massive whip in his right, walked with an
+authoritative air beside the team, to favor the horses. Frankie and
+the feminines rode, and Georgie ran eagerly on before, turning every
+few minutes to tell Ferdinand which was the way,—wholly "a work of
+supererogation," as the theologians crack their jawing jaws to say.
+
+The sun showed his round, red face—blushing to find himself so
+late—just as the white-topped wagon gained the summit.
+
+"Hurrah!" cried Georgie, tossing his cap high up in the air. "Why,
+mother, did you ever see anything so splendid!"
+
+Ferdinand bellowed "whoa," in a gruff commanding tone to the horses.
+And his mother and aunt, accepting his invitation, got out to survey
+the scene.
+
+What a sight met their gaze! For miles and miles the great river wound
+along—a stream of molten gold, dotted with green islets, and spotted by
+steamers looking like monster water-birds.
+
+"Wonderful! Wonderful!" exclaimed Mrs. Willard. But soon she began to
+weep.
+
+"Hurrah!" cheered Georgie again. "How cool and beautiful it is here!"
+
+But Frankie, who had been viewing the river from the driver's seat,
+his large, old-young face peering solemnly around the wagon side,
+displeased at George's boisterousness, frowningly piped,—
+
+"Stop your noise, George!" Adding, authoritatively, "Ferdinand, it's
+time we were starting."
+
+At which the latter, as if accustomed to obey the dwarf, politely
+assisting his mother and aunt into the wagon, he and Georgie got in
+too, and the steeds were once more in motion.
+
+"I am sure I don't know which way to go," said Ferdinand, suddenly
+reining in the horses, and looking around in dismay. "I expected it
+would be smooth prairie. I am afraid we shall tip over."
+
+"The prospect is not very encouraging," replied Mrs. Willard, leaning
+on his shoulder the better to see. "We must have mistaken the path."
+
+The ground was broken into sharp ridges, extending outwards in
+irregularly parallel lines, the ridge they were upon being much the
+highest, and apparently too narrow to pass along in safety.
+
+"Why don't you examine the paper Mr. Jones gave you for a guide?" asked
+Frankie, impatiently.
+
+Ferdinand fumbled first in one pocket, then in another, for the chart.
+It was not there!
+
+"What 'shall' we do?" exclaimed his mother. "We cannot get on without
+that chart."
+
+Ferdinand took everything from his pockets, and turned the latter
+inside out. An amusing medley of articles of all colors, kinds, shape,
+and uses came to light, but not Tom's sketch for their route.
+
+The little Hunchback's great sharp eyes were fixed reprovingly on his
+older brother's face during the fruitless search.
+
+"I knew you'd lose the paper!" he piped. "You'd lose your head if it
+wasn't fastened on!"
+
+"Ill run back to the tavern, and see if it's there," said Georgie.
+
+"You keep still!" commanded the Hunchback. "Drive on, Ferdinand."
+
+"Drive where?" retorted the latter.
+
+"I knew you'd forget," said the dwarf. "Didn't Mr. Jones say that the
+land would be in ridges up here, and that in leaving the ravine by the
+main—the travelled path—we would find ourselves on the highest ridge,
+called, from its shape and position, 'Hog's Back'? And that we must
+ride straight ahead two miles on it? Go 'long now—not keep us waiting
+all day!"
+
+Ferdinand had fallen into the habit of generally minding the dwarf, he
+had such a manner, and was so knowing. So he doubtingly chirruped to
+the horses.
+
+"Steady! Steady!" said the dwarf. "'Twon't answer to be careless."
+
+The caution was timely; for the ridge, rising in somewhat like the
+spine of the animal for it was named, was scarcely wider than the
+wagon, and steep and sloping.
+
+But our immigrants soon mastered their apprehensions, and journeyed
+over the queer road, pleasantly chatting.
+
+"Only think," said Georgie, "two women, three boys, two horses, and a
+big wagon, all on a hog's back. I should think he'd squeal!"
+
+"And the hog two miles long from snout to stern," added Ferdinand.
+
+"He hasn't a bristle, though!"
+
+"The grass is his bristles."
+
+"Steady, I tell you!" interrupted the dwarf.
+
+Silence fell on the family, for the hog had his back pretty well up
+at this point—in resentment, perchance, to the lads' personalities.
+Shortly, however, the ridge slightly widened,—more pork, and less
+bone,—then they began to descend. And quickly there lay, outspread
+before their eyes, an immense expanse of land, as even to the sight as
+if art had made it so.
+
+"Hurrah!" burst from Georgie's lips.
+
+And Ferdinand stopped the span, and the women bent forward to feast on
+the sight.
+
+"Beautiful! Charming!" ejaculated Mrs. Willard, enthusiastically.
+
+"'Sweet fields arrayed in living green,'" quoted entranced aunt Esther,
+with an accent that carried the listener to a landscape eye of mortal
+had not seen.
+
+"What course shall I take now?" asked Ferdinand—an inquiry that
+transferred our travellers from realms of reverie back to matters of a
+practical nature.
+
+But who was to decide? Before them stretched an illimitable meadow,
+destitute of house, human resident, or road. Is it strange that,
+bewildered, there was no reply?
+
+The dwarf, however, was cool.
+
+"I thought you'd forget," he reiterated, in thin, querulous tones.
+"At the termination of Hog Back Ridge lies Looking Glass Prairie," he
+repeated, word for word from Tom's directions.
+
+"Wonder why it's called so?" asked Georgie, looking relieved.
+
+"Because," explained the dwarf, testily, "a looking-glass is smooth.
+Now hold your tongue!"
+
+Then he continued,—
+
+"Three wagon tracks; take the middle one. Here it is," pointing with
+his shrivelled fore finger. "Start on!"
+
+"Isn't it jolly!" cried irrepressible Georgie. "From off a hog's
+back, two miles long, we go down smash—horses, wagon, and all—on a
+looking-glass large enough to hang up on the sky. The hog didn't move
+nor grunt, and the mirror don't crack. I guess the glass must be thick."
+
+And now that it was level, Ferdinand treated the travellers to a trot.
+This suited Georgie. He boiled over with mirth and fun. Ferdinand, the
+driver, behaved with the dignity befitting his responsible trust. At
+his side was the dwarfed Hunchback, grave, reflective, curt.
+
+But Georgie was nowhere long at a time. Boy-like, he tried all
+attitudes, places, posts, and positions—racing by the horses, hanging
+on with the buckets, scrambling over aunt Esther to lie upon the beds,
+jerking the lines when Ferdinand was off his guard, starting up the
+steeds, abstracting goodies from his mother's reticule.
+
+Indeed, the novelty of their situation wrought wonders in withdrawing
+the thoughts of the family—as Tom had foreseen—from their great sorrow.
+
+Tom was a "practical" philanthropist. Doubtless he had read in a
+certain old Book these words:
+
+   "Love not in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
+
+Many devout persons never saw that passage. Such impart excellent
+counsel to the starving, and recite Scripture to them, and then leave
+them to their fate—like a wealthy lady I knew who seeing a barefooted
+child of poverty bitterly weeping over a pitcher she had broken, for
+which accident she expected a beating on reaching her miserable home,
+the lady, in the excess of her goodness, stopped, and using the child's
+misfortune for an illustration, addressed her on the uncertainties and
+disappointments of earth, and then presented the expectant girl with—a
+few pennies to buy a new pitcher? No; a tract.
+
+When the saint in silks and diamonds glanced back at the recipient of
+her charity, what was her pious horror to see that printed page in the
+mud!
+
+We commend to these cheap philanthropists the story of the kind-hearted
+old gentleman in Maine, who, riding along in his carriage one hot day
+in July, saw a toad lying in the road, gasping with the heat. In the
+kindness of his soul, the elderly man (who was very fleshy) climbed
+down, moved the poor melting toad "into the shade of his carriage,"
+then complacently climbed up again, and "drove on."
+
+"Mother," sputtered the Hunchback, "hadn't George better wait till the
+rest eat? He's helping himself to the doughnuts."
+
+"When are we going to eat?" asked Georgie, the words working their way
+out with much difficulty, because of the cramming.
+
+"We shall reach the halting-place pretty soon," answered the dwarf,
+"and then mother will get breakfast."
+
+
+"There's the spring," said little Hunchback, breaking a marvellously
+long interval of silence. "We'll stop there."
+
+It was in a gentle ravine; for level as the prairie appeared at the
+outset, it had its depressions, as is the case with many persons who
+seem outwardly to be perfectly happy. This, however, was the first
+notable irregularity of the ground with which they had met since
+bidding adieu to the Hog's Back.
+
+And when Georgie saw it, he clapped his hands, saying,—
+
+"Mother, the 'looking-glass' 'is' cracked, after all!" A misfortune
+that did not seem to lessen its value to the hungry immigrants, if
+we may judge by the interest they took in its utility on the present
+occasion.
+
+Ferdinand, with George's lively aid, unhitched the horses, as Tom had
+advised, to rest them, and permit them to graze.
+
+"They are accustomed to it," said Tom, "and will not stray away."
+
+But one of the steeds made preparations to roll in the grass.
+
+"He'll break his harness all in pieces," cried aunt Esther.
+
+And Georgie, glad of an excuse for "driving" the horse in some way,
+started him up, and began to remove the harness. Both horses were then
+relieved of the hard, heavy leather—their working dress; and much did
+they seem to appreciate their freedom. And they rolled and kicked to
+their hearts' content.
+
+Meanwhile, the immigrants had seated themselves on the soft turf,
+convenient to the spring. Mrs. Willard having spread a clean white
+cloth, on which were deposited sandwiches made of two slices of bread
+with ham between, a paper of cakes, and another of doughnuts. Then, on
+a piece of newspaper, she put some slices of cheese.
+
+"There are no plates, knives and forks, or spoons on our table," said
+she to the group. "But it is an old saying, and I dare say a true one,
+that fingers were made before forks."
+
+"I declare," said Georgie, "I never ate anything so nice before. Did
+you fry these doughnuts, auntie?"
+
+"They are from the same cooking that you disliked at the landing. It's
+the good air that makes the difference."
+
+Yes, the pure, bracing, prairie air, how appetizing!
+
+"I'm fairly ashamed of myself," remarked Ferdinand, who prided himself
+on gentility in eating. "I'm getting to be a regular glutton."
+
+And if certain young ladies east,—don't be alarmed; we shall not
+mention names,—who went into ecstasies over his foppish airs, had seen
+him suck the grease from his finger-tips, using his "handsome lips"
+for a napkin, after finishing his fifth sandwich, they would have
+exclaimed, horror-struck, "How vulgar!" And straightway composed their
+shattered nerves by a delicate lunch of pickled limes, slate pencils,
+"terra alba" candy, mince pie, and ice-cream.
+
+[Illustration: INTRODUCTION OF SIMMONS.]
+
+An hour fled swift-winged.
+
+"Come," said little Hunchy, "it's time to be stirring."
+
+Ferdinand and Georgie went to catch the horses. But the animals, having
+little wish to forsake the grass and freedom for fasting and toil,
+refused to be captured.
+
+"Don't those boys know anything?" muttered the Hunchback. "Mother, call
+Georgie!"
+
+"G-e-o-r-g-i-e! G-e-o-r-g-i-e!" screamed Mrs. Willard, in ear-piercing
+treble.
+
+"You needn't call so loud," said Hunchback; "you could be heard for
+miles in this clear prairie air. Don't you see? That man heard you!"
+
+A long distance off, distinctly outlined against the sky, was a
+horseman. At Mrs. Willard's call, he turned his horse about, and was
+now coming towards them.
+
+"Make haste," said little Hunchback to Georgie. "Take one of the pails
+from the back of the wagon, put a few oats in it, and tell Ferdinand to
+toll the horses here as fast as he can."
+
+Ferdinand coaxingly approached the refractory steeds, shaking the pail
+so that they might hear the grain rattle. Often had they been fed from
+that vessel, and, with a neigh, they came trotting after Ferdinand, as
+he retreated towards the vehicle.
+
+"Take off the other pail now," said little Hunchy, "and put oats in
+that, and let both horses have some; for if you deceive them, they
+won't come next time."
+
+And while the horses were eating, and the boys were harnessing them,
+the horseman drew slowly near. The beast he rode was an unusually
+fine one, but the man rode as if unaccustomed to the saddle. He was a
+heavily-built man, with a dark, bad eye, but an insinuating manner.
+
+"Anything to pay? Thought I heard a woman scream?" said he, reining up
+near the boys.
+
+"Nothing," replied Ferdinand, frankly, "mother was calling Georgie."
+
+"Ah," he ejaculated, coolly surveying party; "yer ain't journeying
+alone with these youngsters, marm?" addressing Mrs. Willard. "Where
+your man?"
+
+"Father, and the other gentlemen, are just behind," interposed little
+Hunchback, his great, grave eyes fixed ominously on the comer. "We
+don't need your help."
+
+The stranger looked the dwarf curiously over, the latter returning
+the scrutiny with a boldness and audacity oddly comporting with his
+diminutive stature. But the long, black eyebrows seemed to deepen
+in color, the forehead grew dark and threatening, his whole bearing
+hostile and defiant.
+
+"What are you? A human porcupine?" asked the traveller, riding
+contemptuously round little Hunchy.
+
+The dwarf made no reply, but kept his magnetic eyes fastened on the man.
+
+"I can't make out what you are, man or boy," said the horseman,
+repeating his circuit; "but you don't fancy my company any more than I
+do yours. Well, good-by to ye all!" And off he paced.
+
+"O, how glad I am that he's gone!" gasped Mrs. Willard. "He's a
+monster, I know. I was frightened 'most to death."
+
+"Lucky he didn't touch little Hunchy," said a boyish voice from the
+wagon.
+
+They looked up. There was Georgie, on the driver's seat, with
+Ferdinand's gun.
+
+"I would have shot him dead, had he laid a finger on one of you," added
+he, waxing heroic, as he perceived himself now "the observed of all
+observers."
+
+"How would you have done it?" inquired Ferdinand.
+
+"With your gun," replied Georgie.
+
+"But you couldn't; there is no cap on it!"
+
+"O, I didn't think of that," said Georgie, crestfallen.
+
+
+At noon, they camped again for dinner and to bait the horses, reaching
+at twilight, "Sun Prairie,"—a vast stretch of land, different from
+"Looking Glass Prairie," the surface being more undulating. Just over
+the line separating the two were a shallow stream and a clump of trees.
+Here it was decided to spend the night.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A NIGHT ON THE PRAIRIE.—DANGER.
+
+THERE was no moon, but the blue vault above was brilliantly studded
+with stars. The little Hunchback lay on the mattress beside the wagon,
+his great thoughtful eyes turned skyward. At his back rested Ferdinand
+in deep sleep, while the regular breathing of his mother, aunt, and
+Georgie, who occupied the mattress in the wagon, assured him that he
+alone was awake.
+
+His bodily littleness had been to him, through all his days, one of
+his greatest trials. Dwarf! How he hated the word! To be small was to
+be despised. He never hinted, even to his mother, the intensity of
+grief and chagrin arising from his incomplete stature. Those physically
+active and vigorous, and of large frame, he regarded as so many
+reflections on his own feebleness and insignificance.
+
+And now, as his clear gaze, wonder-struck, searched the overarching
+depths, he felt of less importance than ever, and seemed to shrink to
+an atom. Those orbs, world on world, systems of worlds, universes of
+universes, what was he compared with them?
+
+Never had he witnessed such a spectacle; never swept with his aspiring
+gaze such star-gemmed spaces, undimmed, unobstructed, rolling, in
+infinite majesty, from horizon to horizon, the air-medium pure as
+crystal, not a veiling vapor, nor a disturbing zephyr's whisper. How
+very, very small he felt!
+
+Yet, somehow, this shrinking into nothingness did not wound his
+self-respect. He was not measuring himself with his fellow-man, but
+with the mighty heavens. And suddenly there came sweeping down to him
+the words of the ancient singer,—
+
+   "'When I consider the heavens, the work of Thy hands, the sun and the
+moon which Thou hast ordained, what is man, that Thou art mindful of
+him, and the son of man, that thou visitest him?'"
+
+The dwarf started up. Did a voice repeat that song? No, it was memory,
+he said to himself.
+
+As he pondered the words, they filled him—with profound
+self-abasement—with deep, unruffled, unresentful humility.
+
+"How great is God, the omnipotent, all-wise Creator and Upholder!"
+he said to himself. "Why should He deign to notice me—a mote in His
+limitless empire?"
+
+Just then there came floating to his ear the remainder of the royal
+hymn.
+
+   "'Thou madest him a little lower than the angels. Thou crownedst him
+with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of Thy hands.'"
+
+He raised himself again in increased surprise. Surely it was no
+illusion this time. Some tongue recited that passage. But solitude
+reigned from the bare prairie to the stars.
+
+"How my brain tricks me to-night!" he said. "What a strange spell is on
+me!"
+
+Then his mind was led to meditate upon the singularly-suggested
+language.
+
+"'Thou crownedst him.' Then the mighty Maker of the universe has
+exalted man," he soliloquized. "Has 'crowned' him—constituted him king,
+sovereign of creation."
+
+"And 'you,' dwarf," added the mysterious voice, "are therefore a king!"
+
+"Who is speaking these comforting words to me," asked the dwarf, gazing
+around. "How weak I am! It is my own mind."
+
+Yes, queer contradiction, they seemed foreign to himself, yet a part of
+himself.
+
+"My head is hot," he ejaculated. "I'll go to sleep." And he closed his
+eyes.
+
+"Set him over the works of Thy hands," whispered the voice. "The
+elephant is a towering mass of bone and muscle, yet man, king of
+nature, captures and governs the huge beast. Oxen are sturdy, but man
+yokes them. The horse is swift and strong, yet man puts bits in his
+mouth. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, nay, earth and ocean,
+man subdues to his own use."
+
+"Yes," assented the still wakeful dwarf, "man is king of all things."
+
+"And how does he rule?" asked the viewless teacher. "By physical might?"
+
+"Ah, I see," replied the dwarf, "it is through the mind—the soul."
+
+"And you are weak in body, deformed, and small in size; but are you
+not, nevertheless, a king? Assert your sovereignty, then; rule by the
+intellect with which God has crowned you."
+
+"That's it," said the dwarf, sitting up in bed, and resting his chin
+in his small, white hand. "It isn't the body that's monarch, but the
+brain. A dwarf may rule as well as a giant."
+
+Did an angel or spirit comfort the deformed child? Or were his rapt
+faculties elaborating ideas for his instruction? We do not pretend to
+decide. Can you?
+
+The angels brought "tidings of great joy" to the shepherds watching
+their flocks by night on the plains of Bethlehem. Perhaps one of the
+ministering host may have whispered to little Hunchback as he watched
+beneath the immigrant wagon on the star-lit prairie.
+
+One said anciently, "I am little and despised, yet the Lord thinketh
+upon me."
+
+
+A sound startled him from the light slumber into which he had sunken. A
+moment more, with a wild cry an Indian shot by on a pony.
+
+"What's wanted?" drowsily muttered Ferdinand, trying to rouse himself.
+
+"Ferdie," asked the mother, drawing aside the blanket that curtained
+the wagon-front, "what was that noise? It sounded like a yell. You are
+not in a nightmare—are you?"
+
+"It's all right, mother," said little Hunchback. "I'll take care of
+Ferdinand; go to sleep."
+
+And the vigilant little dwarf listened long and anxiously, fearing he
+knew not what. Then he stole cautiously out to where the savage passed.
+There he found a narrow, hard-trodden path. Creeping on hands and
+knees, he carefully examined it.
+
+"It is an old Indian trail," said he. "Only one pony been over
+it recently. There is no danger. Probably the savage was as much
+astonished at seeing our team as I was at seeing him."
+
+And his old-young face expressing entire confidence in this conclusion,
+he returned to the mattress, and dropped asleep.
+
+But a confused noise in the direction of the horses led him to rise
+again after softly tucking the blanket against Ferdie's back, and go
+and see what was the matter. He found that one of them, having been
+tied to a small oak, had walked round and round the sapling, till he
+had wound himself so closely as to endanger his neck in his frantic
+efforts to break away.
+
+The dwarf, with considerable difficulty, disengaged the fractious
+animal, and leading it to the wagon, fastened the beast to a hind
+wheel. Then, after shortening the rope with which the other horse was
+tied,—for it was so long that the beast had its fore leg entangled in
+it,—he sat under an oak thinking.
+
+"Next time we camp out," he muttered, "I shall see that the horses are
+properly hitched, and that we are not near an Indian trail."
+
+A long while he remained meditating.
+
+"All is quiet. I guess I'll get another nap," said he at length.
+
+He crept quietly under the clothes, so as not to disturb Ferdie. He
+was now thoroughly weary and drowsy. He dropped into a deep sleep,
+from which he was startled by something cold creeping across his
+bare ankles. With lightning quickness, he knew that it was a snake.
+Perhaps it was harmless, perhaps it was deadly. By a strong effort at
+self-control, he lay motionless. Slowly, the slimy reptile worked its
+way along, attracted by the warmth, towards the middle of the bed. What
+an age it seemed till the serpent glided from his limb, and nestled
+between himself and Ferdie!
+
+The dwarf was now in terror lest Ferdie should awake. What could he
+do to rid them of their unwelcome bed-mate? He dared not stir, and he
+dreaded, most of all, that Ferdie would. After a while, Ferdie threw
+an arm out of bed. Instantly an angry buzz from the reptile was heard.
+It was a rattlesnake! Ferdie was quiet again, and the snake ceased its
+deadly warning.
+
+Working his big head cautiously round on his pillow, so that he might
+look in the direction of the rattling, the dwarf saw the snake. The
+blanket had become disarranged, leaving Ferdie's leg bare, and the
+venomous creature was lying near the limb, on the unturned covering.
+
+Should Ferdinand move, it was certain death. And that he would remain
+quiet long, the dwarf knew was not probable. With singular steadiness
+and dexterity, he began to withdraw his own thin limbs, and at the same
+time, gradually to raise himself so as to sit up. The snake's head was
+from him, which was in the hunchback's favor.
+
+Twice the serpent, irritated gently, shook its rattles. But so wary
+and adroit was the dwarf that his snakeship settled again to repose,
+till the Hunchback softly sat up, pillow in hand. The snake saw the
+movement, and turned upon his adversary. One point, however, had been
+gained, namely, to attract the attention of the reptile from Ferdie.
+
+"If I am bitten, it will not matter so much," thought the dwarf.
+"Mother couldn't spare Ferdie, he's so well and strong."
+
+The snake's head was erect, and the red, forked tongue played
+spitefully. He was preparing to spring upon the dwarf, when, with
+unerring celerity, the pillow descended on the snake, and Ferdie was
+thrust from the mattress.
+
+"What did you do that for?" demanded the elder brother.
+
+"There's a rattlesnake in the bed," shrilly piped the dwarf. "Here it
+is," he added, jumping aside, as the poison-fanged intruder wriggled
+out from beneath the pillow at the Hunchback.
+
+But Ferdie, seizing the whipstock, despatched it at a blow.
+
+"When we camp out again," observed the dwarf, "we must fix it so the
+snakes can't get into our bed."
+
+But streaks of light in the east heralded the advent of day.
+Immediately after, the sun peeped across the prairie, then shot up
+fully to view. Georgie said he seemed in a hurry. But our immigrants
+were a second time ahead of him, and again he grew red in the face; and
+no wonder, the lazy, lubberly fellow, to be lagging behind women and
+boys.
+
+Mrs. Willard and her sister were performing their toilet at the stream.
+Ferdie and Georgie had set about graining the horses, pouring about two
+quarts of meal into each pail, and stirring in water to moisten it.
+
+"I should think the oats would be better for them than this raw, cold
+hasty-pudding, without anything on it," said Georgie.
+
+"No," replied Ferdie. "Tom said oats were more stimulating, but they
+wouldn't stand by like meal. Meal gives permanent strength."
+
+The dwarf now appeared with an axe on his shoulder.
+
+"Here, Ferdie," he said, "I want you to cut a few sticks. There, those
+are just the article," pointing to some forked limbs.
+
+These were driven into the ground a short distance apart, the crotchet
+ends up. Across them another stick was placed horizontally. Then an
+iron pot was brought from the wagon, and hung from the centre. This was
+partly filled with water from the brook, and a fire started under the
+kettle.
+
+When the water began to boil, aunt Esther dropped in potatoes; and
+Mrs. Willard sliced pork, and commenced frying it in a spider. Plates,
+knives and forks, and cups and saucers, were produced. A cloth was
+laid on the grass, and the little family were soon, with appreciative
+appetite, discussing the simple repast.
+
+"I believe I never got up so much refreshed," observed Mrs. Willard,
+"as I did this morning."
+
+"That's because you didn't sleep in a close room," sagely remarked
+Georgie.
+
+"I was afraid you'd catch cold," said aunt Esther.
+
+"Folks that live in the open air are not subject to colds," replied the
+dwarf.
+
+But he did not allude to the Indian, and he had charged Ferdinand to
+say nothing about the rattlesnake.
+
+"It would only frighten the women," said he.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A PIONEER BOY'S OPINION OF THE EAST.—DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+WHAT a familiar aspect nature wore to Tom as he journeyed frontierward!
+Stonewalls, ledges, boulders, rocks, gravel, stumps, stunted corn,
+swarming, suffocating cities, "east." But here, broad rolling prairies,
+deep fertile soil, waving grasses, beckoning flowers. He hailed the
+contrast with a bounding pulse.
+
+It seemed to him as if he had not drawn a full breath since he left
+Minnesota. He had suffered for want of air and room, and been cramped,
+confined, fettered, by social artificialities.
+
+Now he was back to pure nature—to boyhood associations. He was happy.
+Expanding his chest, and thumping it with his friendly fist, he drank
+in the prairie air as if it were the elixir of life, and proudly swept
+the wide expanse with his admiring eye, as if to say,—
+
+"There's nothing like my dear, magnificent prairies, after all."
+
+With what vividness, too, did these scenes reproduce the early days of
+his eventful history: the long journeys in the immigrant wagon, the too
+frequent removals, the homely, smoky squatter's cabin, the murderous
+scenes of the massacre at Spirit Lake, the cruel tomahawking of his
+sister Sarah, Charley's romantic exploits, his father's brave, heroic
+death, his widowed mother's establishment at the frontier fort with
+the noble wife of the noble commander of the fortress, as governess of
+their two lovely children, Willie and Alice.
+
+Alice! With that name uprose before him a vision surpassingly good
+and fair, setting his feelings into a tumult altogether too "human"
+for a parson in embryo. He tried to rally his budding professional
+dignity, and banish the enchanting apparition. In vain. Adown the long
+stairs, through the echoing hall, warbling bird-like, bursting blithely
+into the apartment, stopping in confused surprise, he saw again the
+blonde-haired fairy, just as he did on his first visit at the fort.
+
+That image had never wholly forsaken him. And ever, when it stood
+freshly before his mind's eye, there was a glow at his heart of mingled
+worship and gratitude, the former for the sweetness, excellence, and
+beauty of the winning original; the latter that despite his plain garb
+and humble circumstances, she could listen to his story that day with
+such respect, and no apparent consciousness of the inequality of their
+condition.
+
+But what worldly imaginations for a candidate for the gospel ministry!
+And what was Alice to Tom?
+
+"No doubt," murmured Tom, endeavoring to shake off the spell, "she's
+forgotten me long since. Her father is a military man. Of course she
+has plenty of dashing young officers as admirers; she would not think
+of the squatter's son!"
+
+
+Tom's first visit was to L—, the village where lived the kind clergyman
+and the storekeeper who had enabled him to go east to study. What a
+pleasure to take these good friends by the hand!
+
+There, too, an inmate of the missionary's family was curly-pated Bub,
+the youngest of his brothers.
+
+"I wonder," cogitated Tom, as he neared the town, "if Bub will know
+me; and if he is the same prankish little pet as ever. And if he still
+rehearses for the pulpit."
+
+For Bub's highest aspiration had been to preach. And that he had not
+altogether lost his taste for the sacred calling, Tom had received
+evidence of in the shape of a printed note that Bub had contrived
+clandestinely to slip within a letter to Tom from the missionary. It
+ran thus:—
+
+   DEER tom i AM, GOING 2 B A BIG MAN LIK U. i PREATH SUMTIMS. THE MISUARY
+SAYS I MAY PREATH FOR HIM, WHENN I DU. I, CEND AKIS. I STODY HARD. I
+AMM A SPLENN DAD SKOLLER.
+
+The day was warm, and Tom was not surprised, as he drove up to the
+clergyman's cabin, to observe that the door was open. He thought it
+somewhat singular, however, that, notwithstanding the bustle attending
+their arrival and that the wagon in which he was brought was fully in
+sight from the house for quite a ways as it drew near, that no one
+looked out at the team. They dismounted, the horse was hitched, they
+approached the cabin. Silence and solitude seemed to dwell within.
+
+"I fear the family are away," said Tom.
+
+Glancing in, Tom's eyes opened wide with astonishment. In a chair,
+his legs stretched out before him, a man's white cravat around his
+throat, its broad folds enveloping also the chin, a man's hat on his
+head, glasses astride his nose, eyes fixed on a ponderous volume, sat a
+fat-cheeked urchin.
+
+"Bub, you scamp," cried Tom, rushing and, regardless of ministerial
+proprieties and vestments, hugging the clerical imp, the missionary's
+hat rolling one way, and the Commentary, to show how "heavy" it was,
+falling with a slam to the floor.
+
+Never were a couple of "theologues" more antic. If a Committee of
+Supply on the hunt for a candidate "suited to the large, wealthy, and
+fashionable congregation" at Upper-crustville, had stepped in just
+then, I doubt if either of the rollicking, rough-and-tumble young
+divines before them had been in demand. Why, only consider, Bub's
+cravat was actually tumbled, and so was Tom's hair.
+
+After a happy visit with the missionary and the grocer, the former
+took Tom in the storekeeper's carriage next morning, and they set out
+together for the fort.
+
+
+A cordial, affectionate, tender greeting awaited Tom from General and
+Mrs. McElroy, his brothers, and his mother. She, Tom noticed, had grown
+older; but her face was rounder and fairer, bespeaking good fare and
+contentment.
+
+"I conclude," said Mrs. McElroy, "that, charmed with eastern people and
+privileges, frontier life looks quite different to you from what it
+once did."
+
+"Madam," heartily replied Tom, "there is much that is admirable and
+grand in the older settled portions of our country. But if they have
+many things better than we, we are not without our compensations.
+Here society is natural, and neighbors are sympathizing and friendly;
+there caste distinctions prevail, you know not who lives next door,
+and fashion tyrannizes. There everything practicable is done for the
+culture of the mind; but the young are not developed physically, and
+taught to be self-reliant, as among the pioneers.
+
+"In religion, I prefer our simplicity. It seems to me little short of
+sacrilege for Christians to display so much pride of dress in the house
+of God as they do east. And worship is maintained at such extravagant
+expense that the poor are frequently debarred from the gospel, or are
+thrust into back seats, or banished to the galleries. Better our log
+cabin equality than such a condition of things.
+
+"I shall never lose the painful impression made on my mind by an
+incident that happened to me in one of these aristocratic churches.
+
+"The fame of the Rev. Dr. — led me one Sabbath to go and hear him. I
+arrived at his place of worship a little late. Entering the vestibule,
+I saw hanging before me two signs, on which were lettered, FREE SEATS
+ABOVE, an index finger pointing up stairs. Of course I inferred that
+there were no free seats below, and as I did not design hiring or
+buying a seat in God's house that day, I went 'above.'
+
+"In high, straight-backed, comfortless pews, a few of which were
+furnished with tattered and soiled cushions, was a collection of
+plainly-dressed people, with faces marked by care, poverty, and toil.
+An elderly woman, of feeble appearance and large frame, but saintly
+look, passed me her mutilated hymn book.
+
+"I glanced below. Every pew was constructed for comfort, if not
+luxury, and not more than one third of the sitting accommodations were
+occupied—whole slips in succession being entirely empty.
+
+"The Scripture Lesson was from St. James's Epistle, second chapter—'My
+brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of
+persons. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring,
+in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment,
+and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
+him, Sit thou here in a good place, and say to the poor, Stand thou
+there, or sit here under my footstool, are ye not then partial in
+yourselves?'
+
+"This withering rebuke was impressively read by the pastor, and I
+scanned the countenances of the audience to see what their effect would
+be. But neither minister nor hearer showed the least consciousness that
+the language applied to modern assemblages. Fresh from our uninvidious
+gatherings, where, though a person may be in rags,—
+
+   "'A man is a man for a' that and a' that,'
+
+"the spectacle was—well, I cannot command terms to do justice to my
+feelings. They were destined to be intensified, too, by an occurrence
+at the close of the service.
+
+"As I was descending the long, wide stone stairs leading from the
+gallery, an exclamation caused me to look back. The scream was uttered
+by the aged woman who passed me her book. Being old and weakly, she
+had tripped and pitched head foremost. Springing to break her fall,
+I caught her on my shoulder. Why the weight and the momentum did not
+send me headlong, I do not comprehend. But I sustained her sufficiently
+long for others to come to our assistance, and we helped her to the
+sidewalk. Her ghastly face and trembling limbs showed how great the
+fright and shock to her.
+
+"Was it not singular that I, a stranger from the far-distant prairies,
+chanced to be there to save the life of that aged saint?"
+
+"There are, however, devoted souls in those very churches—are there
+not?" asked his mother.
+
+"Yes, many, dear mother. There are as earnest, unselfish, large-hearted
+Christians in the eastern cities as ever blessed any age. But while
+great numbers of professed disciples of the meek and lowly One attend
+church befrizzled and betrinketed as if at a theatre, thousands
+perish in the very shadow of Christian temples, as ignorant of Christ
+as the pagans; and multitudes lack the necessaries of life. These
+inconsistencies make infidels, on the one hand, who reject all that
+is sacred, and fanatics, on the other, who fly into all sorts of
+absurdities."
+
+"Yes," said the missionary, "man, like the pendulum, goes to extremes.
+When I was east, disorderly classes of religionists arose who plunged
+into the wildest excesses. A very singular form of fanaticism obtained
+at one time, called the Shaking Power. It had a queer history. Shall I
+tell you about it? It will, I think, be quite entertaining."
+
+"O, yes; do let us hear about it," said the ladies.
+
+
+                        THE SHAKING POWER.
+
+"Some forty miles from my home," said the missionary, "in a populous
+town, a 'meeting' was sustained with fanatical furor, composed of
+a motley assemblage from various sects and orders, and holding
+sentiments the most discordant, if we except the, with them, essential
+point—railing at 'the churches.' Here, members excluded for grave
+faults from the fellowship of Christians, restless, self-exscinded
+spirits inflamed by fickle isms peculiar to themselves, and those who
+never belonged, or expected to belong, to an orderly organization of
+any kind, met to sympathize and act in wild religious freedom, where
+everybody could be teachers, and anything be taught. Of members of
+Christian churches, they were accustomed to speak as those who have
+the '"form" of godliness; but deny the "power" thereof;' meaning that
+these had system and decorum, and lacked those noisy and eccentric
+manifestations of zeal in worship which they themselves exhibited.
+
+"Religion with these zealots was almost wholly a 'meeting' affair, and
+to exhort or pray in public was preeminently 'taking up the cross;'
+and to know, on such occasions, what to do, and how to do it, they
+sought to 'move as they were moved upon by the Spirit.' In other words,
+act out such impulse as chanced to seize them, whether it were to
+perambulate the sanctuary in sight of the congregation, and then kneel
+in the aisle and pray, or make remarks from the pulpit stairs.
+
+"It mattered not how fantastic and foolish the impulse; it was to be
+unhesitatingly obeyed indeed, the more senseless and erratic, the
+greater proof to their minds of the Spirit's power and control. As to
+preaching, it could not be known beforehand if there would be any,
+or who would be the preacher—this being left for the decision of the
+Spirit after the people had assembled, and one was as liable to be
+called to fill that office for the time being as another. A heavy
+'cross,' indiscriminately imposed, was to go into the pulpit and speak
+and pray, so that in the course of an evening, a dozen or more, old and
+young, male and female, would attain that conspicuous post. And if any
+one, after 'ascending,' had to 'descend' without uttering a word, the
+boisterous shouts of 'Praise the Lord,' 'Glory to God,' showed that it
+was regarded as evidence of peculiar sanctity—the grace of humility had
+been tested, and had triumphed.
+
+"A feature of this fanaticism, which took the lead in exciting wonder
+and inspiring the credulous with awe, ultimately operated as a cure
+of the evil it was designed to foster. It was called 'the shaking'
+or 'trembling power,' and originated with a farmer, who, though not
+without natural cunning, was below his class in intelligence, and whose
+life up to that time had borne meagrely, if at all, the fruits of
+goodness. He would meekly say he was 'slow of speech,' and 'as he could
+not speak like the rest, they must let him bear the cross the Lord had
+put upon him,' which was to shake. This was the utility of his gift: he
+watched the countenances of those present, and, if any one 'neglected
+duty,' he professed to detect it by the involuntary tremblings that
+shook his frame—their violence being in proportion to the importance
+of the duty, and the length of disobedience. Sometimes he called on
+the delinquent to 'do his duty,'—a call which was considered divinely
+prompted, and was at once obeyed.
+
+"One evening our enthusiasts had met in a school-house. It was dark
+and drizzly without, and marvelously dull within—perchance the effects
+of the weather, or a stupid reaction, the sure sequence of spurious
+zeal. Silence reigned for a long time. At length a man advanced to the
+teacher's desk, and, in husky, monotonous tones, helped on the general
+lethargy. A protracted pause ensued, which was broken by a maiden lady
+suddenly springing to her feet and commencing an exhortation. Her
+faded and dirty linsey-woolsey dress, which she 'wore from principle,'
+fell straight and close about her form; her coarse black hair was
+unevenly cut short in the neck 'to shame pride,' while her wrinkled
+skin, nut-brown complexion, stumpy gums, and eyes wildly flashing as
+she paced the floor gesticulating violently, and with shrill voice
+denounced 'hypocrites and formal professors,' gave her a weird and
+haggish expression.
+
+"When her message was delivered, a dumpy man in semi-Quaker garb, who
+sat in a semi-recumbent posture gazing at the floor, remarked, without
+looking up, that he was no singer 'naturally,' that he did not it know
+one tune from another, but when the Spirit told him to sing, he must
+sing; and he gruffly chanted to extemporaneous music, composed as he
+went along, keeping time meanwhile with one foot,—
+
+   "'The pure testimony put forth in the "Sperit"
+      Cuts like a sharp two-edged sword,
+     And hypocrites now are sorely tormented,
+      Because they're condemned by the Word;
+
+   "'The pure testimony discovers the dross,
+     While wicked professors make light of the cross,
+     And Babylon trembles for fear of her loss.'
+
+"An embarrassing silence again occurring, some one prayed the Lord to
+'show them what it was that clogged the wheels of the meeting, and kept
+them from moving—' a prayer which seemed to them about to be answered,
+as a peculiar jarring of the floor and seats gave notice of the advent
+of the shaking power.
+
+"This curious phenomenon was of an intermittent type, affecting first
+the lower extremities, imparting a tremulousness just perceptible,
+extending slowly to the whole body, meanwhile increasing in strength.
+Then passing off, a few moments would elapse before a recurrence in the
+same manner, each fit being augmented in length and intensity.
+
+"The 'power' brother suffered one attack without speaking. While
+agitated by the second, he said oracularly, but retaining his seat,—
+
+"'If anybody here has a duty to do, he had better do it!'
+
+"'Amen! Amen!' fervently responded the brother-and-sisterhood, nodding
+approval, and exchanging relieved glances as they looked in the
+direction indicated. The candles burned dimly; but remote by himself,
+among some unoccupied seats, could be discerned the figure of a man
+wrapped in a cloak, his hat drawn over his eyes, his face resting on
+the desk before him.
+
+"The conclusion was, that it was some one bending under the weight of
+a too heavy cross; and the shaking power brother, after ineffectually
+rising and saying, 'If the brother yonder has a duty to do, I say he
+had better do it,' with apparent difficulty dragged his trembling frame
+across the room, and laid his hand authoritatively on the shoulder of
+the delinquent, when, lo! the cloak slipped to the floor—there was no
+one under it! It had chanced to be left in such a position as to look,
+in the uncertain light, as if filling its wonted office to the human
+form—hence the mistake.
+
+"Fanaticism is proverbially ingenious in turning its most palpable
+blunders into favoring arguments, but I never heard that this one was
+so used. The effect of the scene was irresistible. It dealt the shaking
+power a blow from which it did not recover, and the meeting dwindled
+in interest and numbers, many of the misguided attendants returning to
+their former religious indifference, and others, who had been honestly
+led astray, to happier spiritual associations."
+
+
+"Mother," asked Tom, when alone with her, "where are the rest of the
+fort people?"
+
+"That is a very sweeping question," she replied; "I do not understand
+it."
+
+"I have seen the general, and his wife, and Willie," explained he,
+coloring, "but where is Alice?"
+
+"Why, Tom, have you forgotten that she was lost?"
+
+"'Lost!'" repeated the son, with strong emphasis. "Why was I not
+informed of it? Lost! How? When?"
+
+"I wrote you the distressing intelligence; the letter must have
+miscarried."
+
+She then related the circumstances connected with her disappearance.
+When she had finished, Tom sat with drooping head, buried in thought.
+
+At last, starting as if awakened from sleep, he exclaimed, "Mother, I
+know what happened to Alice. She was carried off by the Indians, and I
+have seen her!"
+
+He then recited his adventure with the chief's daughter, ending by
+affirming that she and Alice were the same.
+
+"You are excited, my son," replied the mother, soothingly. "There are
+no points of resemblance. Alice had light hair, the Indian girl black;
+then consider how fair Alice was—too white to be mistaken for a savage.
+Besides, why did she not, by word or glance, make herself known?"
+
+These objections to his conjecture were unanswerable. Yet Tom was not
+convinced that he was wrong, and replied,—
+
+"Well, I shall hunt up Long Hair, and my visit shall be spent in
+seeking to unravel this mystery."
+
+And he left the room, pale, bowed, and resolute, as if a weight of
+sorrow and of duty had suddenly fallen upon him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE DWARF'S DISCOVERY.—BRAIN OR BONE.
+
+"I THINK we had better settle down somewhere," said the dwarf, "and not
+wander over the prairies forever. This is not just where I meant to
+stop; but Tom's chart was lost, and we must make the best of it."
+
+"But how do we know that the land here is not preëmpted?" inquired Mrs.
+Willard.
+
+"I'll venture that," replied the Hunchback; "we are in the region Tom
+said was not taken up. Besides, there are no signs of settlers."
+
+The two women put their heads out of the wagon, and looked around.
+
+"We certainly should not be troubled with neighbors in this solitude,"
+observed Mrs. Willard, dubiously.
+
+"Nor sigh 'for a lodge in some vast wilderness,'" suggested her sister.
+
+"But what 'should' we do in case of sickness?" forebodingly asked the
+former.
+
+"Take care of each other," replied the dwarf.
+
+"Suppose we were all sick at once?"
+
+"Suppose the Man in the Moon should shoot us," gruffly grunted the
+dwarf. "We came out to get a farm, and we can't do it by remaining in
+the wagon all our lives, and conjuring difficulties. If we mean to do
+anything, let us begin, I say."
+
+"Well, boys, what do you think?" inquired the mother, of Ferdie and
+Georgie.
+
+But their courage was at low tide; and dispirited, they turned their
+faces aside without answering.
+
+"Arriving" west and "going" west they had found to be very different.
+
+Prospective pioneering and the reality were so unlike! They had not
+counted the cost in encouraging their father to immigrate, nor in
+accepting Tom's plan for them. Very romantic ideas had they entertained
+of life on the prairies. But now they were reduced to plain matters of
+fact.
+
+"I am sorry we ever left the east!" fretted Georgie.
+
+"We can't help that now," replied his mother.
+
+"But how are we to get along in this miserable place?" asked Ferdinand.
+"No neighbors, no house to live in; nothing but land, land! How are we
+to live?"
+
+"By thought, contrivance, and work," said the dwarf.
+
+"O, yes, you'd do lots of work!" retorted Georgie. "If you peel your
+own potatoes, you'll do well."
+
+"I'll do my part, if you will yours," piped the dwarf.
+
+"Yes, you'll 'think.' Well, I prefer that part myself."
+
+"I tell you," reiterated the dwarf, frowning, "I'll do my part if
+you'll do yours."
+
+"My sons," sadly interposed the mother, "you'll kill your mother if you
+quarrel. We have met with great trouble. We must love and help each
+other. And remember, children, it is through no fault of Frankie's
+that he is not as strong as the rest of us. But how beautifully he
+remembered the route! I am not sure, with his strong memory and time
+for thought, but that he will be as useful in making our new home as
+either of us."
+
+"Mother," said little Hunchie, softened by her soothing speech, "you
+know that I was the last to give in my assent to Tom's plan. I knew
+Ferdinand and Georgie were too excited about the prairies to weigh the
+matter. But we are here, and I believe we shall succeed nicely after
+a while. It is in our favor that there are no settlers, for we can
+choose the best of the land. Tom says this whole region is destined to
+be thickly populated. And don't you recollect how crowded the cars and
+steamers were with people bound to Minnesota? We shall have neighbors
+soon enough. We must select our claim as wisely as we can while there
+is so fine a chance, and hasten to improve it, so that new comers may
+not get it from us."
+
+"Frankie is right," decided the mother. "Let us make a beginning. All
+is, if we can't get on farming, we shall have the claim to sell; and we
+can go back to the Mississippi, dispose of our team, and, if we wish,
+return to Maine."
+
+"So we can," chimed in Georgie, brightening. "But what's to be done
+first? I'm sure I don't know."
+
+"Select a site for a cabin," answered the dwarf, curtly. "Mother, you
+and aunt Esther get dinner, while we boys attend to this business.
+Unhitch the horses from the wagon, Ferdinand. You take one, and Georgie
+the other, and ride in opposite directions, and see what sort of a spot
+for a house you can choose. We ought to find a spring, if possible, as
+we shall not be able to dig a well, and river water isn't wholesome to
+drink. Tom said there is too much decaying vegetable matter in it."
+
+"We shan't ride, and we are going together," said Ferdinand. "Come,
+Georgie."
+
+And snatching aunt Esther's red shawl, and adjusting half to Georgie's
+shoulders and the remainder over his own, with arms around each other's
+waists, they sauntered off.
+
+"They'll learn that it isn't all play," said Frankie, gazing after the
+scarlet-robed boys.
+
+They had gone, perhaps, a half mile, when Ferdie suddenly slinging the
+shawl across his arm, the brothers ran, excitedly, different ways,
+describing a large circle. Then, waving their caps, they shouted,—
+
+"Drive over here! This is the place. Splendid for dinner, too!"
+
+So, the women and Frankie getting into the wagon, the latter guided the
+span there.
+
+"It's perfectly charming!" cried aunt Esther, with unwonted enthusiasm.
+
+They had reached a gentle swell of ground, at the foot of which was
+an oval-shaped lakelet, its turfy borders being as evenly curved as
+if done with the landscape gardener's tools, and the water was so
+translucent that the smallest object could be seen at the bottom. It
+was fed by boiling springs, several of which at either end were sending
+up fine white sand, while farther from the shore was still another, of
+great size and force. A mile and a half west was a fine grove.
+
+"Well done!" exclaimed Mrs. Willard, with maternal pride. "You have
+won credit to yourselves. We can erect our cabin on the top of the
+eminence, and it will command a splendid view. The lake will furnish
+an unfailing supply of sweet and healthful water. And when we open our
+farm, every inch of it will be in sight."
+
+"Now," cried Ferdie and Georgie in a breath, "we'll feed the horses,
+while mother cooks dinner."
+
+"You may leave the headstall on the off horse, Ferdie," said the dwarf.
+
+"What for? He can't eat with the bits in his mouth."
+
+"Guess I'll have a short ride," answered the Hunchback. "Lead him
+alongside the forward wheel, Ferdie. Now, fold this blanket, and strap
+it on his back." And springing from the wagon, the dwarf mounted the
+animal.
+
+Ferdie and Georgie clapped their hands and shouted, the odd-shaped
+rider cut so queer a figure.
+
+The slim, short legs and arms, and big head, the latter "beating time,"
+nodding and jerking with the motion of the horse, did indeed constitute
+a ludicrous picture.
+
+"How his head bobs!" said Georgie, laughing uncontrollably. "It'll snap
+off, I'm afraid."
+
+"Hush, boys," interposed the mother, in an undertone. "You will hurt
+Frankie's feelings. It is a noble head, if it is large. 'Tisn't all
+bone, like many big-headed folks, and it's properly put together."
+Then, raising her voice, "Don't be gone long, Frankie, or I shall worry
+about you."
+
+The stout horse and small rider plodded slowly on, for the dwarf
+had never ridden a beast before, and his weighty top-piece toppled
+painfully when the animal trotted.
+
+
+He was away some time. The family became anxious concerning him, and
+Ferdie was on the point of taking the other horse, and riding to see if
+any accident had befallen him, when he emerged from the grove. On his
+arrival, he silently seated himself on the grass, and ate the bountiful
+portion his mother had reserved, while his brothers and aunt Esther
+discussed which way the projected cabin should set.
+
+"Tom said the door ought to be towards the south," remarked Ferdinand,
+"because it's the sunny and warm side."
+
+"Then we will have it so," answered aunt Esther.
+
+"Come, Ferdinand, harness up," interrupted the dwarf, wiping his mouth.
+
+"Harness up? Not by a jugful! We are going to build the cabin here,"
+cried Ferdie and Georgie at the top of their lungs. "Aren't we, mother?"
+
+"My son," said Mrs. Willard, laying her hand lovingly on the
+Hunchback's shoulder, "all of us deem this a delightful spot. Don't you
+think we had better build our new abode here?"
+
+"What shall we build it of?" asked he.
+
+"Of logs," tartly replied Ferdinand. "You didn't dream that we designed
+erecting a marble palace—did you?"
+
+"Where will you get the logs?" persisted Hunchback.
+
+"There are a pair of sharp axes in the wagon, and a grove yonder,"
+returned Ferdinand, loftily.
+
+"How will you get the logs here?"
+
+"We suppose the span can draw them."
+
+"And after the logs are brought, are you and Georgie strong enough to
+lift the great green tree-trunks upon each other, till the walls of the
+cabin are constructed? It would require a company of men."
+
+As there was no reply to this, the Hunchback added,—
+
+"Hurry, and tackle in the horses, and drive to the grove."
+
+They were soon there.
+
+"Now," said the dwarf, jumping out of the vehicle, "hitch the span;
+then all follow me."
+
+Striking a narrow path, which he pronounced a deer's trail, leading
+through the wood, there, on the other side of the grove, sheltered from
+the north winds, stood a snug cabin. It was unshingled, and without
+door or windows. There was, indeed, no aperture for the latter. A few
+loose boards composed the floor. Wide cracks yawned in the walls.
+Some rods farther on flowed the creek. Between it and the cabin was
+a copious spring of ice-cold water. Facing the dwelling was smooth
+prairie, and at a convenient distance was a small, unroofed shed, built
+of logs.
+
+"I had been considering the case," remarked the dwarf, "and saw that
+we could not, unassisted, build a cabin, and that we must, therefore,
+locate near some town where help could be procured. But, you know, land
+is high in such places. We can fix this up, and manage to live for the
+present."
+
+"What if the owners return and claim it?" asked prudent aunt Esther.
+
+"No danger of that," affirmed the Hunchback. "See how dry the logs of
+the walls are, and there are no traces of footsteps. The cabin is very
+old, and has long been abandoned. Years ago, before immigration had
+penetrated so far, it was erected, no doubt, by the hunter and trapper.
+It is on Uncle Sam's land, and we may occupy it if we will."
+
+Mrs. Willard drew the young-old head to her, and pressing a kiss on the
+dwarf's lips, presently said,—
+
+"What should we do without our wise Frankie?"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A STRANGE VISITOR.—THE MAN IN THE CHIMNEY CORNER.
+
+THE cabin which the Willards had appropriated was built of massive
+logs, through which was an occasional loophole. For when the first
+pioneers took possession of the soil, the log houses were constructed
+so as to be fortresses upon occasion. Later comers, being less
+suspicious of their copper-colored neighbors, did not provide against
+hostilities which they expected not.
+
+But the walls of the cabin, beaten upon by sun and storm, had shrunken
+till wide seams let the prairie winds—accustomed to their own way,
+unchecked by obstacles—through and through the dilapidated structure,
+whistling as they went, to express their contempt for the architectural
+excrescence. The zephyr, just from touching with a respectful kiss the
+beautiful prairie flowers, would pucker up its lips and dart through
+the unsightly building with a "w-h-e-w!" as if ashamed of being seen in
+so poor an abode. And it must be confessed that a log house does not
+compare well with the blossoming verdure amid which it squats. Still,
+human beings, unlike wild flowers, must have a house over their heads,
+and the homely loggery has been the home of many a soul worth more than
+worlds.
+
+"I really believe," observed Mrs. Willard, next morning after their
+arrival at the cabin, "that I suffered more from the cold last night
+than I did sleeping in the wagon," and she shivered as she spoke. "I
+guess, boys, you will have to stop up the cracks in the walls, if you
+do not wish mother to get sick."
+
+"We'll set about it to-day," manfully answered Ferdinand, entering.
+
+"That's right," replied she, turning towards him with a pleased smile.
+"Why, what have you there, my son?"
+
+"Partridges," responded he, proudly swinging them into view. "Last
+night, after all were asleep, and everything was still, I heard a
+rumbling sound in the grove. So, going noiselessly out of doors, I
+listened. Soon it was repeated, and I knew that it was a partridge
+drumming on a log to call its mate. At daybreak I was out hunting.
+Guess we will have a nice dinner to-day," he added, triumphantly.
+
+"And we shall be indebted to your smartness for it," said aunt Esther.
+
+"And now, Ferdinand, if you and Georgie will get me some wood, and make
+a fire, we will have breakfast."
+
+"And I," remarked aunt Esther, "will pick and dress the partridges."
+
+"Those fowl are worth much more than their value to us as food,"
+observed Mrs. Willard, with emotion, as the boys left. "Notice
+Ferdinand; how cheerfully he steps off with shouldered axe! His dear
+father bore the burden in the care of the family, and it is a new thing
+for the boys to do much for themselves or us.
+
+"But even the shooting of those birds has given Ferdinand a taste of
+the happiness of self-reliance. Perhaps this pioneering is destined
+to develop him into a useful man. Hear their axes! How enlivening the
+sound! I must run out and see how they manage."
+
+The grove in which was the cabin was principally of oak. Among the
+leafy trees stood here and there one killed by prairie fires. Two of
+these—they were not large—the boys were falling. The wood of the dead
+trees was sound, dry, and exceedingly hard, and the task of cutting
+them down, and chopping them into suitable lengths, was none too easy.
+
+"How bravely you get along!" exclaimed Mrs. Willard, quietly loading
+her arms with some or the smaller sticks.
+
+And, notwithstanding Ferdinand cried out, "Don't do that, mother!" she
+carried them into the cabin.
+
+But the boys quickly followed with lusty loads. Then they lugged in a
+huge backlog, and deposited it in the clay-stick-and-stone fireplace.
+More wood was added, and if the smoke did puff out into the room, ere
+long a merry fire was crackling, and tea-kettle and pot steaming.
+
+"Chinking," or stopping up the cracks in the sides of the loggery, was
+a slower and more laborious job than the lads anticipated. The manner
+of accomplishing this, is to hew pieces of wood sufficiently narrow on
+one edge to enter the crevices; then, striking on the broad or outer
+part, they are driven closely in and nailed.
+
+Oak being too hard to work, or even to secure, the nails often bending
+and breaking, the wood was so impervious, the boys chose poplar
+instead. This was soft and light, and proved just the thing. Several
+days elapsed, however, before the chinking had far advanced.
+
+Next came "mortaring" the chinking. This, in a new country, is usually
+done with clay. The moist, tenacious earth is thrown violently, by the
+hand, between the logs.
+
+"Jolly! I can do that," cried Georgie. "It will be like snowballing."
+
+But he was glad to cease from the attempt. Nor did Ferdinand succeed
+much better. For strange as it may appear to the uninitiated, this
+style of mortaring requires a powerful arm and no little physical
+endurance.
+
+
+One afternoon, as the brothers with lamed arms were ineffectually
+laboring at clay-balls, they heard behind them the snort of a horse.
+Turning, there sat a rider coolly watching, with an amused air, their
+endeavors.
+
+"You are not exactly used to that business," he remarked, dismounting.
+"Here, I'll show you how."
+
+And stripping off his coat, and rolling up his shirt-sleeves,
+displaying a massive arm, he scooped up the clay, and threw it with
+great precision and force.
+
+"Now, boys," he went on in a complimentary manner, "you are bright
+enough for 'most anything, but you haven't the muscle for this.
+Besides, it wants practice."
+
+And while they looked on, he continued mortaring and chatting, till
+quite a space was finished.
+
+Meanwhile, the sun was declining. Suddenly it slipped off the edge of
+the prairie, and dropped from view.
+
+For some time, the boys had been feeling uneasy. They saw the afternoon
+waning, and tea approaching, and then night. And the stranger—who was
+he? How he lingered—so keen and self-confident! Was he a fit person to
+invite into the cabin?
+
+The mother and aunt were not unaware of this presence, and the former
+delayed supper, hoping he would leave. The boys, too, though thankful,
+at the outset, for his efficient assistance, grew more and more uneasy
+at his tarrying. On their part, therefore, conversation was confined to
+monosyllables.
+
+But the volunteer worker in clay paid no heed to their reserve. Nor did
+he take any hints, however plain, about the lateness of the hour, or
+resent it when the dwarf, making his appearance, told him bluntly, and
+in a suspicious, domineering manner, that if he had far to travel, he
+had better start, as "they" couldn't keep him over night.
+
+"Ah, 'tis a trifle late, youngster, as you remark," he mildly
+responded. "What a bright star that is low down there in the sky! I
+don't much wonder 'ef' you cud give the real name on't."
+
+"I don't care about the star," retorted the Hunchback, wrathfully.
+
+"When did you state you immigrated from the east?" asked the strange
+caller, seating himself on an oak stick.
+
+"Mother," whispered the Hunchback, reentering the house, "that man is
+determined to stay here. I tried to send him away, but he will not
+budge an inch. It's the very fellow who came to us on the prairie, when
+you called Georgie."
+
+"So I suspected," she replied, anxiously.
+
+"We shall bar the door against him," said aunt Esther, firmly.
+"Frankie, you manage to sly the boys in, and we'll fasten the chap out."
+
+"But he'll steal the horses," suggested the dwarf.
+
+"I didn't think of that," she replied. "Mercy! He's heard every word!"
+she instantly exclaimed; for near the entrance was the subject of
+remark listening to their conversation.
+
+The demonstration he had thus received that "listeners never hear any
+good of themselves," did not, however, disturb his equanimity.
+
+Passing, uninvited, the forbidden threshold, he said, with unruffled
+audacity, holding up his begrimed hands,—
+
+"'Ef' you will have the kindness, madam, to obleege me with a dish of
+water to rense off this sile! I jist thought I'd give yer boys a lift
+mor-tarin.' Heavy work that fer youngsters like them!"
+
+The spinster, with stately dignity, poured water in a basin, and giving
+it to Georgie, he set it on a bench without the cabin.
+
+"A cloth, ma'am, 'ef' yer please, ter dry me on," he said, putting his
+face within the door.
+
+With freezing coldness, a towel was held towards him.
+
+"Thank ye, ma'am," said he, rubbing his head dry. Then producing a
+pocket comb, he removed his hat, and turning his back on the women,
+proceeded to comb his hair, remarking,—
+
+"Don't mind me, ma'am; I see yer tea is waitin'. An' the youngsters, no
+doubt, are hungry as pigs."
+
+The Willards were, at this stage of affairs, convinced that they had
+met their match. On two trunks, arranged side by side, and covered with
+a cloth, waited the meal. What could they do?
+
+"Perhaps you will eat with us," said Mrs. Willard, faintly, in an
+accent intended to elicit a refusal.
+
+"Don't care ef I take a bite," brightly replied the repulsed guest. "I
+ain't a mite bashful among friends. Haven't tasted sich corn-dodgers
+for a month of Sundays. And that butter is a little the sweetest. May
+I ask, ma'am, ef it's yer own churnin'?" addressing the indignant
+spinster.
+
+"No!" she emphatically replied.
+
+"'Of' course not! Excuse me, ma'am. I might hev known from yer hands—so
+white an' delicate, that they'd never seen much 'tile.'"
+
+Aunt Esther haughtily folded her hands in her apron, and lifted her
+eyebrows scornfully.
+
+"Hands, ma'am," he calmly continued, "have a marster sight of meanin'
+to 'em. Here's one, for instance," laying his own on the table, "that
+was constructed for 'most anything—shootin', choppin', diggin', and, in
+circumstances of danger, say, fightin'. You see," said he, closing his
+fingers, "it's considerable of a fist, 'ef' I do say it."
+
+And a latent threat seemed to his excited auditors to pervade his tone.
+
+"A man that's got to 'knock' about the world has ter own a paw that can
+thread a needle or floor an elephant. But a lady,—" and here his voice
+was low and soft,—"who stays ter home, or goes to dances, or keeps
+school, don't need a power of bone an' sinew, no more'n she needs a
+man's thunderin' lungs. Show me a person's paw, male or female, an' ten
+ter one I ken tell jist what natur intended him fer.
+
+"An' now, ladies," he observed, rising, "'ef' it will be no offence,
+I'll jist take a whif, ter keep off the 'dis'pepsy."
+
+Then seating himself in a corner of the wide-mouthed fireplace, he drew
+some tobacco and a huge knife with a poniard-shaped blade from one
+pocket, then an oddly-carved pipe from another, and carefully cut up
+the weed, and filling the bowl, inserted the slender stem between his
+lips, and puffed in quiet.
+
+What a still group was that, that evening! By the flickering firelight,
+the Willards could see that the dark eye of their unknown, self-invited
+visitor followed all their movements, while the uncertain glow that
+fell on his features reflected no satisfactory insight into his true
+character. Contradictory elements predominated in the strongly-marked
+countenance, the expression of which was remarkably under the control
+of its proprietor.
+
+At one moment, Mrs. Willard would judge him to be a rough but honest
+specimen of the uncultured frontiersman; at the next, a shrewd villain
+who had assumed the pioneer manner and dialect for a bad purpose.
+
+Whatever the surmises of the cabinites, the mysterious stranger smoked
+silently on, pouring in irregular alternation the smoke out first in
+a dense volume direct, then from the right corner of his mouth; next,
+from the left, and lastly in two simultaneous jets from his nostrils.
+And all this in the easiest, at home style conceivable, as if he of the
+pipe was owner of the premises, and smoking in that particular place
+and method a household institution.
+
+Nine o'clock. Ten o'clock. He was still there. The boys stole out of
+doors, and engaged in earnest consultation, Georgie standing sentinel
+where he could report if the man left his seat.
+
+"I shall order him off," said Frankie.
+
+And with knit brow and threatening eye, approaching the intruder, he
+laid his puny hand upon the man's muscular knee, and said,—
+
+"Come, mister, be starting; we can't accommodate you here!"
+
+"Can't?" inquired the smoker, deliberately knocking the ashes from his
+pipe. "Let's see. Two rooms. One at the foot of the ladder, and one
+above. I'll jist peep inter the loft."
+
+And calmly crossing the apartment, and supporting himself upon the
+strips of wood nailed, in lieu of a real ladder, against the logs, he
+peered into the attic.
+
+"Good enough for a king," said he. "There are just six of us, countin'
+myself. I've known forty ter occupy one floor in a smaller cabin than
+this. No, youngster, you're not agwine ter set me afloat on the naked
+prairie at this 'on'reasonable hour. These ladies wouldn't permit sich
+barbarous proceedin', pervided 'I' was willin', which I am not. 'Twon't
+answer at the west to turn the cold shoulder on the benighted traveller
+that way. 'Ef' you're willin', ma'am," addressing Mrs. Willard, "I'll
+jist bring in my blanket, and roll myself up in it under the ruff!"
+
+"We are not prepared—" began she.
+
+"Never mind apologies, ma'am. I kin sleep 'beautiful' so. All I wants
+is a board—ef it isn't the softest that ever was!"
+
+And fetching in a roll of blanketing, he tossed it upon the boards
+overhead, saying,—
+
+"I'll jist take a peep inter the shed, an' see if there's a corner for
+my beast."
+
+And loosening his splendid steed from the sapling to which it had
+been haltered, the stranger led him to the little stable, followed by
+Ferdinand and Georgie.
+
+"Why, youngsters," said he, glancing in, "you don't turn yer critters
+in 'permiscuous'—do ye? It's a born mericle that they hadn't got ter
+kickin', and spilte one t'other afore now. We must fix some stalls ter
+keep them separate. Got an axe?"
+
+Georgie brought one.
+
+With singular handiness and celerity, he hewed some thick poles flatted
+at both ends, and with the strong nails from the wagon pouch, also
+carried to him by Georgie, he constructed three rude stalls for the
+horses, and tying his in the one farthest from the door, the brothers
+secured theirs in the remaining places.
+
+It had been aunt Esther's custom, before retiring, to read aloud a
+portion of Scripture, and then the family repeated in unison the
+Lord's Prayer. When the trio returned, after stating their habit, she
+opened her gilt-edged pocket Bible, and read the fourth Psalm. As she
+concluded the last verse,—
+
+   "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only
+makest me dwell in safety—"
+
+"There's no book like that," remarked their guest; and falling to his
+knees, he listened devoutly as the divinely-given petitions ascended.
+
+"I shall sleep beautiful after that prayer," said he, as they arose;
+"it sounds natral."
+
+Whether he was sincere or not in what he said, it is certain that
+the afflicted and lonely household was soothed and uplifted by their
+simple, unaffected service. On the solitary prairie, far from human
+succor, their hearts instinctively turned for protection to the
+ever-present Being who neither slumbers nor sleeps. And the two women
+retired, serenely committing themselves to the loving care of the
+infinite Helper and Preserver.
+
+How much, however, their returning composure was due to the reverential
+deportment at prayers of their strange guest, I cannot decide. But Mrs.
+Willard whispered to her sister,—
+
+"I am afraid we have been too suspicious of that man. Did you notice
+that he knelt with us?"
+
+But aunt Esther doubtingly shook her head.
+
+As for the boys, they did not ascend to their mattresses in the cabin
+garret, but camped beside their mother's bed, Ferdinand with an axe,
+and Georgie with the hatchet, while the dwarf sat in a dim corner,
+screened by trunks, with Ferdinand's gun ready loaded and capped. The
+three had resolved to watch till day. But soon the 'boarder' fell a
+snoring in so masterly and systematic a style, that Georgie drowsily
+whispered to Ferdie,—
+
+"Guess you won't hear the partridges drum to-night!"
+
+"Yes, I hear one now," replied Ferdie; "he's on that man's nose!"
+
+And after a convulsive giggle, they both dropped asleep.
+
+But the Hunchback kept guard.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+SECOND IMPRESSIONS.—AUNT ESTHER AND THE PLOUGHMEN.
+
+THE Willards rested undisturbed, save that, semi-occasionally, a climax
+snore from the attic lodger caused momentary disquiet. But thunder does
+not kill, neither does snoring; and there is a frank outspokenness
+about the latter quite reassuring under certain circumstances.
+Certainly, so long as a man suspected of fell design so loudly
+proclaims his somnolence, so long you feel secure from harm at his
+hands. And Mr. Lodger blew bugle-blasts of peace till the glowing east
+announced the empire of darkness overthrown—for a few hours.
+
+With composed and serious mien, the wayfarer descended from the
+low-roofed chamber, and kind Mrs. Willard, as he bade her "good
+morning," marvelled that they had been such cowards.
+
+"Madam," said he, "I owe you an apology for my rudeness last evening.
+Here on the frontier the latch-string always hangs out, and the
+traveller is made welcome. You are not used to such unquestioning
+hospitality. I forgot to make allowance for the fact, and was irritated
+at your cold, New England ways.
+
+"My name is Simmons. I hail from New York, where I own a snug property.
+Am what is termed an old bachelor; not from choice, but never chanced
+to meet just the person I fancied. Took a notion to the frontier. Have
+spent a year or two riding round. Think I shall open a large farm,
+stock it, build a comfortable house, if I can find a woman of the right
+stamp to look after me and the establishment,—none of your flyaway
+butterflies, but a sensible, pious lady, in whom a man can depend for
+comfort and happiness.
+
+"There you have my story. And now I've been thinking, as your boys
+are young, and green in pioneering, and my horse is overdriven, that
+if they'll let the creature stand where he is in the shed, and cut a
+handful of grass for him, and give him water, just as if 'twas their
+own, I'll return the compliment with interest."
+
+The two women critically regarded their guest while he spoke. To how
+much better advantage he appeared by morning than by firelight! They
+began to feel annoyed at the offensive distrust of him. His "language,"
+too, how greatly improved! How much there is in one's manner!
+
+Mrs. Willard did not at once reply.
+
+"Believe me, I will not obtrude on your quiet. I shall not be here much
+myself, but when on the ground will gladly aid the lads in getting
+settled. My experience ought to be of service to them, and as for
+remuneration for the care of self and beast, I'll see that you don't
+lose by the operation."
+
+The arrangement was entered into. Mr. Simmons, leaving his handsome
+horse, and crossing the prairie afoot, was lost to view.
+
+"I hate his looks," said the dwarf, "and hope he'll die or the Indians
+will capture him, so that he'll never show his face in our house again."
+
+"Why, Frankie," exclaimed Mrs. Willard, reprovingly, "what a wicked
+wish! I am sure the more I see of Mr. Simmons, the better he appears.
+Doesn't he, Esther?"
+
+"He's hard to understand," replied the spinster.
+
+
+At twilight of the third day ensuing, Mr. Simmons returned.
+
+"Ferdie," said he, familiarly, "I have a capital idea for you boys. It
+is too late in the season, you know, to plant, but it is magnificent
+weather for haying. I'd like a little exercise at it myself. Suppose
+we spend several days working up the grass—untold acres wait for the
+scythe. It's easy making it in this dry Minnesota air, and these
+ceaseless breezes—cut and stack it the same hour almost. Why, your
+sons, Mrs. Willard, might put up tons of it; and in the fall and
+winter, the immigrants, flocking in too late to hay, would buy of you,
+and pay all you asked. They must have it for their cattle; don't you
+see? And I'd rather give the lads a lift at it than not."
+
+"A most excellent idea," said Mrs. Willard.
+
+"I've lugged a scythe ten miles on purpose," he continued. "Here it
+is." And he took it in from the side of the cabin, against which it
+leaned. "What say for a raid on the prairie grass to-morrow, boys?—If
+your mother will let me lunch on her nice corn-cake, and stretch my
+legs on a board in the attic."
+
+"Certainly," replied that lady, with warmth. "Ferdie, some haying-tools
+came with the wagon—did they not?"
+
+"Yes, mother," he answered; "two rakes, a large and small hayfork, and
+one scythe."
+
+"How much will hay probably command next fall?" inquired the mother.
+
+"It will be low, of course, compared with eastern prices; but the grass
+here grows wild, and it makes into hay vastly easier and faster. Your
+boys will dispose of it readily at from five to ten dollars per ton,
+and they can stack two tons a day, easily."
+
+"That's the ticket," said Georgie, turning a summersault from the
+doorstep, where he sat listening. "We can pay for our claim that way.
+I'm in for it, for one. Hurrah for prairie hay!"
+
+Mr. Simmons's suggestion was a good one, and commended itself even to
+calculating aunt Esther.
+
+
+And next morning betimes, the pleasant and familiar sound of the mower
+sharpening his scythe resounded on the proximate prairie.
+
+Mr. Simmons, with amazing ease, yet with hurry, cut great smooth
+swaths. Ferdie improved as he practised, abiding by Mr. Simmons's
+example and instructions. Willie and Frankie handled the rakes.
+Soon gigantic hay-mounds dotted the shorn plain, the man day by day
+stimulating the energies of the boys by his own disinterested efforts,
+and by assuring them that all the profits were to be theirs.
+
+One noon, as they reclined eating their dinner, Mr. Simmons observed,—
+
+"Boys, I move we vary our work this afternoon. I'm getting tired of
+that dark attic. Besides, the roof is so low that I can't get into bed
+without thumping my head against the rafters. Let us cut some light
+logs, and build a little hut between here and the cabin for me to
+occupy nights, and to store the tools in, and save carrying them so
+far."
+
+So Fondle and Georgie fetched axes, and a miniature cabin arose, which,
+from that time forward, Mr. Simmons slept in.
+
+The haying went on prosperously, Mr. Simmons working with the boys, or
+omitting it, as he chose, but when in the field directing all that was
+done. He proved an efficient overseer.
+
+He now frequently called in at the Willard cabin for conversation with
+the ladies, his many thoughtful suggestions and apt offices causing
+them to depend somewhat on his aid. Towards Miss Esther, he became
+specially, but unostentatiously, attentive. And when, at times, he
+dwelt on the loneliness of his bleak bachelorhood, and pictured his
+idea of wifely qualifications, occasionally the blood would mount to
+her cheeks, as she fancied he had her in mind for the original.
+
+"I declare, I believe the old bach is dead in love with you, sis," Mrs.
+Willard would assert, after he had left.
+
+At which insinuation aunt Esther's ear-drops would indignantly vibrate,
+as she tossed her head, ejaculating, "What presumption!"
+
+There was, however, one kindness that Mr. Simmons did aunt Esther
+that extorted her appreciative notice. She had—as who has not?—one
+infirmity: she was vain of her clear complexion—a charm she feared she
+should lose in the gloomy, begrimed loggery.
+
+"I shall be black as Egypt," she sighed one day, as the gallant "bach"
+entered. "It's as dark and smoky here as Tartarus!"
+
+Shortly after Mr. Simmons remarked,—
+
+"Ladies, I've been on a voyage of discovery, and have hit on a chance
+to buy a cooking-stove and some glass windows, cheap. Now, you could
+have an aperture cut for a window, and one fitted in very easily—Ferdie
+and I could do it, as to that. A temporary addition might also be
+built against the cabin, near the door, to put the stove in till cool
+weather."
+
+"What would they cost?" eagerly asked Mrs. Willard.
+
+"Not over eighteen dollars. The stove is second-hand."
+
+She did not answer, for she felt too poor to spare the money. But when
+her eyes were turned, aunt Esther followed the bachelor out of the
+cabin, and inquired, dignifiedly,—
+
+"When could the stove and windows be procured?"
+
+"To-morrow," was the reply.
+
+"The money is ready when they arrive," she said. "Come to me for it;
+but let it remain a secret between you and me."
+
+Immediately, to the astonishment of Mrs. Willard, the boys and the
+bachelor attacked the dwelling. They were chiselling, pounding,
+thumping, sawing, in a most unaccountable manner, the entire afternoon,
+till at length daylight streamed into the log house through a civilized
+glass window, and the tea-kettle sang a song of steam in a veritable
+stove.
+
+Nevertheless, the dwarf was still sullen towards the benevolent Mr.
+Simmons. And aunt Esther, despite his clever compliments and kindnesses
+to the household, shook distrustingly, though less confidently, her
+well-poised head. But with Mrs. Willard, Ferdie, and Georgie, the
+bachelor was immensely popular.
+
+
+"What is that?" exclaimed Mrs. Willard, a week later, as stentorian
+shouting smote her ear from the direction of the haystacks.
+
+Georgie hurried round the grove, and more quickly hurried back, his
+blue eyes wide with wonder, reporting that two men were there with a
+"tremenjous" big team, ploughing.
+
+"On our claim?"
+
+"Yes," said Georgie.
+
+Mrs. Willard and aunt Esther, with the three boys, went to see for
+themselves. Sure enough, in front of the hut in which considerate Mr.
+Simmons performed nocturnal music, was yoke on yoke of oxen, drawing a
+mammoth plough through the virgin sod. It was an animating spectacle.
+But why were they ploughing there? And by whose order?
+
+The lads hastened to ascertain.
+
+"It's another of Mr. Simmons's generous surprises," said confiding Mrs.
+Willard. "He's having that land broken up for the boys. He 'is' a good
+soul, there!"
+
+"Mister," addressing the man of the whip, "who sent you to plough on
+our piece?"
+
+"Hey?" blurted the driver, beginning a new furrow.
+
+When he reached the end of it, Ferdie repeated the question.
+
+"Git out of the way," he roared, flourishing the cruel lash, "or you'll
+git this round yer legs!"
+
+Ferdinand retreated in consternation, and repairing to his mother,
+stated the brutal reception he had met.
+
+"I'll inquire," said aunt Esther, her eyes flashing; "they'll not be
+impudent to me!"
+
+The correctness of this conclusion, however, appeared doubtful as she
+neared the ploughmen. Their vociferous "gee-haw"-ing and terrible oaths
+discovered a determination, like Jeff Davis, to be "let alone."
+
+But Miss Esther advanced, with undaunted intrepidity, directly in
+the path of the team, and there she stood immovable as a granite
+boulder. The cattle stopped, the men ceased swearing, at the unexpected
+interference.
+
+"Sir," said she to the teamster, "I wish to be informed by whose
+authority you are here."
+
+"Wall, I ruther suspects," returned the man, "it's by the authority of
+him as owns this strip o' land."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"Wall, miss, it's the person what occurpies that ere shanty, and forked
+up those ere stacks o' hay!"
+
+"O, you've made a mistake," she observed. "'We' built that hut, and
+made that hay."
+
+"Didn't no one else have a hand in it?"
+
+"A man who boarded with us helped—a Mr. Simmons."
+
+"I don't know no Mr. Simmons; nor you nuther, as to that. But the
+individual what occurpies that shanty employed us to turn over this
+soil, and we're just a going to do it. Gee! Git up!"
+
+"Sir," interposed the lady, stepping to his side and laying her white
+hand on his bare, brown wrist, "'you' are a 'man,' and 'I' am a
+'woman,' and of course you are 'gentleman' enough to hear what I've got
+to say. Come this way a moment," she added, authoritatively.
+
+And ashamed to refuse, he followed her to the Willard cabin.
+
+"Here's where we live," said she. "Which has been the longest built,
+this house or that hut, in which the one who sent you here slept a few
+nights?"
+
+"This, in course," he answered.
+
+"Then what right had that fellow—our 'guest'—to call this land his, and
+send you to break it up?"
+
+"Have you preëmpted, miss?"
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"Well, miss, I'm hired to do this small job, an' I shell do it. Can't
+afford to lose the pay. All is, ye'll have ter be spry, or you'll have
+yer claim jumped—that's all!"
+
+"Jumped! I don't understand you."
+
+"Well, you're mighty green, then. It's done over and often. You see,
+the one what gits fust into the Land Office, and swears he's got a
+cabin, and some breaking on land what's unpaid for, gits it. Now,
+that's what this ere Mr. Shimmey—or whatsomdever's his name—is arter,
+'you' bet!" And her blunt informant turned to go.
+
+"One more question," said she. "You asserted that he owned that hay.
+What do you know about it?"
+
+"Nothing much," was the answer; "only that I heard this ere man engage
+it to Edmonds at three dollars a ton. Edmonds is buying up all he can
+lay paws on, to hold agin it gits higher!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+ONE SWALLOW DOES NOT MAKE A SUMMER.— TRIBULATIONS OF A FAT MAN.
+
+"I SHALL ask him, as sure as he sets foot inside this cabin again." And
+aunt Esther's cheeks glowed.
+
+"Do you suppose," said the dwarf, "that if he intends to jump our
+claim, he'd be fool enough to tell you beforehand?"
+
+"I shall never believe that Mr. Simmons is tricky and dishonest,"
+affirmed the charitable Mrs. Willard. "Why, I have been much
+instructed, and benefited,—I hope I have a right to say,—by his
+excellent sentiments. If I am not deceived, he's a truly godly person.
+And I still think that he sent that breaking team here as a generous
+kindness to us. It was a surprise—he's so delicate about intruding
+himself. You are unreasonable towards him, Esther, while he worships
+the ground you tread on; and he is doing these kindnesses in order to
+overcome your prejudice, and get you to look with more favor on his
+suit."
+
+Aunt Esther grew pale with anger, but kept her firmly-set mouth closed.
+
+"And 'you,' Frankie, are much to blame for your aunt's coolness. You'd
+be suspicious of an angel; and you talked so hard against Mr. Simmons,
+that she has drank into your spirit. It is ungrateful, after all he's
+done to help us. I'm sure we 'need' help out here on the prairie."
+
+"Well, you'll find out," hotly piped the Hunchback, "after he's got our
+splendid claim! But, mother," he added, after a moment's pause, "it
+isn't best for me, or aunt Esther, or any of us, to let him know we
+suspect him, for that would put him on his guard. And if he 'does' wish
+for the land, he would hurry and preëmpt it. We must treat him well,
+but 'watch'—'watch'—keeping our eyes open when he supposes they are
+shut."
+
+"That's it, Frankie," joined in aunt Esther; "we must conceal our
+suspicions, and unravel his schemes, if we can. But there he is, now!"
+
+And flustered Mrs. Willard became over-busy in her housework, and
+self-poised aunt Esther returned to her sewing.
+
+"How do you all do?" he inquired, in an accent of sincere interest, and
+not in the careless tone of a commonplace.
+
+"Quite well, I thank you," responded Mrs. Willard, intent on her baking.
+
+"Pleased to hear it. By the way, did some men call here to do a little
+breaking?"
+
+"Yes," she answered, ceasing to mould the dough, and, regarding him
+with transparent anxiety, instantly added, "they said 'you' sent them."
+
+"Happy to learn that they were so prompt. You see, by turning over
+the sod that it may lay exposed to the weather and the frost, it will
+be nicely rotted by spring. Fortunately, I ran across that team while
+I was away; and as it is almost impossible to hire one for love or
+money,—especially for a small job,—there is so much prairie to be
+broken up. I persuaded the fellows to put in their plough for a little
+strip—only three acres. The boys will want a garden next season."
+
+Good Mrs. Willard's expressive countenance displayed the pleasure she
+felt at his vindication of himself; and to help him out, she said,
+notwithstanding the dwarf's admonitory frown,—
+
+"The boys thought it strange you told those men that this claim is
+yours."
+
+"So I did," he explained, lightly laughing. "You'll set that down as
+a fib, I'm afraid, and mark me out of your books. But they were full
+of work, and I was obliged to make out a strong plea to get them here
+at all, and of course I had to become personally responsible for the
+contract. Men don't care to do business with women, and these chaps
+knew nothing about Mrs. Willard and sister,—estimable ladies as they
+are, and abundantly able to pay."
+
+"How much is their bill?" tartly inquired aunt Esther, taking out her
+purse.
+
+"A mere trifle," replied Mr. Simmons "only twelve dollars. Another time
+will answer just as well. Ferdie and Willie, I wish to show you about
+the breaking."
+
+"There," said he, as they reached the three acres, "this spot lies low,
+and I chose it partly because, being moist, it will stand a drought,
+should there be one next summer. It's no harm to be sure of 'one' crop,
+at least. This will be your garden. You will have to fence it, to shut
+out stray cattle. And, by the by, I might spend a day or two helping in
+this, better than not, just now. Suppose we go at it this afternoon."
+
+"Agreed!" cried the lads, as enthusiastic now as condemnatory before.
+
+"If, now, Frankie was as smart and bright as his brothers," continued
+the bachelor, "it wouldn't take us long to get out the rails and lay
+them up. Pity he's so helpless and odd."
+
+"I guess dinner is about ready," said Ferdie; "Georgie, you run and
+see."
+
+The lad quickly reappeared to call them. And as the little family
+surrounded the rude table, Mrs. Willard hesitatingly said,—
+
+"Mr. Simmons, perhaps you would say grace before we eat."
+
+"If you desire, ma'am," he replied, and repeated a brief form of
+petition and thanksgiving, which so mellowed Mrs. Willard's sensitive
+heart that she fairly loaded her guest's plate with the choicest of the
+food, and was concerned that his vigorous "appetite was so poor."
+
+Their guest ate rapidly, and precipitately rising, excused himself,
+saying,—
+
+"Boys, I'll get things ready, and when you are through eating, we'll go
+to work."
+
+Mrs. Willard looked from the window after him till assured he was out
+of hearing, then gesticulating impressively with a fork, she said,—
+
+"Now, Frankie and Esther, I trust you are satisfied. You have doubted
+and slandered a pious and true man."
+
+"Frankie," she interrupted herself to scream, "come back and finish
+your dinner!"
+
+But the dwarf disappeared behind a corner of the log stable.
+
+
+"MR. SWALLER!"
+
+That fat worthy was venturing very carefully to "work his passage"
+from the immigrant wagon to "terra firma." And at the inopportune
+instant when the shrew's shrill and imperative summons pierced his
+ear, was mentally and physically contriving how to descend safely with
+a strapping girl of five under one arm, and elsewise, a nurse bottle,
+a basket of eggs, a flask of wine, a bandbox containing his wife's
+bonnet, and last, but not least, himself.
+
+"'Mr. Swaller!'"
+
+The rotund and encumbered gentleman alluded to was peculiarly situated.
+The horses were uneasy, the flies pertinacious, the ponderous wagon
+starting, just as he essayed, with one foot on the wheel, to make land.
+There was an awful and untimely lurch of the vehicle. The eggs slid in
+succession "to smash," and, stooping to catch them, his unwieldy legs
+became entangled, and, by a remarkable feat, considering his weight, he
+found himself on the ground, bandbox beneath him, child sitting on his
+nose, and milk running into his eyes.
+
+The spectators to this extremely unique and striking "tableau" were the
+Willard household, and—Mrs. Swallow.
+
+The flustered and perspiring "Mr." Swallow gathered together his lower
+extremities, sat up, and gazed around, as well as cherub and milk would
+permit. The former, its unusually large mouth stretched miraculously,
+yelled "particular murder."
+
+"Mr. 'Swaller!' When 'are' you going to bring that poor lamb into the
+cabin? There! You've stuck your thumb in its eye—put it out, of course,
+and no doctor to run for. On my Paris hat, too. I shall be a fright
+now. After all the pains I've taken to bring it all the way from the
+east, that's what I get for it. Don't put your foot into the rest of
+the eggs. You know I can't 'exist' without egg and wine. Broke the
+bottle, eh! Here, darling,—" to the child,—"come to me. What would
+you do if your poor sick mother was to die? Who'd care for you then,
+darling? To think that the 'last' born of my 'first' husband should
+be 'pitched' out of a wagon at the risk of its innocent life! There,
+'h-u-s-h,' sweet. Here's some more candy for you."
+
+And the stout, elderly lady tightly clasped the sugar-sucking angel,
+alternately lavishing kisses on its bedaubed mouth, and darting sharp
+sentences at her unfortunate "lord."
+
+"Mr. Swaller, I 'can't' go immigrating any more, and I 'won't.' Came
+to save my life? So you did. But I'd rather 'die' east than 'live'
+west. 'Creeping' along, like a sick snail, in a nasty emigrant wagon!
+Jolt, jolt; rumble, rumble; drag, drag. You're welcome to cure my
+lungs, but you 'shan't' do it on the prairies! Nothing but grass,
+grass, 'everlasting' grass, as if we were hosses, and not folks. I'm no
+better, and you can see it if you're a mind to."
+
+Mr. Swallow listened to this sententious but rapidly-delivered harangue
+with a meekness and long-suffering worthy of commendation. It was
+evident he realized his position and responsibilities as a "'family'
+man." And though it was plain he was not indifferent to the speeches of
+his "better half," he bore the inflictions as if he comprehended that
+such was his duty. He was used, but not wholly hardened, to it.
+
+Mrs. Swallow, as she has already informed us, was an invalid—a martyr
+to real, or fancied, pulmonary difficulties. And the doctors, having
+long been harassed with her "complaints," and exhausted the Materia
+Medica in endeavoring to effect a cure, had rid themselves of their
+patient by recommending a change of climate. And Mr. Swallow, in
+accordance with medical suggestions and his wife's appeals, was
+journeying with her in Prairie-land.
+
+Recovering from his mishap, the dutiful husband hurried at once to load
+his arms with domestic goods, and to soothe the partner of his joys.
+When, as overburdened and panting he approached the cabin door where
+sat his afflicted spouse, "darling" suddenly sprang from her mother's
+embrace, and laying hold of his coat-tail, violently jerked upon it,
+spitefully kicking his shins the while with her patent copper toes.
+
+"Mr. Swaller, see how you've hurt that poor lamb's feelings—that's why
+she acts so. And no wonder—'pitching' her out of the wagon at the risk
+of breaking her innocent neck. Darling, come to your mother."
+
+But darling pulled the more desperately at the coat, Mr. Swallow
+straining to press ahead, when, lo, the garment parted, and "darling"
+was precipitated backward upon the ground, and Mr. Swallow forward into
+the cabin, a storm of toilet utensils, wearing apparel, food, a dish
+of molasses, and an umbrella and parasol, showering upon his loving
+helpmeet.
+
+"You've done it now, Mr. Swaller! Do you think my head is made of
+iron, that a stone pot won't crack it? I do believe you'll be the
+death of me, and 'that child,' yet. What would my 'first' husband
+say, if he knew how his 'last' born was treated! But I shan't and I
+won't go emigrating an inch further, lungs or no lungs. I'll die in
+a 'galloping' consumption before I'll 'creep' all over the earth in
+a frightful emigrant wagon. There are snakes here, too. You needn't
+tell me there ain't. 'You' saw one; and 'I' saw one. A nasty big
+'rattlesnake.' What if he'd stung that child with his horrid-sounding
+rattles.
+
+"Ma'am," addressing Mrs. Willard, "'can't' we stay here to-night?
+Yes, we can," answering her own question; "and to-morrer them hosses
+will turn tail about, and we'll jolt, jolt, creep, creep, drag, drag,
+back to the east—lungs or no lungs. They said 'twas a 'climate' here.
+Climate! It's blowed like a harricane for more'n a week. And it's
+thundered for a whole hour; and it'll keep on thundering for a month
+without stopping to breathe, for what I know. 'Climate!'"
+
+Mr. Swallow, assisted by Ferdie and Willie, unharnessed and put up his
+span in the little stable, Ferdie hitching one of his outside, Mr.
+Simmons being, for a wonder, away.
+
+"O, you've put up the horses—have you, Mr. Swaller? Well, I hope you've
+'locked' them up, too. To think, such a valuable horse as you lost, all
+through your own carelessness, Mr. Swaller. Nothing else—don't tell me.
+That beast was stole 'right under' your 'nose,' and likely's not these
+will be. Then where shall we be. Have to trot around on foot. Pretty
+figure you'd cut—wouldn't you? Setting out to walk east, heavy as you
+are."
+
+The Willards welcomed the arrival of bed-time, in the hope that sleep
+would fetter the tongue of the 'twit'tering Swallow. She retired early,
+occupying Mrs. Willard's bed in the room below, while the Willards
+disposed themselves as best they could in the attic.
+
+But Mrs. Willard was startled from a refreshing nap by a distressed cry
+from the apartment beneath.
+
+"Mr. Swaller!" faintly.
+
+"'Mr. Swaller!'" louder.
+
+"MR. SWALLER!" angrily. Then desperately, "Mrs. Log-cabin-woman! 'Mrs.
+Log-cabin-woman!'"
+
+Mrs. Willard thrust her head through the opening in the attic floor, at
+the ladder-way, and asked,—
+
+"What's wanted?"
+
+"Mrs. Log-cabin-woman, won't you 'wake' up Mr. Swaller. I'm sick!"
+
+Mrs. Willard was amused and vexed. Comfortably in her hostess's bed lay
+the vixen visitress and offspring, while stretched on the trunk-table
+was the obese husband in shirt and pants, his head topped off with a
+yellow handkerchief, his abortive endeavors at snoring—consisting of a
+snort and a puff—attesting how happily oblivious he was to the agonies
+of his Eve.
+
+"Madam," said Mrs. Willard, "your husband must be very much fatigued;
+hadn't you better let him rest?"
+
+"Rest, when my head aches as if 'twould split? Wake him up, I say. I
+shall die if I don't have some ice-cold water to bathe it in."
+
+"If you would be quiet, perhaps the ache would cease," mildly suggested
+Mrs. Willard.
+
+"My poor lungs are so pressed—and he a trying to snore! And I so
+weak!—Mr. Swaller?" tenderly and inquiringly. "You 'won't' wake up,
+'hey?' We'll see, then," she vociferated, bounding to his side and
+smartly shaking him.
+
+"Wh-what's to pay?" he stuttered.
+
+"Pay? Its 'spring water' to pay, Mr. Swaller. There's the pail. Quick!
+I'm most gone!" and she retreated, gasping, to her couch.
+
+The model husband repaired to the spring, and, returning, bathed her
+forehead, till, tired of that service, she bade him stop, saying,—
+
+"But you're not going to lie down again, Mr. Swaller; not a bit of
+it, after neglecting me so brutally. You shall 'watch' by me, and if
+I survive this horrible night, you shall take me east in the morning.
+Live among these western savages? That woman wouldn't lift her littlest
+finger to rouse you, though I was most dead—and you a snoring there!
+No; you 'can't' snore like a man; you're too fat. It's puff, snort;
+puff, snort; and that horrid 'western' female standing, sniggering,
+viewing the scene!"
+
+"Mr. Swaller," patiently preserved the perpendicular till daybreak, his
+wife in timely interpositions saluting his drooping lids with,—
+
+"Not going to sleep—are you? You won't puff, snort, when I'm sick."
+
+As the swallows were migrating next day, Frankie, addressing the man,
+said,—
+
+"Didn't your wife say you had a horse stolen from you?"
+
+"She did."
+
+"What sort of a looking beast was it?"
+
+"A splendid large black horse, with a white spot in the forehead, and
+the scar of a flesh wound inside of the left hind leg, on the ham. I
+shall get posters printed describing the beast, and offering a liberal
+reward for its recovery."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+FRANKIE'S SECRET.—THE INVISIBLE PURSUER.
+
+"AUNT ESTHER," whispered Frankie, "come out near the breaking pretty
+soon; I want to see you alone."
+
+The prudent spinster repaired thither without attracting notice.
+
+"Well, what do you want, Frankie?" she inquired.
+
+"About this Mr. Simmons," he replied, coming directly to the point.
+"I believe he's a bad fellow, and will do us some mischief yet, if we
+don't get rid of him."
+
+"Have you found out anything?" she asked anxiously.
+
+"Enough to make me determined to find out more," said he. "Did you
+notice how suddenly he left off eating that day the Swallows called?"
+
+"Yes; and I thought it strange."
+
+"So did I; but I know the reason. He's mighty quick to hear the least
+sound. He's like a cat watching for a mouse—only he acts sometimes as
+if he was the mouse, and was expecting the cat to catch him. He heard
+that woman's voice, and hurried to the stable. I followed without his
+seeing me. I'm on his track most of the time. He seems to know it, too;
+and how he glares at me when none of the family see! But he can't shake
+me off. Well, he hurried to saddle and bridle his horse, and ride away.
+You know he keeps his in the farther stall from the door. One of our
+horses happened to be in the way, and this Simmons kicked him terribly
+in the stomach, and swore like a pirate."
+
+"Right after asking a blessing at the table!" murmured aunt Esther.
+
+"Yes, the old hypocrite! I knew he did that to comb the wool over
+mother's eyes. Then hastening to mount, he drove to the other side of
+the grove, and waiting there till the Swallows had gone to bed,—the
+woman, saying she was sick, had us all retire early,—he drove like
+blazes across the prairie, the rain pouring down all the while like a
+deluge.
+
+"But after the Swallows had left, he came back, tied up his horse, and
+went to work fencing as peacefully, as if he had staid by, and wasn't
+drenched to the skin in the shower."
+
+"How queer!" ejaculated the lady.
+
+"Isn't it queer, too," continued the dwarf, fixing his large eyes
+suggestively on hers, "that he's kept that splendid horse here so long?
+When he agreed for the boys to take charge of the animal, it was for
+only two or three days, and because, he stated, that the horse had been
+overdriven, and needed to recruit. But the creature is so ambitious and
+high, that Simmons will not allow him to be grained. He's in tip-top
+order. Yet his master never uses him to go out of sight of our cabin,
+but 'walks' to and from the places where he so often goes. What's all
+that for?"
+
+"I'm sure I can't tell," she answered, perplexed.
+
+"Well, 'I' can," asserted her diminutive informant; "that's a stolen
+horse!"
+
+"'Stolen?'"
+
+"Yes!"
+
+"What makes you suspect that?"
+
+"Come with me, and I'll convince you," was the reply.
+
+And the Hunchback, cautiously peering about to be certain no curious
+eyes observed their movements, led the way to the stable. Then,
+pointing between the legs to the animal's head, he asked,—
+
+"Do you see that white spot?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+Then turning a corner of the stable,—
+
+"And that scar on the inner side of the left hind leg? Look sharp."
+
+"I do."
+
+[Illustration: AUNT ESTHER AND FRANKIE.]
+
+"Mr. Swallow told me that the horse that was stolen from him had those
+marks, and this animal in all other respects perfectly answers his
+description."
+
+"That accounts for his hurrying off in the shower," mused the lady.
+"What do you propose doing about it, Frankie?"
+
+"In the first place, mother and those boys mustn't know what we think
+about it, for they'd ask him if 'twas so, and thus put him on his
+guard, and perhaps he'd murder us all. He has a savage disposition, and
+a man that will lie as he has, and pretend to be pious, and steal a
+horse, would kill you if you were in his path."
+
+Aunt Esther shuddered and turned pale.
+
+"We are completely at the mercy of this cold-blooded schemer," she
+exclaimed. "He'll get the land and everything from us; and even our
+lives are not secure."
+
+"We mustn't let him," interposed the dwarf, fiercely. "It's put upon me
+to foil this villain, and I will do it." And the piping voice rang out
+shrill as a fife.
+
+"Be careful!" remarked aunt Esther. "Some one may overhear you. Tell me
+what your plan is, and if I can assist in it," she added, resolutely.
+
+"He'll be here to-night—it's his time—I've studied his habits.
+To-morrow he'll leave again, for he only comes now to see if his horse
+is safe. Then I shall 'follow' him; yes," added the dwarf, his tones
+dropping to a hiss, and his eyes gleaming, "I'll track him to his
+haunts, as a hound would a panther, and the instant I get the proof I
+want, he'll be in the hands of an officer."
+
+"O, what if he should see you following?" she said, in terror.
+
+"He won't. Look, auntie!" And sinking into the grass, he piped, "I can
+hide at his very heels—almost."
+
+"But you are weakly, Frankie; he can travel faster and farther than
+you. You would not be able to keep him in sight."
+
+"Wouldn't?" exclaimed the Hunchback, rising, and looking her
+confidently in the face.
+
+"How do you know you could?"
+
+"Because I've tried," chuckled the dwarf. "I've tracked him mile after
+mile—been behind him—before him—at his right—at his left—sat down
+when he sat down—heard him talk to himself when he supposed only the
+prairie hens and the snakes heard him. O, how lazy he is!" And his face
+expressed intense disgust. "He walks lazy, and he works lazy. He 'can'
+be swifter and stronger than the swiftest and strongest man I ever saw?
+But he won't—only for a little while, to deceive folks. He managed to
+give those boys the heavy lifting, and the quick moving; but he talked
+so glib, and bossed them so well, that they thought he was doing his
+part. He don't expect to get his living by hurry or labor, but by
+trickery and fraud. I've hovered around the sneaking scamp till every
+crook and turn of his body is as plain to me beforehand as that the sun
+will rise and set. Ah, I'll fix him!"
+
+"I dread to have you follow this man," expostulated his aunt, "for if
+he 'should' discover you—"
+
+"Aunt Esther," interrupted the dwarf, "look at me once more. Am I not
+ugly, misshapen? Can I run, leap, wrestle, or swing the axe and scythe?
+Doesn't every one wonder that I endure to live? If he throttles me,
+better me than the beautiful and the able-bodied. He cannot, however.
+But if I were too cowardly and selfish to risk it, who would? And who
+can imagine what mischief might fall on the family! It's 'put upon me'
+to do this, and I must."
+
+"How far would you be obliged to follow him?" she asked.
+
+"Somewhere from twelve to eighteen miles—can't judge exactly."
+
+"Frankie, dear, I suppose I must trust you on this strange and perilous
+mission. It's hard, though," and the tears fell; "and you are so noble
+about it! I shall pray for you. Here's a little money," handing him a
+bill. "You may need it to get out a warrant, or secure the services
+of an officer,—I don't understand these matters,—or for your own
+expenses." And struggling to appear cheerful, she reentered the cabin.
+
+
+Mr. Simmons, as Frankie predicted, tenanted his shanty that night,
+and on the succeeding fore-noon, after patting Georgie and praising
+Ferdie for their smartness and ability at fencing, hinting at the
+reward in store for them for acting as hostlers, and lamenting that
+little Frankie was such a burden to them, took his departure, swinging
+along at a masterly gate, till an ample space with was between himself
+and the Willards. Then, with indolent saunter, he moved at the other
+extreme of pedestrian locomotion.
+
+Behind him, in the distance, had he looked critically back with a
+magnifying glass, perhaps he would have detected a black speck moving
+after in the distance. It was the dwarf's cap in the prairie grass.
+
+Mr. Simmons's well-developed figure stood distinctly outlined against
+the sky, but the pursuing pygmy was too near the earth to be easily
+discerned. The Hunchback's eyes were clear, determined, alert, though
+more than ever deep and thoughtful. His face expressed mingled
+satisfaction, wariness, and resentment. The unconsciously pursued
+instinctively hated his pursuer, and had he been aware of the latter's
+propinquity, how quickly he would have crushed him, with no hand to
+interpose!
+
+But the Hunchback, though bodily contemptible, compared with Mr.
+Simmons, had a "head,"—you need not be certified of that, were you to
+meet him,—and his physical minuteness was, under the circumstances, to
+his advantage. Blessed are short legs when one on the prairies must not
+be seen! With his singularly precocious intellect, sharpened by sorrow,
+and roused by the emergencies of his present undertaking, Mr. Simmons
+had in the despised dwarf no mean antagonist.
+
+What a scene! In front loomed Mr. Simmons's towering form; in the rear
+was the squat proportions of the pertinacious young Hunchback. And thus
+they proceeded for miles—the leader, in his careless indolence, barely
+putting one foot before the other, often stopping to gaze skyward, or
+at the various points of the compass, or to cast himself at length on
+the plain; the follower, steadily gaining on him, yet maintaining a
+discreet distance.
+
+Across Mr. Simmons's route there flowed a shallow creek. Here he was
+accustomed to solace himself with a smoke. Of this circumstance the
+little hunchback seemed aware, for striking into the luxuriant growths
+lining the banks of the stream, he curled himself up triumphantly
+within a few rods of his enemy. Evidently this was a feat he had before
+accomplished, and of which he was particularly proud.
+
+Mr. Simmons rested, and the dwarf waited. An hour glided by, then
+another. Hunchback became impatient, he was so anxious to reach the end
+of his pursuit and face the villain, as he felt confident he was to do
+with the fist of justice—not his own fist that lacked knuckle. Why did
+the man "laze" so? The dwarf obtained information on this point by a
+method on which he did not reckon.
+
+"I see you, old boy!" said Simmons, suddenly resuming an upright
+position, and looking the direction of the lad.
+
+The dwarf trembled. Had the cunning horse-stealer been cognizant of his
+pursuit, and permitted him to approach, that he might deal out summary
+vengeance? His impulse was to rise and defend himself to the last
+extremity—a forlorn extremity indeed, for him. Flee he could not with
+the least chance of escape.
+
+But something held him quiet. How fortunate!
+
+For Mr. Simmons, forming a tube of his hands, shouted as if to some one
+remote.
+
+"Ahoy, there!"
+
+"Ay, ay!" was the response.
+
+And the Hunchback, assured that he had not been seen, noiselessly
+turned to ascertain who the last speaker was. The long strides of the
+new comer soon brought him to view—a rough, ill-visaged customer, with
+bushy whiskers, and carrying a gun. Approaching obliquely, his course
+lay directly across the Hunchback's hiding-place. Nor did the dwarf
+dare move, for Mr. Simmons stood overlooking his concealment, and the
+least motion or rustling might betray him. He had, however, escaped one
+danger by keeping still; this encouraged him not to precipitate his
+fate by useless action. The friendly sedges put their blossoming tops
+together to screen him; but already he lay exposed to the advancing
+foot of the stranger, when the latter, springing aside, exclaimed,—
+
+"A rattlesnake, old hoss, sure's you're alive!"
+
+And making a circuit to avoid the reptile, he avoided the Hunchback too.
+
+"Even a rattlesnake can do some good," thought the dwarf, breathing
+freer.
+
+"How 'are' yer, Grimes?" said the stranger. "Give us yer paw!"
+
+"Ah, 'Grimes!'" soliloquized the dwarf. "Then Simmons isn't his true
+name!"
+
+"And you, Scroggs? They haven't nabbed you yet, hey?"
+
+"No, nor you nuther. But jist you see here! Isn't that a purty toy?"
+
+The Hunchback, peering from his nest, saw that it was a gold watch and
+chain.
+
+"Took the critter from a cabin not more'n two hours ago. Door was
+open—walked in. Nobody there. This thing hanging agin the logs. Says I,
+'It's no place for jewelry, in a log cabin,' and having an affection
+for sich trash, jist tuck it 'long. Scare up any 'game' out here, old
+fellow?"
+
+"Slim picking, compared with better. 'Tain't like the Mississip,"
+replied Simmons. "Got a horse to sell, and some geese to pluck. Tell
+yer what, that animal is wuth five hundred dollars, if it's wuth a
+cent. Belonged to a rhinoceros in hat and boots—travelling for his
+lady's health. Isn't she a screamer? Took the horse off while she
+was trotting her man round doing family chores. Stabled him way off
+on the prairie, where he'll be safe from his 'former' owner till the
+excitement's over; then he's on the market. Don't fancy waitin' 'fore
+realizin'; but I gets free gratis. The boys take care of the animal
+because they love me like a father; they've put me up some hay,—that's
+already engaged—and have fenced 'my' breaking to help me jump 'their'
+claim—ha, ha, ha!"
+
+"'Ha, ha, ha!'" mocked the dwarf, in the grass, too angry to contain
+himself.
+
+"What's that?" exclaimed Scroggs, turning around. "Did you hear that
+laugh?"
+
+"Yes," replied his companion, "plain enough!"
+
+Rising, they gazed silently about them.
+
+"Wal, one thing's sartin," observed Scroggs, as they seated themselves
+again; "there's not a 'human' on 'this' prairie."
+
+"But, Grimes, you spoke on the boys; whar's the old uns?"
+
+"Wal, fust comes their dear mamma—the piousest shemale afloat—'twould
+do your gizzard good, old boss, to hear me pray over her cooking!"
+
+"You didn't try 'that' on!"
+
+"I did, though; but it didn't come a mite natural. I expected an
+invitation to say grace, as they call it, and having a minister in
+tow, I jist noticed how he went on, and repeated it word for word—shut
+eyes—clasped hands—went the whole figger."
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" they roared, slapping their sides.
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" shrilly echoed the irascible dwarf.
+
+"There's that sound agin—it fairly chills me," said Scroggs. "What you
+s'pose it is, hoss?"
+
+"It must either be an echo or a bird, I judge," replied the other,
+deliberating.
+
+"Next is an old maid, aunt Esther, my 'sweetheart,' you
+understand—don't swaller soft soap as easy as the other. Then a
+miserable imitation of a human with a hunch back. Blast him—his eyes
+follow me everywhere. I'd 'strangle him' if I had a chance!"
+
+"Eny money there?"
+
+"Not much show. Don't know, though, 'bout the old maid. She's
+close-mouthed as an oyster. That's what I'm courting her for—to find
+out."
+
+"You ain't mentioned the old man."
+
+"Haven't any. That weasel of a Hunchback told me, when I fust
+introduced myself to the interesting household, that they left 'him'
+behind. So they had, with a vengeance. The mother opened her innocent
+heart to me pretty free. He was robbed on the steamer, and thrown
+overboard."
+
+His comrade rose, and laying his freckled red hand on Grimes's
+shoulder, said,—
+
+"Who do you s'pose did that job?"
+
+"'Twasn't you?"
+
+"Me and Brooks. That's why I'm here. I'm doubtful if 'twas done
+thorough. His wife was a callin' to him, an' his brat was comin' to see
+whar he was, an' me an' Brooks clutched him in a hurry, and I relieved
+him of his valuables, and touched him up with the steel, and histed him
+out of the boat all at onst, as you may say. An' Brooks stands to it
+he saw him arterwards hugging a snag. Now, boss, 'ef' that's so, and
+he was helped off by some one, I wouldn't jist like to light upon him
+among folks. So I've taken to travelling on the prairies till it blows
+one way or t'other.
+
+"But ain't you going to jine our company? You're skittish, come to the
+scratch; a reg'lar born coward; but you're cute. There's 'leven of us.
+Has our headquarters on the river. Have a woman to cook, an' wash, an'
+spy for us; she's a buster—fight like a tiger—cry like a baby."
+
+"Where's your hiding-place?" asked Simmons.
+
+"'Bout three miles an' a half, 'bove Cole's whiskey shop. Cave under
+the bluff. Nobody can scent it. Small island just opposite—big tree
+on't—dead—struck by lightning."
+
+"What's the password?"
+
+"Whistle three times—so!" And he made the sounds. "Our fellars 'll be
+mighty glad to see yer. Shall go back soon myself—dry pickin' on the
+prairies."
+
+"Well, I must start on," said Simmons.
+
+"So must I," answered Scroggs; "good-by, hoss." And the latter went his
+way, and the former his—accompanied by the vigilant and dewless dwarf.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+GRUBBING.—HONEST MR. GREY.
+
+PICTURE to yourself a man of fifty, of medium height, stoutly built,
+square shoulders, black hair and eyes, long, hooked, knowledgeable
+nose, solemn physiognomy, grave step—Mr. Grey, of Minnesota, reader!
+
+No more honest-looking face than his would you see among a thousand.
+And as for his eyes, a neighbor who had a theory on the subject, said
+she knew he was truthful from their shape; while his worn suit of
+black, of which its ancient swallow-tail was noticeable, had a sort of
+classical air tending to check any sense of the grotesque which might
+arise in the mind of the spectator.
+
+He has of late been "hired man" to Mr. Parsons, the missionary at L—.
+He first introduced himself to the clergyman in a way that touched his
+sympathies. He hailed from Pennsylvania, where, he stated, his wife and
+children still lived, and whom he was anxious to bring to his present
+location, because the fever and ague prevailed in that part of the
+state. He said he had made "a claim" on the adjacent prairie, and "put
+up" a shanty on it, designing to make such "improvements" as the law
+required, and then from his earnings—for he was poor—meet the expense
+of preëmption and removal. He gave a glowing account of his family,
+whom he seemed greatly to miss, and was anxious that his companion
+should be informed as to his situation, and the character and prospects
+of the locality he had chosen.
+
+"I am not used to writing," said he, "and I have called to ask if you
+will be so good as to write a line to my wife for me."
+
+After some further conversation, the letter was written, met his
+approval, and, in accordance with his direction, addressed to the
+absent partner of his fortunes, Mrs. Angelina P. Grey, Readfield, Pa.
+
+A few weeks passed, and he again made his appearance, full of trouble.
+No answer had been received to his affectionate epistle, and he was
+making little headway in his worldly affairs.
+
+"Young men get all the jobs," he complained. "People don't like to hire
+old men like me. They think I can't do much now; but I can keep up my
+end with the best of them."
+
+He then offered to engage himself to the missionary at a reasonable
+price, to do anything desired.
+
+There was one department of "new country" enterprise which those
+who lived in the "oak openings" found difficult enough. It was
+"grubbing".—I do not mean "getting one's grub," although this was not
+any too easy. The fires, which from time immemorial had swept the
+prairies, burned off each year the embryo trees. But the roots, being
+comparatively uninjured, continued to grow, forming near the surface
+of the ground, woody accumulations, round, gnarled, and tough, called
+grubs. These must be removed by the grubbing-hoe—an implement having a
+pick on one side to remove the soil, and an axe on the other to assault
+the roots.
+
+Mr. Grey's application was well timed, for Mr. Parsons had set his
+heart on a garden near his cabin, had spoken for a "breaking team," and
+was tying to do impossibilities in the grubbing line, when the sedate
+Pennsylvanian came up the path.
+
+Taking up the hoe, which the minister had laid down, he said,
+pityingly,—
+
+"Now this is too hard for such as you."
+
+The fact was evident.
+
+"It's what you don't know how to do," he continued, "provided you had
+strength for it. Grubbing is as much of a trade as blacksmithing, and a
+mighty sight harder. Just see here," added he, removing the earth from
+a beheaded grub; "the plough can never get through 'that.' 'Tisn't cut
+off deep enough; for the twigs on top of them, if not cut off, show
+just where the grubs are, and the ploughman can keep clear of some of
+them."
+
+Which was all true.
+
+"Let me show you how to do it," he exclaimed, heartily.
+
+And suiting the action to the word, he extirpated, with surprising
+dexterity, grub after grub. Then leaning on the hoe-handle, and talking
+in a confidential tone, he said,—
+
+"Why, I've cleared acres and acres of these 'ere. I was brought up to
+it, as I might say. When's the team comin' to tear up this bit of land?"
+
+"A week to-day," replied the missionary.
+
+"Well, you can't get these grubs out by that time yourself. Suppose,
+then, you let me do it for you. I'll have the piece all ready, smooth
+as a picter, if I have to dig to the centre of the earth. Only I shall
+have to board with you meanwhile. I ain't a mite particular what I eat."
+
+Deferring the ploughing till a later day to give him ample
+time,—for the clergyman had heard that Mr. Grey was very slow; some
+called him lazy,—an unpardonable sin in the eyes of the energetic
+frontiersmen,—the good missionary set him at the task with the
+complacent feeling which one has when he helps himself and his neighbor
+at the same time.
+
+At night, on inspecting Mr. Grey's work, it proved satisfactory. And as
+urgent engagements called Mr. Parsons from home each day until after
+nightfall, the grubbing was left wholly to the workman. But always,
+when he hurriedly returned at noon, the missionary could see him
+lustily toiling.
+
+
+Once, however, entering the house at an unusual hour, his wife said,
+with a laugh,—
+
+"Do see Mr. Grey perform. I have watched him till I have cried,
+laughing."
+
+Stepping to the window, the preacher saw that Mr. Grey was indulging
+"the resistance which inactive matter makes to a change of state,"
+to his heart's content. A prolonged look at the sky northward, then
+a rest; then moderately spitting on the ground "once;" next an
+examination of the horizon eastward, followed by an inspection of the
+hoe from top to edge; another gaze into space; spitting again; at
+length the hoe is raised, but only to repose a while on the capacious
+shoulder. At last, more by gravitation than muscular force, an
+ineffectual blow is struck.
+
+With a ringing laugh, the wife declared that, with certain
+characteristic variations, the same movements had been enacted and
+reënacted throughout the entire morning.
+
+"Poor man," she kindly ejaculated, "let him favor his old frame. He has
+time enough to get the land ready. And," she added, "he seems to make
+good progress, after all. How clear the ground is behind him! Not a
+grub-sprout to be seen."
+
+One feature in the character of the hired man, which covered a
+multitude of infirmities, was his godly inclinations. He did not
+profess to be a Christian, but described Mrs. Grey as a model disciple,
+sighing because he was unlike her in this respect. When his day's work
+was done, he would take the large Bible, seat himself by the light,
+spread open the book reverently on his knees, and read, quite absorbed.
+No other reading could tempt him from that. At family devotions, he
+knelt devoutly. And carefully washed, shaved, and "dickied," he greeted
+the Sabbath and its services. His conversation was mostly on religious
+topics.
+
+"I do not know," he contemplatively observed one day, "as I did right
+in not having my babies baptized, it would have been such a comfort to
+their mother." And a tear glistened in his honest eye.
+
+Listening to his domestic portraitures, the clergyman and wife soon
+felt quite acquainted with Mr. Grey's estimable spouse, and his
+well-trained Sophronia,—a successful school-teacher,—and certainly
+sympathized with him in the miscarriage of his first letter; and a
+second was despatched to Mrs. Angelina P. Grey, county as well as town
+being specified.
+
+At dinner, at tea, Mr. Grey would groan over grubbing. "It was the most
+'strainingest' business that ever a man did," he declared.
+
+How his back ached, his listeners could only imagine by his woful
+grimaces, and the expressive habit he had of pressing his hand upon
+that part of the body whenever he straightened up from a stooping
+posture. Even the famous liniment which a pitying hand furnished him
+gave only temporary relief.
+
+"It is because he gets so tired through the day," his gentle-minded
+critic would suggest, as his stentorian snoring set the baby crying in
+the room below, and spread panic among the rest of the youngsters.
+
+And the clergyman, with stately humor, said, "I must say that I have
+listened to many competitors in these unwelcome serenades, but never
+till now heard the leader of the world's nasal orchestra."
+
+
+"I would like my pay for the grubbing," said Mr. Grey, as the
+missionary came in one evening.
+
+"Are the grubs all taken out?" he asked.
+
+"Not one left," was the reply.
+
+"But I stumbled against some in crossing the lot."
+
+"Yes," answered the workman, "there were a few small ones left in that
+corner, because they were of no account. The plough will go through
+them without trouble. When I work for a man, I wish to do by him just
+as I would do for myself. I could have spent time in cutting out every
+little stub, but it would be a needless expense to you."
+
+"Well," said his employer, "I will slip down and see how things look."
+
+And holding the lantern close to the ground as he went, he found that
+not a grub had been disturbed in that part of the enclosure.
+
+"What does this mean?" he inquired; for the workman had followed.
+
+He replied, unabashed,—
+
+"I thought I would just knock off the twigs on this side, my back was
+so lame; but I shan't charge you anything for that, if you'll pay me
+for the rest of the field."
+
+"I'll examine the remainder first," rejoined the minister.
+
+And to his amazement, it was revealed that after the first day's labor,
+the whole had been gone over in the same deceptive manner!
+
+"Pay me for 'that,'" demanded Mr. Grey.
+
+"Pay me for your board," exclaimed the indignant clergyman, "and the
+damage you hove caused by breaking off the twigs and leaving the roots
+in the soil out of sight."
+
+The dishonest workman raised the ponderous hoe threateningly—for he
+had it with him. A sardonic smile played over his face, a murderous
+light gleamed from his eyes. He kept the weapon poised a moment, as if
+weighing the pros and cons, then put it down, and silently departed.
+
+The missionary felt that the man would have killed him, had he thought
+he could have done so safely to himself.
+
+Not long after, an acquaintance accosted Mr. Parsons, saying,—
+
+"Mr. Grey worked for you a few weeks since, I believe. How did he do
+while in your employ?"
+
+Unsuspectingly stating what his conduct had been, the missionary was
+subpœnaed the next day, as witness in a case in law, in which, I think,
+Mr. Grey was plaintiff.
+
+The defendant had caused the minister to be summoned, he said, to
+"impeach" Mr. Grey. The county seat was some fifteen miles distant,
+and Mr. Parsons found that quite a number were going over on the
+same errand as himself, having also been defrauded by the crafty
+Pennsylvanian.
+
+
+A brisk ride behind the village store's fine span, across solitary
+stretches of rolling prairie, brought them to their destination, an
+unfinished story-and-a-half house, hidden by an irregular growth of
+native trees. It stood on a slight swell in the outskirts of the town,
+and had a pleasant, well-to-do air, with its thrifty surroundings of
+ploughed fields, grazing cattle, and domestic fowl. It was also the
+village tavern, as one might judge by the loungers.
+
+The court sat in the bar-room. As the company from L— entered, they
+were received with hostile demonstrations by the residents assembled,
+for Mr. Grey had taken up his abode in the place,—boarding at the
+tavern,—and having ingratiated himself in the esteem of the people,
+they supposed him a worthy and injured man. He did look prepossessing,
+Mr. Parsons thought, as, entering, he saw him parading the apartment,
+calm and neat. He was, however, a little disconcerted as one after
+another of his victims filed in. Such a meeting he had not anticipated.
+He had engaged shrewd counsel who seemed at the outset to have
+confidence in him.
+
+"I move," said a rowdy, full of fight, "that the services be opened
+with prayer," glancing defiantly at the missionary.
+
+Mr. Grey's opponent, a swearing, loud-voiced boaster from New England,
+chose to conduct his own case. He soon got the justice enraged beyond
+self-control by his blunders, interruptions, and insults, as he
+raved around the room, law-book in hand, goading the court with his
+insolence. The lawyer evidently enjoyed this aspect of the case hugely.
+Confusion reigned.
+
+Meanwhile, there was much private discussion, in which Mr. Grey's
+history was being rapidly unsealed. Seizing a good chance, the
+missionary got Mr. Grey's ear, told him that his character was
+well-known, and advised him to settle the matter with his adversary as
+soon as possible. He grew frightened. Popular feeling began to turn
+against him. The case suddenly closed, I can scarcely tell how—in some
+summary frontier way, however.
+
+Mr. Grey's counsel, disgusted with him, and finding that he could get
+no fee, called for his horse, and, as the crowd stood watching his
+management of the high-spirited animal, he started for his distant
+home. Off dashed the advocate; but before he had got fairly under way,
+Mr. Grey, the picture of terror, ran frantically after, shouting, while
+the spectators cheered him on,—
+
+"Hold on! Hold on! Don't leave me! Take me in!" And catching hold of
+the back of the vehicle with a desperate grasp, as the astonished
+lawyer slackened his pace, he clambered in, and was soon out of sight.
+And that was the last they saw of Mr. Grey.
+
+I scarcely need say that there was no evidence that Mr. Grey was from
+Pennsylvania, that Mrs. Angelina P. Grey was other than a myth. He was,
+it was thought, an escaped jail-bird, his vices being, perhaps, the
+natural fruit of that parent sin—laziness.
+
+"And," said Mr. Parsons's right hand man, good Deacon Palmer, "St.
+Paul's rule that 'if any would not work, neither should he eat,' is
+wise and just in more senses than one. The sluggard is ever a covetous
+man; as Solomon says, 'He coveteth greedily all the day long;' and as
+'his hands refuse to labor,' and he is thereby brought to want, who
+so tempted to crime as he? The indolent man is by logical necessity
+a dangerous man, and I always give him a wide berth. You preachers,
+however, have so little practical knowledge of human nature, that
+though you preached 'total depravity' Sunday, next day a knave would
+make you think him an angel. You need to be taken in occasionally to
+reform this professional weakness."
+
+He added, after a moment's pause, "Many persons fling at the church
+because there are hypocrites in it, but Mr. Grey's case shows that
+there is now and then one 'out' of it."
+
+But when next the storekeeper and missionary met, the former, his
+coal-black eyes streaming lightning, and both arms in vigorous
+motion,—as was his manner when excited,—took the latter to task for
+advising Mr. Grey to close the case at the justice's.
+
+"He's a double-dyed rascal, parson; and we ought to have nabbed him
+when we had the chance. Why, sir, a squab-up morsel of humanity, with
+voice like an asthmatic chicken, and pipe-stem legs, tracked that chap
+more than fifteen miles afoot, to expose his wickedness and save his
+folks from the villain's claws."
+
+"Who did you say it was?"
+
+"A young hunchback. It appears that this deceiver gave his name in
+that settlement as Simmons, and representing himself as a well-to-do
+bachelor in search of a wife, tried to inveigle a respectable maiden
+lady into matrimony. He was designing also to jump a claim belonging
+to two lone women, and had secreted a stolen—but no matter about that
+now. It looks mightily as if this Grey, 'alias' Simmons, 'alias'
+Grimes,—another of his names,—was in league with a horde of Mississippi
+River cutthroats. He won't trouble people this way again very soon, I'm
+thinking—more's the pity. I'd like to help string him up!"
+
+"Did you learn the Hunchback's name?" asked the clergyman.
+
+"Willard," replied Mr. Cowles.
+
+"Where is the Willard claim?"
+
+"Customers came in, and I forgot to find out. In fact, as the Hunchback
+promised to be on hand with his mother and aunt, in season for Grey's
+case, I expected then to be better informed about them. Why he didn't
+come, I can't decipher—'fraid something has happened to the brave
+little squatty. I meant to have helped him on his way back a piece, but
+he went away before I was aware."
+
+"I have wondered that I heard nothing from that family," said Mr.
+Parsons. "Tom Jones made their acquaintance at the Landing, and
+directed them near us. He particularly commended them to the sympathy
+and kind offices of the settlers here. I must look them up."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+JOHN TOWER'S TOWN.—A WEDDING TOUR.
+
+"SIR," said the waiter at the Winneshick Hotel, in Decotah, putting
+his head in at the door of Mr. Parsons's, (the missionary) room, "a
+gentleman below wants to see you. Shall I show him up?"
+
+And in due time, a man about fifty, of fresh, florid face and stout
+figure, entered the room.
+
+Slowly unrolling a showily-drawn chart, on the margin of which was
+emblazoned "Prairie City," he remarked,—
+
+"Let me show you the new town, sir, which I am starting. We have got
+'the' location, sir," he continued, emphatically, swinging his chart
+into the light, "and we expect to make a wide-awake thorough-going
+thing of it, that will pay for the trouble; and where, if a man invests
+in a lot, he can be sure of realizing something worth while from the
+investment. Here, you see, is Main Street," running his finger down the
+centre. "This is our principal business avenue. Here are our largest
+stores, storehouses, warehouses, and the like, you understand, as have
+all great commercial centres.
+
+"Just here, sir, our steam-mills are going up. Not yet erected, you
+understand; but the companies are formed, and I have letters in my
+pocket stating that they will be on in the course of a week or two.
+Plenty of capital, you see; some of the stockholders old friends
+of mine, schoolmates, stirring men who know just how to put things
+through. Two railroads have been surveyed and staked out, which take or
+place on the way. One we are sure of, both are probable. You can see at
+a glance, sir, what the rise of land will be when these improvements
+are completed. Our town lies on the direct line from Dubuque to St.
+Paul. Nature intended a railroad should go there—the only possible
+route, indeed. Any one can see that who will take the trouble to
+examine the make of the land.
+
+"I lay this matter before you to give you a chance in the town. We
+want a minister, sir. I learn that you are one. I believe in the
+institutions of the gospel for a new place; calls in, you see, the best
+class of settlers, and makes them contented. Our well-to-do, reliable
+emigrants are generally brought up to be religious, and cannot do
+without schools and churches. I've watched this thing, and know that
+the coming of a clergyman into a young town is often the making of it;
+real estate always rises. And now, sir, what say you to casting your
+lot in with us? I'll give you an extra chance. Just say that you'll
+agree to put up a house, and I'll pledge myself to give you two of the
+best lots on the plat."
+
+There are few things more interesting than the springing up of a young
+town on the frontier. Like the embryo plant, it is very small at
+first—a few cabin homes—while all around are broad prairies and thick
+woods, where may be seen the fresh trail of the Indian. Persons whose
+days have been spent in some long-settled locality, where generations
+come and go, and things remain much the same, if told that yonder
+cabin, with its blacksmith shop near by, and log tavern, constitute
+the germ of a town, and lots were offered them for sale in that rough
+solitude, would laugh in your face.
+
+But a year passes, and, perhaps, how changed the scene! As if by
+enchantment, the cabins are gone, and framed houses, stores, mills,
+churches, occupy their places.
+
+Such a place was E—. When Mr. Parsons first happened there, he put up
+at the little, uncouth, log tavern, the only building in the place. The
+table was of picnic style, made of unplaned boards. In place of chairs
+was a bench of slabs and stakes. After dinner, he started out for a
+walk, to view the town, thinking he was in its suburbs. The proprietor
+joined him.
+
+"Where is the town?" asked the guest.
+
+"This is it," was the reply.
+
+"But," said the missionary, "where are the people, and the buildings?"
+
+"Well," replied the landlord, "it's true, when you see my cabin, you
+see all there is now. But let me tell you, it won't be a great while
+before the people are here, and the buildings too. You are going
+farther on the frontier; let me advise you to stop here, and put you up
+a house."
+
+The clergyman, at that period in his personal history, was
+unwesternized, and the forcibly uttered advocacy of this advice which
+followed, he listened to very much as he would to the exaggerations of
+the auctioneer. And turning on his heel, he left him to his day-dreams.
+
+In one year and a half from that time, however, having business that
+way, he returned. And there stood a conspicuous, well-grown town, in
+appearance, at least, ten years of age. Two handsome hotels, a stone
+school-house, stores, tasteful dwellings, streets well laid out, and
+alive with teams and the din of the business mart, filled him with
+pleased surprise. And as his Yankee friend—the proprietor—introduced
+him to the realization of his expectations, and told him he left
+Massachusetts overwhelmed with debt, when he saw the competency he had
+acquired since he put up his cabin tavern, the guest's views of him and
+his schemes underwent a sudden revolution.
+
+There was D—, also. A stage-load, one of whom was our clergyman, fresh
+from the Mississippi, stopped there one night. After tea, they walked
+out to see the "lay of the land," and in their stroll, many a sharp
+joke was cracked at the young town's expense.
+
+Along the margin of a small, shallow stream stood a few cottages and
+cabins, among which was one shanty-tavern; and these constituted the
+place. Speckled trout peeped out at them from shady nooks with a
+boldness unknown in waters where the angler's bait is often thrown.
+Flocks of quails piped in the long grass, and prairie hens ran
+fluttering in their path, guiding their helpless broods.
+
+A friend of his, a shrewd Vermont farmer who had two hundred dollars
+spare money, which he wished to invest to the best advantage, was
+besought, almost with tears, by one of the settlers, to take his
+cottage, eight acres of land, and improvements, for that sum, assuring
+him that he would realize something handsome for it; that he had
+confidence in the growth of the town, but was too homesick to remain.
+
+The Vermonter knowingly shook his head at the urgent offer, and passed
+on. He lived, however, to regret it, for in less than two years from
+that time, four acres of that land sold for eight thousand dollars.
+
+With these and similar instances in mind, the missionary was disposed
+to listen candidly to the representations of his caller, although he
+had heard of "paper towns."
+
+
+One day, some two years later, Mr. J—, a gray-haired man of sixty
+years, called on the missionary at L—, and taking him mysteriously
+aside, asked if he would come to N—, some five miles distant, and
+perform the marriage rite for him, the next day?
+
+He requested the affair to be kept a profound secret, I suppose from
+fear of a celebration of the event by certain young men who claimed the
+privilege of making night hideous with blowing tin horns, firing guns,
+and other discordances, whenever a bachelor or widower entered into
+matrimony.
+
+Keeping the secret, however, was no light task, for the devoted
+bridegroom had already advertised the condition of his affairs by his
+attentive courtship. And as he was seen to call at "the minister's"—an
+unwonted thing for him—he had, quite innocently, "let grimalkin out of
+the reticule." To save him from annoyance, it became necessary for the
+divine, if possible, to put the cat back again.
+
+He discovered this when he went to get a horse for the occasion. The
+young man who had the care of the stable filled also the office of
+village gossip, and as he curried the horse, asked, with an air oddly
+compounded of the deferential and impudent,—
+
+"Who's going to be married 'now,' Mr. Parsons?"
+
+The clergyman's silence did not disconcert him, and he added,—
+
+"'I' think old J—'s a little too old to marry again; but they do say
+he'll git a fust-rate wife, though. What do you think?"
+
+"Is Mr. J— going to be married?" asked the minister, parrying the
+attack.
+
+"I don't know who knows if you don't!" he returned, laughing loudly.
+
+And then, leaving his horse tied at the halter ring, he entered the
+tavern,—it was the dinner hour,—and announced to the people at table
+that "the minister had come for a horse to go down and marry old J—."
+
+The news flew over the village like wildfire, and having a presentiment
+that, to make assurance doubly sure, the curious would watch to see if
+he went towards Mr. J—'s, the minister mounted and rode slowly through
+the town in the opposite direction. Skirting some heavy woods by a
+generous circuit, he had struck a road leading to Mr. J's, when, just
+in the fork, his attention was taken by two men engaged in putting up a
+guide-post, on which was neatly lettered, "Prairie City, 15 Miles"—the
+index hand pointing in the direction of his ride. One of the men turned
+to look at him. It was the proprietor of Prairie City who at once came
+forward, and was soon arguing again the claims of his town.
+
+"We are going ahead nicely," said he; "prospects never better. But we
+want a minister. Haven't found one yet. Just agree to put up a house
+among us, and you shall have two handsome lots, as I said before."
+
+Having little time for conversation, the clergyman left him, his
+parting words being eloquent in advocacy of his "city."
+
+The wedding was to be at the dwelling of the bride, a widow of fifty.
+
+Her snug cabin showed marks of the thorough housekeeper. Order was
+supreme, and she was its living embodiment. Each article of dress, from
+the starched dress-cap to the shoes she wore, fitted with exactness.
+And whether she sat, walked, talked, or was silent, she was prim and
+precise. A most estimable woman she was, too, and I scarcely wondered
+at the devotion of the bridegroom.
+
+Many years had passed since death took from him his loved companion,
+leading him at last, sad and lonely, to leave his desolate New England
+home, where every object reminded him of the departed, and seek to
+forget his bereavement amid the exciting scenes and vicissitudes of the
+frontier.
+
+He preëmpted a "one-hundred-and-sixty-acre" farm, well balanced in
+prairie and timber, fenced and ploughed and planted largely, fitted him
+up a cabin, read the eastern papers, smoked, chewed tobacco, lounged in
+the village store for society, grew careless in his personal habits,
+and very irritable. What was the matter? He missed the gentle presence
+of woman, and the solitude of his western home became more and more
+irksome.
+
+He was a mere man of the world, quick-tempered, and, of late, when
+angered, shockingly profane. He had not, by his presence in the place
+of prayer, manifested the least interest in the higher wants of the
+soul, and Mr. Parsons was glad to find the bride elect to be a lady
+of piety, and much weight of character—a circumstance in which the
+bridegroom took great pride, showing that, hard and irreligious as he
+seemed, her upright christianly qualities had much to do in influencing
+his choice.
+
+Indeed, he evinced, on his part, a sincere sense of unworthiness for
+such an alliance, seeming to realize that morally was a great gulf
+between them; and there was nervous anxiety with him, lest, somehow,
+he should lose the prize. Ah, woman without goodness the wicked man
+shudders at as a monstrosity; woman with piety the profligate adores.
+
+The ceremony was to be in the early afternoon, and to be followed by
+the usual wedding repast. The missionary, however, had been in the
+room but a short time, when he saw that something was going wrong. The
+bridegroom looked anxious, and the family friends embarrassed. Mr. J—
+himself stated the cause. He had omitted to procure from the justice
+the legal right to be married. That officer lived miles away, and could
+not then be found. Mr. J— was unreconciled to a delay of the ceremony.
+
+"Well, then, let us step over the state line!" he exclaimed. "It's only
+three quarters of a mile; the law 'll let us be married there without
+any preliminaries. Many a couple has done that!"
+
+But the lady would consent to no irregularity. She would wait a
+week to be sure that every step was taken with due deliberation. So
+the bridegroom must needs make the best of the matter, and with a
+disconsolate face, helped dispose of the nice edibles that had been
+prepared for the wedding.
+
+"How shall I find my way to Prairie City?" said Mr. Parsons to one of
+the sons who had followed him to the gate, as he was leaving. "As I
+haven't had the pleasure of marrying anybody, I guess I'll ride over
+there and see the place. And there's a family named Willard somewhere
+in this region. Very likely they are over there—so much has been said
+about the town!"
+
+"Prairie City," slowly repeated the young man. "I don't know of any
+such place about here."
+
+"But I passed a guide-board to-day which said, 'Prairie City, fifteen
+miles,' and the hand pointed in this direction."
+
+"O," said he, "you mean Mr. Tower's town. Well, I've never been over
+there. It's off the main road. Follow that track round the woods
+yonder, and keep straight across the prairie, and it's about ten miles,
+I reckon; but you'll have to inquire."
+
+The road was a lonely one, leading away from the settlements, which
+were mostly contiguous to the timber land. Mr. Parsons's imagination
+enlivened the loneliness with pictures of the flourishing place to
+which he was going. He could almost see its magic growth, and hear
+the din of its busy population. And on, on he rode, until he began to
+wonder that the "city" did not come in sight, thinking he must have
+gone more than the distance specified.
+
+He was relieved at seeing a cabin near by to inquire. It stood alone
+in the vast solitude, with no living creature about, save a lame old
+skeleton horse, spiritlessly nibbling at the grass as he hobbled
+around. The building had recently been occupied; for what purpose, and
+by whom, in such a doleful place, it was hard to guess; but the inmates
+were away. So, driving on, again a cabin appeared.
+
+"Where is Prairie City?" he shouted to a man lounging in the doorway.
+
+"No sich place about here, as I knows on," was the reply.
+
+"Is there a man by the name of Tower living anywhere in this region?"
+
+"Tower, John Tower? Why, sir, you came by his cabin more'n three miles
+back."
+
+"You don't mean to say that the log house that stands all alone, out on
+the prairie there, is Mr. Tower's place! He told me he'd started a town
+there!"
+
+"Anything but 'started,' I reckon, stranger; but you ken see for
+yourself."
+
+
+"Mr. Parsons," cried a young man, hurrying through the hazel bushes to
+head off the missionary's horse, as he was returning to town, "so old
+J—'s married, after all—isn't he?"
+
+"Ah!" said the clergyman. "I am not aware that he is married. When did
+the event occur?"
+
+"Why, didn't you marry him?"
+
+"No."
+
+"That's what I call sharp, for a minister," said the man of the stable,
+as he took the clergyman's horse—"going way round them woods jest to
+throw folks off the track! But you married old J—, after all; I know
+that!"
+
+"How do you know it?"
+
+"Why, you see, says I to myself, says I, Mr. Parsons has gone that
+way jest for a blind. So I jest took a ride down to old J—'s to make
+observations. And sure enough, there you was, over to widow K—'s, the
+family dressed up in their Sunday best, ready for the wedding. Folks
+has got to get up afore day to git ahead of this child. I told 'em all
+that you've married the old widower."
+
+"But I have not married him!"
+
+"You haven't!" he replied, quite crestfallen. Then, rallying, added,
+"Well, I'm really glad on't. Why, there's his daughter, Mrs. L—, has
+worried herself sick about it. She don't approve of the old man's
+marrying; and I guess there's no love lost between 'em, they differ so
+on this matter. She's up to the town now, and I shouldn't wonder if she
+hails you, to know jest how the thing stands."
+
+He was right. As the missionary was passing a shop, Mrs. L— came out,
+and said,—
+
+"Mr. Parsons, some say you've been down to marry my father, and some
+say you have not. I tell them, if it is so, I know nothing about it,
+for father hasn't said a word to me. But I wish you would tell me, that
+I may know what to believe. Did you marry him?"
+
+"No, madam, I did not."
+
+"There!" triumphantly cried Mrs. Cowles, the shopkeeper's wife, from
+the door. "I told you so! Didn't I sit by that window and watch to see
+which way the minister went? He didn't go towards old J—'s at all, but
+right towards Sallie Nason's, and he was seen on the road to her house.
+I don't object to folks marrying, but I don't see the use of being so
+sly about it."
+
+"Can you tell me," said Mr. Parsons to a friend, "anything about this
+Mr. Tower who says he is starting a town some fifteen miles from here?
+I see he has been putting up guide-boards of late. Has he capital for
+such an enterprise?"
+
+"You can judge," was the reply. "He called on me yesterday with an old
+silver watch, worth not more than five dollars, which he wished to sell
+or pawn, in order to get food for his family. I suppose he wanted you
+to say you would come to 'Prairie City?' Well, it would have sold lots
+to his eastern correspondents!"
+
+
+"Father," exclaimed Mr. Parsons's little boy, one delicious Sunday
+morning, two weeks after the incidents just narrated, "there's a large
+double wagon driving towards the house, filled with folks. I guess
+somebody's coming to get married!"
+
+True enough. On board seats placed across the huge open vehicle were
+Mr. J— and bride, with a goodly company in their best attire and
+very smiling faces. It was only an hour to service, and they had
+ridden through the main street of the village to the clergyman's
+house—sufficient evidence that Mr. J— had lost his fear of publicity,
+and now preferred an open to a clandestine marriage—a change due, no
+doubt, to the good sense of his excellent and dignified lady.
+
+Mr. Parsons took this as a happy omen, and after uniting them in the
+holy bonds, said,—
+
+"Mr. J—, it is nearly time for meeting. Let me invite you and your
+friends to go with me to the house of prayer. It would be a fitting
+beginning to your married life—one I am sure that your estimable wife
+would approve. Is it not so, madam?"
+
+"O, yes," she replied, with a grateful look.
+
+"Besides," he added, "I am to preach on marriage this morning, and it
+will be a pleasant coincidence to have you as hearers, and having just
+made you one."
+
+He cheerfully assented, and the missionary spoke from the text,—
+
+   "Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb."
+
+Mr. J.— listened tearfully, and his wife, it was evident, lifted up her
+heart in silent prayer for a blessing on the word.
+
+I scarcely need add that the husband's anticipations of a "serenade"
+were not realized. His wife was too much respected, and the manly,
+decorous course pursued when the marriage was at last solemnized was a
+sufficient protection.
+
+
+But what is a wedding without a "wedding tour"? Happy Mr. J—, desiring
+to please his bride by omitting none of the proprieties of the event,
+invited her to accompany him to the Mississippi. With an eye to
+business as well as enjoyment, he used for the journey the capacious
+wagon in which he came to be married, as it would enable him to bring
+back groceries for the neighbors, and also passengers, and thus pay the
+expense of the trip, and perchance earn a penny besides.
+
+Twice sixty miles, over rolling, roadless prairies, broken at times by
+rough ravines; on seats of oaken boards laid across the wagon,—think of
+that for a bridal trip!
+
+Returning, several couple occupied seats behind the owner of the team
+and his bride. Now, there being no springs under the seats, when the
+going was "very" uneven, the jolting was violent and unsafe, obliging
+the lady passengers to cling to their lords or be shaken from the
+vehicle.
+
+Mrs. J—, however, disapproving of such public freedom, and disdaining
+support, sat bolt upright and self-reliant. Hold on by her husband—not
+she!
+
+But "dignity of character" is not an infallible protection against
+accidents. By and by came a prodigious lurch. There was a flutter of
+white near the bridegroom, and stately Mrs. J— was sent flying through
+the air, and plumped down among the prairie grass like a downy pillow.
+
+Her husband did not turn to look at her, or inquire if she was injured,
+nor dismount to assist her in—he held her in too much awe. Silently,
+he reined in the horses, gazing meanwhile straight ahead into vacancy,
+till she had with her snowy kerchief smoothed her disordered apparel,
+and composedly ascended to her place. Then he dutifully drove on.
+
+Pain, however, will conquer both the masculine and feminine will,
+and overcome even a mistaken sense of propriety. The passengers were
+scarcely well out of the perilous ravines, and on the smooth prairie,
+when a groan issued from the bride's unwilling lips. The husband
+dutifully forbore to notice it. Another, then another, rising almost to
+a scream, broke forth. She had sprained an ankle, and the intense pain
+was too great to be borne.
+
+A mile at the left was a cabin. Driving there, the efficient settler's
+wife was busy binding a soothing and healing lotion on the foot, when
+voices of men in altercation arose outside.
+
+"Twas you that took it, you rascal; there was nobody else in our
+settlement mean enough to steal. Hand it over; quick, too!"
+
+The passengers rushed to the door in time to see old Mr. J— seize a
+man by the collar, and the latter, with a powerful blow of his fist,
+strike the gray-haired bridegroom to the ground, then with astonishing
+agility, bound away towards the ravines.
+
+It was Mr. Grey, "alias" Simmons, "alias" Grimes, on his way to the
+pirates' rendezvous.
+
+"If I had my rifle here, and my sight was what it once was, I'd put an
+'eend' to his villanies quick 's I'd bullet a panther," exclaimed the
+fuming bridegroom, with an oath, as he reached the cabin door.
+
+"Don't swear, husband," gently interposed his wife.
+
+And dropping his head for shame, he assisted her into the wagon, and
+resumed the journey home.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE WRONG CABIN.—THE COUPLE UNDER THE UMBRELLA.
+
+"LITTLE HUNCHY" tracked Simmons, otherwise Grimes, to the town of L—,
+saw him enter the village store, come out from thence; pass northward
+along the main street, and, just over the village plat, disappear in
+a better-class log house—the home, he afterwards learned, of Rev. Mr.
+Parsons, the missionary.
+
+The dwarf then went into the shop. On the counter, his shapely legs
+pendent therefrom, sat the proprietor. A number of men were grouped
+near by, smoking and discussing local politics. At the Hunchback's
+entrance, conversation gradually fell off, the loafers, with curious
+stare and rough humor, greeting the advent of the misshapen young
+stranger.
+
+"Well, squatty, what will 'you' have?" asked the grocer.
+
+"That is not my name," said the dwarf.
+
+"Excuse me," replied the dealer; "I was not aware you owned any other."
+
+"If that's not his 'name,' it's his 'natur,'" said a bysitter, with a
+wink at the company.
+
+"I'd thank you to speak when you're spoken to," retorted the Hunchback,
+losing his temper.
+
+"Ah," ejaculated the other, offended in turn, "you're sassy as you're
+homely. If you wern't so small, now, I'd tweak your nose—if you had
+one—but you hain't!"
+
+"Gentlemen," remarked the grocer, "we have no legal or moral right to
+insult the little fellow because he was spoilt in the making. And for
+my part, I like his grit; if he don't look out for himself, everybody
+will tread on him."
+
+"That's so," responded several.
+
+"What 'll you have?" he again interrogated.
+
+"Nothing," answered the dwarf. "I came in to rest a moment."
+
+"Well, you look as if it wouldn't hurt you, to be sure. John, bring a
+chair from the other room for this crooked mortal!"
+
+The Hunchback seated himself, and gazed around. The color rushed to
+his sallow-pale cheeks. On the wall at the end of the apartment was a
+conspicuous poster, ornamented with the figures of a fiery charger and
+a man holding him by the bridle. And at the top of the handbill was
+printed, in bold type,—
+
+                     FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD!
+
+The circular commenced with, "Stolen from the subscriber," the
+description that followed of the purloined horse corresponding
+precisely to the one Mr. Simmons had left in the care of Ferdie and
+Georgie.
+
+"Fifty dollars!" mentally echoed the dwarf. "If I can only get that for
+mother to buy land with!"
+
+With his excessive weariness, his confidence had ebbed somewhat. But
+the offered reward raised his spirits, and, embracing an opportunity,
+he warily questioned Mr. Cowles concerning Mr. Simmons. And finding
+that the shrewd trader sympathized in his idea of Mr. Simmons's
+character, he related all he knew of him.
+
+Mr. Cowles was interested and excited.
+
+"'Mind' is the measure of the man," said he, emphasizing the first
+word, "as Dr. Watts expressed it; and you're a thundering illustration
+of the truth of the remark. How you followed the serpent! And, my lad,
+don't you fret; I'll see Edmonds about that hay, and if anybody gets
+the money for it, it shall be you."
+
+"You won't say anything so that it will get Simmons's ear?"
+
+"When you catch a weasel asleep," replied the grocer. "You'll pocket
+the fifty dollars for the horse—that's my opinion. Can you be here
+Thursday? Simmons has a case at court then, and we are preparing to
+deal out to him, on that occasion, his deserts. Bring along your mother
+or aunt, and the beast. Till then, I'll keep mum. Simmons, as you call
+him, is living on the missionary. I'll see that the fellow don't visit
+your diggings till after the trial—then he won't care to."
+
+Then, pushing the dwarf with warm-hearted familiarity before him into
+the housekeeping part of the establishment, he called out,—
+
+"Here, wife, give this big-soul-and-little-body a bite to eat, and a
+bed to-night for head and back—he won't need any for his legs."
+
+
+The dwarf turned his face towards home next day, lightened of a load
+of apprehension, care, and solicitude. Victory over the wiles of a
+heartless villain was assured. Instead of danger and pecuniary loss,
+he had secured protection from the threatening peril, and there was a
+strong probability that a nice sum would be realized for the family.
+
+These considerations imparted a helpful impulse to his weak limbs as he
+walked. Yet he was more conscious of the toilsomeness of the journey,
+now that he was alone, and the urgency of the extremity no longer
+existed. How much are the best of us creatures of circumstances!
+
+Lamed from yesterday's exertions, the hours dragged wofully, and
+he seemed to have made exceedingly poor progress, he thought, as
+certain "marked" spots did not appear. There, for example, was the
+creek crossing, where the two outlaws met,—surely he ought to have
+reached it,—yet it was not even discernible in the distance. He had no
+misgivings as to his ability to retrace the route. Had he not, coming,
+"studied" the face of the prairies for this very purpose? Moreover, he
+could guide his course by the wind and sun.
+
+But, somehow, the monotonous meadows were increasingly unfamiliar. And
+the creek, did it mockingly retire as he advanced? By and by, he paused
+in suspense. Then he glanced to note the position of the sun. But the
+heavens were covered with clouds. How absent-minded he had been! What
+about the wind? Ah, by that he "must" be right in the main. Perhaps
+he had veered a trifle,—enough to miss that jutting angle of the
+creek,—and he would strike the stream farther along.
+
+This conclusion settled his doubts; yet he urged his way with a nervous
+eagerness that betrayed anxiety to behold the proof of the correctness
+of his reasoning.
+
+But the coveted creek did not cheer his strained sight. Travel as
+confidently and energetically as he might, the babbling brook broke not
+on his longing vision.
+
+Soon, however, there was abundance of water. But it descended from
+above. Patter, patter, came the pioneer drops. Then the air was a
+liquid sea. How it poured—torrent joined to torrent! Had the upper
+ocean fallen through? Now heaven's artillery, discharged by electric
+fire, roared, and rumbled, and rolled, as if cannon balls of mountain
+weight were propelled around the aerial pavement. And how the
+chain-lightning flashes zigzagged!
+
+Heroic dwarf, however, nursed a stubborn will. Panting, drenched, the
+water running in streams through his soaked cap over his face, into his
+bosom and back,—an animated mote of mortality on a watery waste,—he
+fought the elements, sure, soon, of shelter.
+
+But the creek, where could it be? Perhaps he had waded some shallow
+ford unconsciously, the plains were so submerged. Ah, yes, it is
+even so. Joy! There's the cabin light! Thrice welcome, beaming
+taper, lighting the weary wanderer home! But how queerly the storm
+transfigures objects! Those trees do not resemble the straight growths
+of the Willard grove. And the dwelling, what is the matter with it?
+
+"Ferdie! Georgie!" he piped, pressing towards the homely yet loved
+domicile. "Mother! Aunt Esther!"
+
+No answer. But how could he hope his feeble tones would be heard in
+such a wild tumult?
+
+"What a flash!" he exclaimed, stopping aghast. "And such a report?"
+
+He fairly reeled with the shock. Simultaneously with the mighty crash,
+a giant tree burst into flame. The red bolt had smitten it. In the
+light of the lurid glare, he looked to see if the dear cabin was
+unharmed.
+
+He started as if a second bolt had smitten him. A wretched loggery,
+unknown to him, stood there. He had lost his way. The demonstration
+almost paralyzed him, so unexpected and appalling.
+
+"But," thought he, rallying, "how much better off I am than if I had
+found no dwelling, and been obliged to spend the night on the bare
+prairie! Besides, no doubt the occupants of the hovel will in the
+morning direct me how to find the right course."
+
+And with rekindled hope, he knocked at the rude door. Hearing a reply
+within, the words of which he did not distinguish, taking it for
+granted to be an invitation to enter, he passed within.
+
+It was one of the wretchedest of structures—low, half-roofed, every
+way uncomfortable and unsightly. The one confined room was furnished
+with two "wildcat" bedsteads, on which were ragged and dirty beds,
+a foreign-looking trunk, a box, and two stout stools. The shanty
+was inhabited by an old Norwegian couple, haggard, thriftless, and
+filthy—poor specimens of their people.
+
+The dwarf addressed them a question, but they did not understand his
+tongue. He tried to inform them by words and signs that he had lost
+his way, but did not succeed. This was another unanticipated dilemma.
+Cold, cross, tired, hungry, and baffled, he grew irritated because they
+could not speak English—ignorant, unaccommodating pair! He attempted
+conversation once more, and failed. How dull they were! He saw the mote
+in their eye, just as you and I do in our neighbors', forgetful that
+the same splinter was in his own—that he couldn't talk in Norwegian,
+their mother language. Had he been able, the chasm would have been
+bridged by a syllable.
+
+The wrinkled housewife, however, pointed to the bed opposite the door,
+to indicate that he could remain till morning. This instantly disarmed
+the dwarf's foolish resentment, and he was in pantomime endeavoring
+to express his thanks for her hospitality, when stentorian shouting
+outside was heard.
+
+The Hunchback opened the door, and there sat a smiling-faced man on a
+restless, wide-awake horse. From the rider's broad-brimmed hat streams
+were falling, but his manner was anything but "under the weather."
+
+"O, yes, I am wherry vet," said he, jollily, as the dwarf invited him
+in, informing him that he would have to fasten his horse to the house,
+as there was no shed.
+
+The German did as suggested, then, entering the room, drew off his
+boots, emptied the water from them, wrung out his hose, and hung them
+on the bedstead to dry.
+
+"Did not know the road," he explained; "but I ride on, and I vas
+bother, but I tink to myself, my horse has fine instink, and I let him
+go. Phrarie beautiful—wide—flower—fine grass; phrarie hens fly—so many
+birds sing, sing, sing, feel as if I could stay dere. I get down to let
+my horse eat dat fine grass. Vell, it 'muse me vherry mootch, and I
+forget dat it cloud up, till I feel de rain; and den I say to my horse,
+'Now ve hurry,' and I ride, ride. But it get quite dark, an' it rain
+all de time; but de clouds vas so beautiful, vid de lightning, and de
+thunder roll so grand!
+
+"Den I see de little house: 'Vhery nice people dere,' I say to my
+horse; but it 'muse me vherry mootch; so I go to sleep," nodding
+towards the bed, "till daylight, ven I shall have joy to see de sun
+rise. If de storm not come to make me vet, I vas not see de lightning!"
+
+So the dwarf and the tempest-admiring traveller went to bed together,
+and, unheeding the uproar without, and the neighing of the hapless
+horse, quickly fell asleep.
+
+
+"Vat ish dat?" inquired the German, starting up.
+
+The dwarf was already aroused.
+
+Water was washing down upon them with a "consistent" copiousness that
+promised to convert their couch into a mud-hole, for the roof was
+"shingled" with "sods."
+
+By the tallow candle, which during their nap had been lighted and stuck
+in a potato, and placed on the box, the dwarf saw the aged Norwegians
+sitting side by side on the trunk, holding a huge umbrella over their
+heads.
+
+Made wise by experience, they had in season forsaken their
+mud-and-water bed for their novel shelter—an expedient to which they
+were so accustomed, that their placid "of course" aspect set the
+Hunchback to laughing.
+
+But the German lifted the door from its hinges, and tying it to the
+rafters lengthwise over the bed to keep off the rain, turned in again.
+
+The repose of the travellers was, however, destined to another
+interruption. The waters collecting on the door began at last to drip
+from its sides, and as it was narrower than the couch beneath, a sudden
+splashing drove its occupants out, no more to return.
+
+
+Next morning, as the German was departing, the dwarf begged the
+privilege of riding with him until they came to some cabin at which to
+inquire their course.
+
+"It 'muse me vherry mootch, but that rascal horse jump up and kick up
+behind. No, you goes your vay, I goes mine; you valk. O, yes, phrarie
+looks better in fine weather!" And he was away.
+
+The Hunchback was deserted, but through no unfriendliness. And not once
+had the German, by look or hint, conveyed any allusion to the dwarf's
+physical appearance. The latter could forgive him almost anything
+because of that.
+
+The Hunchback sat on the wooden step, endeavoring to decide what to do.
+
+"I will," he finally resolved, "go back as nearly as possible the way I
+came. Perhaps I can find the village from which I started, and then I
+shall be all right."
+
+But the ancient woman had boiled her kettle and steeped tea in the open
+air, several rods from the dwelling. She now brought in the tea-pot,
+placed three cups and saucers, a plate of corn-bread and of butter, on
+the box, and beckoned the dwarf to partake.
+
+As he concluded his meal, taking a large cake, he inquired by signs
+if he might have it, to which an affirmative answer was returned. And
+stowing it in his capacious pocket, he commenced to retrace his steps
+towards L—.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE CIRCLE IN THE LODGE.—WAKAN'.
+
+IN this wayward world, it is easier to lose the right path than to
+recover it. Indeed, each subsequent step is apt to lead the wanderer
+more widely astray. This is true in creed and deed, intellectually,
+morally.
+
+The dwarf found it true, also, geographically. Theoretically, it was
+a simple thing for him to preserve a sufficiently straight line from
+the Norwegian log shanty, and thus return on his own path. And the end
+would be the grocer's shop at L—. Such was the Hunchback's logic. But
+the logical conclusion and the practical result do not always tally.
+
+"The proof of the pudding is in the eating," and not in the formula.
+Nor even in the eating, permit us to add, but in the digesting. Please
+write that on the fly-leaf of your cook-book, madam, and your children,
+saved from many a cruel colic, shall "rise up and call you blessed."
+
+All that weary day, our hero breasted the billowy blossoms of the
+prairie solitudes. At the onset, his deep, large orbs, clear,
+penetrating, reflective, were undaunted, for his faith in his course
+was unwavering. Behind was the sod-thatched roof, in the blue canopy
+glowed the sun, and the wind steady: with these guide-posts, what cause
+to fear? The music of the birds resounded in his heart—he was not
+distrustful of them,—blithe and beautiful though they were,—as he was
+of his fellows. This toil, though wearing, was for his precious kindred
+in the home-cabin. To them, too, he was the courier of good news, which
+he longed to tell.
+
+Alas, that our brightest anticipations are so often illusions! Sad was
+it for the limp-limbed dwarf to find at last the awful fear haunting
+him that he was again lost.
+
+Behold how bravely he battles with the horrid misgiving, and with his
+fearful fate. Level with the waving grass of the upper land, his big
+head moves slowly forward, as you may see the spent swimmer striking
+for the dimly discerned shore. Will he gain it? If not, too well he
+comprehends the fatal alternative. And the little Hunchback, should he
+not touch a familiar trail, or meet timely aid, would not the naked
+prairie, glorious as it was in its living verdure, be as fatal to him
+as ocean depths to the sinking mariner?
+
+Till evening twilight, he was alone on that wide sea of
+vegetation—walking, resting, hoping, fearing, despairing, searching the
+remotest horizon for cabin or traveller. In vain. The west grew golden.
+The stars came out. The moon hung its silver crescent. The night-birds
+flitted. The wolves barked. Chilled, faint, and at last frightened,
+the dwarf tottered on, or, sitting on the cold, damp earth, nodded and
+watched by turns.
+
+Lost and benighted on the uninhabited prairie, what utter helplessness
+and desolateness are in those words! The forest shuts your gaze in
+a narrow circle. You hope that just through yonder vista is the old
+cart-path, or the well-known pasture. But the prairie, swept by your
+sight from sky to sky, gives ocular evidence that indeed you are lost.
+
+Statisticians say that at about two or three o'clock in the night more
+deaths occur than at any other of the twenty-four hours, the sun has
+so long been absent then, and the accumulated chills and vapors are so
+powerful in their action on the enfeebled system.
+
+The blood circulated inadequately in the little Hunchback's shrunken
+extremities. His respiration was also weak, as his weak voice betrayed,
+and the small vitality he possessed, drawn upon too exhaustively by
+the over-mastering brain, yielded readily to the cold night air. He
+shivered as with an ague. And later, neuralgic pains tortured face,
+arms, and legs. Glad was he when the beams of day warmed his aching
+frame.
+
+The Hunchback journeyed that day for the most part in irregular
+circles, having not the least conception of his whereabouts. Late,
+however, in the afternoon, he descried trees ahead. Any change was
+welcome to him after the discouraging sameness of the wild wastes, and
+with reviving hope, he sought to mend his pace.
+
+But a half dozen miles' view on level land, and in a transparent
+atmosphere, agreeably deceives the eye. The distance "holds out"
+"Quaker measure," come to walk it—especially if you are already
+overtired. And evening had far advanced when the wanderer neared the
+forest. Then, to his consternation, a line of light burst upon his
+gaze—he was in close proximity to an Indian encampment.
+
+Here was an unforeseen difficulty. To retreat far enough from the place
+to escape the keen-eared, sharp-sighted, swift-footed savages, in his
+used-up condition, was impossible. He had terribly overtasked his
+powers of endurance, and positively "could" not journey farther. To go
+forward was capture, and he dared not contemplate what else. What could
+he do?
+
+Lying in the grass, long he pondered the perplexing question. He had
+subsisted, since leaving the Norwegians, on the corn-cake his haggish
+hostess gave him at parting, and he was now half famished. There were
+a few figs in his pocket that he had got at the grocer's, and had
+treasured for his much-loved mother. He ate those.
+
+The osiers at the wood's edge betokened the presence of water. Crawling
+there, he drank great draughts from the gurgling brooklet, and softly
+bathed his hot and fevered forehead.
+
+Refreshed by the food, and drink, and bath, he could think more
+collectedly.
+
+"Let me see," he soliloquized. "I can't find my way home, or to the
+village. That's settled. If I attempt it, I shall die on the prairies,
+for I should have nothing to eat, nor perhaps a drop of water to
+quench my thirst. So to go back is death. And the savages can only
+kill me. But it is better that it be me than Ferdie or Georgie. I'm so
+ugly-formed, and they are so handsome and strong!"
+
+But the big, sad eyes swam in tears, and he pressed his hand to his
+jutting brow as if the thought-pain was there.
+
+"Perhaps it will be best not to wait here and let them capture me; it
+might anger them worse. I will deliver myself into their hands, and
+appeal to their pity—if they have any," he added, shaking his head
+negatively. "But I can't do it yet. I'll delay as long as I can; after
+all, life is sweet even to me, deformed and despised as I am."
+
+And he glanced shudderingly at the ruddy gleam, and the dusky figures
+moving to and fro.
+
+"Wonder if every Indian is a demon?" he asked himself, weighing
+his chance of being murdered at a blow, or tortured. And the
+blood-congealing accounts he had heard and read of the barbarities
+perpetrated by redmen came trooping to his mind with heightened
+vividness.
+
+"The Bible declares, however, that God made of one blood all the
+nations," he recalled. "'One' blood;' that means, I suppose, that they
+are naturally alike in the main. If this is so, Indians differ in
+disposition, like other people." His face brightened at this idea.
+
+But his countenance fell as he added,—
+
+"Yet there are those who denounce the Bible as untrue. If these are
+correct, then I can't depend on the Indians resembling the whites. They
+may every one be perfectly fiendish. But whether the Bible is God's
+book or not," he continued, "I wish these savages went according to its
+rules. Some state the heathen better not be Christianized; but I guess
+if such folks were where I am,—" and again, he shrinkingly surveyed the
+flaming lights,—"they'd be very willing to have these savages converted.
+
+"Suppose, now, they obeyed the Scriptures; how would I fare among
+them? There's the commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill.' I wish they'd
+mind that! 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself;' they wouldn't
+burn me if that was in their hearts. The beatitude also, 'Blessed are
+the merciful;' wouldn't it be nice if that governed them? And, too,
+Christ's words, 'Love your enemies.' Well, I've no doubt but that they
+consider the whites their enemies, and no wonder, when their splendid
+hunting-grounds are taken from them."
+
+How clearly and actively the intellect works in some dire crisis, when
+its owner crouches at the foot of impending doom! Thus does reason
+assert its superiority over nature and brute terror. The phenomenon is
+not unusual, and therefore the more instructive. The soul cannot be
+trodden into inactivity by material agents.
+
+And there lay the dwarf, despicable externally, puny, panting,
+physically powerless; but thinking, reasoning, remembering precepts,
+discussing, in the sanctuary of his own spirit, the mightiest
+questions, conscious all the while, O, so profoundly, that but a brief
+moment and his fate was fixed for weal or woe.
+
+But the dwarf's cogitations were instantly arrested, as a mournful
+human howl floated out from the encampment on the calm evening air.
+With that sound also the light was suddenly extinguished. How wild,
+weird, awful the wailing. Better the cry of the gray wolf than that!
+What did it mean? He had read Indian history, and it occurred to him
+that a barbarous ceremony was being celebrated.
+
+The din would favor his approach; so he cautiously crept along, a
+thorny thicket relieving him of his cap, which he did not try to
+recover; for what need had he of it, when so soon to be tomahawked?
+
+The redskins were assembled in a large lodge, from which a smothered
+light issued through various crevices. In the centre was a smouldering
+fire, from which the dying smoke arose to find its way out at the
+cracks.
+
+Should he move still nearer? He could hear his heart thump against his
+contorted ribs; would some quick-eared savage hear it too? He waited a
+moment, that the throbbing might lessen.
+
+"Aunt Esther said she'd pray for me," came to memory just then.
+"Perhaps," he thought, "she's doing so now. God, who made these
+Indians, can hear prayer, and hold these Indians from harming me, if
+He sees best;" and strengthened by trust in the Infinite Defender, he
+crept close to the capacious wigwam.
+
+Frankie, since that memorable first night on the prairie, when the
+"stars" enlightened him, had been under a controlling persuasion that
+on him depended important interests connected with the experiment of
+the family in immigrating. The loss of his father, too, had thrown
+on him a sense of responsibility that otherwise he could not have
+experienced.
+
+When he undertook any difficult duty, like that, for instance,
+concerning the outlaw Simmons, he uttered a presentiment in affirming
+as to his aunt, "It's put upon me to do it." This whisper within had
+sustained him while tracking the trackless prairies; and now, in the
+shadow of the savage lodge, he had not entirely lost its inspiration,
+nor forgotten prayer.
+
+The dwarf peeped through a crevice at the strange scene. The lodge was
+packed with savages of all ages and both sexes, sitting cross-legged in
+a variety of attitudes and postures, each with a blanket drawn over the
+head, singing in unison in a low key, the dirge-like notes rising and
+falling in guttural monotony.
+
+"They are mourning for their dead," he concluded; "now is my
+opportunity. Better discover myself to them when thus engaged, than
+when them revengeful feelings are stirred."
+
+And after mentally preparing a short speech declarative of
+friendliness, and claiming their protection, he passed into the wigwam.
+His ingress was not at once perceived, such was the din, and so
+absorbed the performers. But when it was, the issue was as remarkable
+as unexpected. With a terrified yell, the nearest copper-face scrambled
+from the lodge, his companions, men, women, and children, tumbling
+after.
+
+If, as the dwarf had conjectured, he had stumbled upon an Indian
+powwow, and by the dismal ceremony the soul of a dead brave was being
+wafted across the dark waters into the Indian's Paradise, what the
+influence the dwarf's entrance must have been on said spirit, I can
+scarcely trust myself to contemplate. With what an inglorious flop the
+defunct warrior must have dropped earthward when the survivors dropped
+their vocal discordances! And as the powwow was not resumed, of course
+the tawny decease did not go to hunt the brown deer, with silver bow
+and arrows like darts of summer lightning, in the blue forests of the
+happy hunting-ground.
+
+But the dwarf was not wholly right in his conjecture concerning the
+nature of their convocation. They were not singing a dead brave into
+the Indian Paradise, but were invoking the spirits of the departed. The
+Dakotas are "spiritualists"—as we call those among us of the same faith
+and practice.
+
+One of their sacred performances is the noted jugglery of rope-tying. A
+lodge is cleared of everything in it, and one of their copper-colored
+"mediums" produces ropes and thongs, requesting some of the stronger
+savages to tie him tightly. This is usually done by disinterested
+parties who state that they have tied the arms, elbows, and feet
+so tightly as to break the skin, and then bound the feet and hands
+together, and wound up the whole body in knots and twists of the most
+formidable kind. The person thus secured is left in the empty lodge by
+himself, and the door secured from without. No one is allowed to touch
+or go near the lodge, and the Indian, thus bound, remains alone singing
+for a few minutes, when he cries out, the door is opened, and he walks
+forth free.
+
+These Indians also believe that some possess the power to call up
+and converse with departed spirits. They often make feasts to the
+spirits, and seek from them information concerning deceased relatives
+and acquaintances. They assemble in the lodge, smoke, put out the
+fire, wrap their heads in their blankets, and sing, till the spirits
+make for them a picture; and many queer tales are told by them of the
+occurrences at their "sittings."
+
+The cause of the abrupt ending of the savage "circle" the dwarf partly
+divined. The painted barbarians were dealing, as they believed,
+with the dead, and his coming into such a ceremony had created a
+superstitious panic—something as if when you, imaginative reader, were
+consulting Planchette, a veritable ghost should glide into the parlor.
+
+"They are afraid I'm a 'spiritual manifestation,'" thought the dwarf;
+and he resolved to favor the error.
+
+Altogether, their mistake was not so singular, when the circumstances
+are considered.
+
+"Ignorance" is "not" "the mother of devotion," but delusion. The
+sleight-of-hand tricks of dexterous impostors easily impose on the
+untaught and the credulous, and natural phenomena are readily construed
+to be the works of supernatural agents.
+
+Now, the great object of Dakota worship is the "TA'-KOO WAKAN'," the
+"supernatural," the "mysterious." The "wakan'" includes all mystery,
+secret power, divinity. And to the untutored savage, all around is to
+him "wakan'." Without the illuminations of revelation and science,
+he understands little. Forests, streams, lakes, prairies, hills,
+rain, thunder, lightning, sickness, life, death, are to him, in all
+respects, awful mysteries. Sun, moon, and stars are gods and goddesses.
+Multitudes of questions arise in his dark mind, simple to us, to him
+unanswerable; and with his hand on his mouth, he exclaims with awe,
+"'Wakan'! A-tay, on'-she-ma-da!'" "Mystery! Father, have mercy upon me!"
+
+To his apprehensions, heaven and earth are peopled with invisible
+demons, monsters of hate and evil, to propitiate whom he waves his
+pipe, tortures his flesh, offers sacrifices, and by silly and horrid
+rites invokes. "Wakan'"—mystery, dead, slavish, whimsical, unearthly
+mystery, wraps him in fear from childhood to death.
+
+Probably these Indians had never seen a hunchback till the dwarf
+disturbed their devotions. And—we will not disguise it—he was a "lusus
+naturæ," though I doubt if the Dakotas understand what that means. His
+prodigious chest and back, baby legs, thin, dangling arms, large, long
+face, cadaverous, and—by reason of years of gloom, dejection, and ill
+temper affecting the liver—biliously yellow, a deeper shade being laid
+on by prairie exposures, his immense head out of all harmony with his
+height, surmounted by the wonderful "ridge" of coarse hair, which, when
+he was angered or deeply excited, seemed to stand more stiffly—picture
+such an apparition stealing in on a group of "wild" savages, in their
+own haunts, far from civilized neighbors, while engaged at their
+midnight orgies, connected with ghostly and demon consultations. And
+not the most alert of the assembled copper-faces had seen a trail or
+heard a footfall. Moreover, their unearthly-shaped visitor called
+voluntarily. He was not dragged there a protesting prisoner. He came
+unarmed. His expression grave, resolute, intelligent, his eyes large,
+spiritual, piercing—looking as if able to read their inmost thoughts.
+
+How perfectly his advent, looks, bearing, time of his ingress, chimed
+in with their superstitions and the character of their ceremonies. Ah,
+he was "wakan'!"
+
+The curiosity of the copper-faces, however, brought them back again
+peeping through the cracks, crawling cautiously a few paces into the
+lodge, grunting, calling out, yelling, drawing nearer and nearer.
+
+In vain did the discreet dwarf preserve a majestic silence, and glance
+ineffable things. His power rapidly waned. He went heavenward as a
+rocket, in their estimation, and he came down liked a stick. Morning
+found them wholly undeceived—he "was" flesh and blood, for they had
+pinched him. So do ghostly mysteries fade before a matter-of-fact
+handling.
+
+His make-up, however, amused them exceedingly. And his voice
+contributed no little to the entertainment. To this mood, even when
+degenerating to ridicule, the dwarf was, for a wonder, submissive; for,
+he reasoned, while I make fun for them, they will not be likely to
+scalp me.
+
+A savage might be seen "on all fours" squealing like a pig, to imitate
+his voice; another, rolling himself into a heap, would act the
+hedge-hog, to caricature his bristles; a third squat like a tortoise,
+to take off his hunched back.
+
+"Hands off!" the dwarf would pipe, when his hair was pulled.
+
+"Look out, I tell you," as an Indian boy tried to trip him.
+
+"Take care, there," as a squaw stuck a thorn in his arm.
+
+His thin tones and puerile strength, contrasted with his ominous scowls
+and commanding head, excited roars of laughter.
+
+But harmless mirth was fast changing to offensive and dangerous
+treatment. A tomahawk thrown at his head was narrowly dodged, and
+the Hunchback, beset by the clamorous crowd, saw that his risks were
+fearfully increasing, when from a fine large tent there looked forth a
+beautiful Indian girl. And instantly after, an aged chief came to him,
+and dispersing the savages, led him to his wigwam.
+
+The dwarf, overcome by the unexpected interposition, would have fallen
+at the feet of the chief's daughter, and poured forth his gratitude,
+and begged her to complete the kindness by sending him to the white
+settlements. But she appeared now scarcely aware of his presence, and
+her silence compelled his.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+AUNT ESTHER'S TROUBLE.—THE LAMP IN THE WINDOW.
+
+AUNT ESTHER was troubled. Evening was falling, and the dwarf had not
+returned. A score of times had she peered anxiously from the cabin
+window, a score of times donned sun-bonnet with assumed carelessness,
+and repaired to the gentle eminence beyond the stable, and shading her
+eyes with her neat hand, scanned the landscape.
+
+She had hoped he would not have so far to go but that he would be back
+by dark, at the farthest. She blamed herself bitterly for consenting to
+so ventursome a project. What if Simmons should chance to detect the
+pursuit, the dwarf fall sick, or be torn by prowling beasts, or get
+lost! The last thought sent a deathly pallor to her cheeks.
+
+And now the family were wondering at his absence. How would they regard
+her when it transpired that she was secretly a party to it?
+
+A clandestine enterprise, even when entirely defensible, indeed
+praiseworthy, if it lacks success, is apt to react against those
+concerned in it. That aunt Esther's motives were every way what
+they should be, in fitting off the dwarf, is entirely apparent. But
+would Mrs. Willard appreciate them?—Especially if the dwarf met with
+misfortune in his singular and hazardous undertaking? And a woman will
+rarely excuse it if not counted in, in a secret where her husband or
+children are involved.
+
+True, it was necessary—or appeared so—that the confiding Mrs. Willard
+should remain ignorant of the proceedings against Mr. Simmons; for if
+she were informed, she would most certainly inform him and what then? A
+knave would have them at his fingers' ends. Nevertheless, Mrs. Willard
+could not see this, for she trusted Mr. Simmons. What defence, then,
+could poor aunt Esther offer, should the lad miscarry in his schemes?
+
+"Where can Frankie be!" the mother repeated.
+
+The exclamation set aunt Esther trembling.
+
+Supper was eaten, the dishes washed,—save the absent one's unsoiled
+plate and cup,—the candle lighted, and no Frankie.
+
+Aunt Esther, unable to bear the tumult in her own breast, walked about
+on the moon-lit grass, longing, O, so much, that the distorted, though
+ever dear form of the Hunchback would appear, and she be spared the
+pain of telling his mother the cause of his tarrying.
+
+But there was no alternative, and ever resolute in duty, she went in,
+and laying her hand in her sister's, she said,—
+
+"I must tell you all. Frankie, I fear, will not be here to-night—he
+mentioned that he 'might' not when he went away."
+
+"Went away!" repeated Mrs. Willard, dropping the sock she was darning.
+"Went away! Where?"
+
+She related all the circumstances.
+
+"You and Frankie are both crazy!" exclaimed the mother, deeply
+agitated. "That poor, weak, wee thing following a person of Mr.
+Simmons's strength across the pathless prairies! You've lost your wits,
+Esther! And keeping it hidden from his mother, too! It's wicked for a
+child not to confide in its mother. He had no right to leave, and not
+let me know it. You have encouraged him to deceive the best friend and
+the safest counsellor he has in the world; and what will come of it God
+alone can foresee. How could you be so foolish and cruel, Esther?"
+
+Esther sobbed as the mother wept.
+
+What could she say? She intended it nobly, heroically, at serious
+cost to her own affections. She deemed it a resistless necessity. But
+now that Frankie did not return, and while witnessing the parent's
+grief, and listening to her arguments and accusations, so sharp-edged,
+touching, and vehement, she forgot the real reasons for her partnership
+in the affair, and came to view herself as heartless, weak, and sinful
+in the extreme.
+
+Besides, she was instinctively aware that this new sorrow had unsealed
+anew that other; and that the bereaved wife and mother now mourned a
+double loss.
+
+Mrs. Willard arose, lighted a second candle, and placed it in the
+window. And that night, aunt Esther saw her frequently rise and trim it
+that the blaze might be steady and strong. And each succeeding night,
+the flame of that friendly lamp, kept bright by the vigilant watcher,
+shone on the velvet grass, and gleamed far over the unbeaten waste.
+
+"He may come home, belated," said she.
+
+
+When Frank had been gone four days, there was one evening, a welcome
+arrival at the Willard cabin. A clerical-looking gentleman rode up, and
+introduced himself as Mr. Parsons, the missionary at L—. He apologized
+for calling at that hour, by mentioning that young Jones had informed
+him about the family, and desired that their whereabouts might be
+ascertained; but he had had some difficulty in finding them.
+
+Besides, he said, he had a little errand to do for Mr. Cowles, on
+behalf of a Mr. Swallow.
+
+"It appears," explained the missionary, "that the latter had a horse
+stolen from him, and our storekeeper, having reasons to suspect that
+the missing animal is about your premises, has commissioned me, if I
+find the beast, to take him along with me."
+
+Then drawing Mr. Swallow's advertisement from his pocket, he read it
+aloud.
+
+"Why," cried Georgie, in amazement, "Mr. Simmons's horse is exactly
+like that!"
+
+Ferdie ran to the stable, and with marvellous quickness rode the horse
+to the door, and the Willards, with their reverend caller, carefully
+compared the animal with the printed description. The clergyman was
+satisfied that it was the stolen horse.
+
+"What is your opinion, ladies? And yours, my lads?"
+
+"It must be the one," gasped astonished Mrs. Willard.
+
+"It is, and no mistake," echoed the brothers.
+
+"Mr. Swallow has authorized Mr. Cowles to pay the person recovering
+the animal," observed the minister, "the amount offered as reward. The
+money is in my charge. Where is the lad who brought the information to
+Mr. Cowles?"
+
+"Do you mean Frankie?" eagerly asked aunt Esther.
+
+"He was somewhat deformed, the grocer said, but he didn't learn his
+name."
+
+"It is—it is Frankie. Can you tell me, sir, where he is?" cried the
+mother.
+
+"Is he not here?" counting the bills into Mrs. Willard's hand. "He left
+our village next day, promising to bring the horse on Thursday. And as
+he did not come, and Mr. Swallow was in a hurry to reclaim the animal,
+I hunted you up, as you perceive."
+
+"Then Frankie has perished on the prairies," exclaimed the mother,
+sinking into a seat, faint and trembling.
+
+"My good woman," gently exhorted the minister, "do not too hastily
+abandon hope. Persons frequently go astray on the prairies, and long
+afterwards return alive and well. Some out of the way cabin may have
+given shelter to your boy. I will rouse the settlers, and diligent
+search shall be instituted.
+
+"And now, if you can stow me away in a corner—no matter where—till
+morning, I will not try to go home in the darkness."
+
+Mr. Parson's visit was timely and comforting.
+
+"I cannot infer," said he to Mrs. Willard, "that your Frankie is
+hopelessly lost. It was an eminently worthy and courageous deed that
+he left you to accomplish, and I have lived long enough to know that a
+kind Providence is intimately concerned in the interests of such heroic
+and self-denying persons. And his bodily infirmity would serve to
+attract to him the special care of God. How is it with yourself, madam?
+Is your 'afflicted' son less dear than the two well-formed boys before
+me? Do not the weakness and deformity of the other elicit from you a
+peculiar tenderness? And is Frankie's heavenly Parent less loving and
+considerate than you?"
+
+"Frankie was very brave and disinterested in undertaking such an
+enterprise," observed aunt Esther.
+
+"Nobly so," answered the minister, "and that fact gives me a pleasing
+assurance of his ultimate success. When the young engage in such
+services, they usually come out splendidly."
+
+"Did you do such things when you were a boy?" asked Georgie.
+
+"I did not live on the prairie then," he smilingly replied, "and
+therefore had no occasion, like your brother, to chase a scoundrel
+across one. I dwelt in a crowded city, and had no call to such a
+peculiar mission."
+
+At this point, Mrs. Willard handed a Bible to her visitor, and reading
+a cheerful Psalm of trust, he knelt down, and fervently prayed for the
+little household, not forgetting the two mysteriously missing members.
+His words were like "apples of old in pictures of silver" to the
+afflicted household.
+
+And as Mrs. Willard bade him good night, her radiant face reflected her
+inward peace.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+AN INDIAN LOVER.—THE MAGIC MOCCASONS.
+
+IF the dwarf wondered, at first, why the Indian maiden persuaded her
+father to deliver him from the savage rabble, a week's tarrying in the
+chief's wigwam did not solve the problem. The tawny miss was far from
+being as amiable as her interposition might lead him to expect. She
+certainly did not interfere to save him because of his personal beauty,
+for now that he was sheltered by the same tent, from her invincible
+stolidity of countenance, he would suppose she was totally unaware of
+his presence, except when she ordered him to some menial service. Then
+her broken English was short, harsh, and domineering.
+
+"White boy, bring water!"
+
+"Pale-face, get wood!"
+
+It grated on the Hunchback's self-respect to be thus addressed by the
+feminine Sioux, but "hard words break no bones" he remembered, while
+tomahawks crushed the skull; and how speedily that blood-shedding
+hatchet would cleave his cranium, should he rebel, he could easily
+calculate. Over-sensitiveness to the remarks of others, leading to a
+morbid irritability of temper, was the dwarf's "besetting sin." He
+was taking lessons in self-control, now, with a Dakotah girl for his
+teacher. But we all have to submit to the pruning-knife sooner or later.
+
+"She wanted me for her slave," the meditative prisoner concluded;
+"that's why she didn't let the savages kill me."
+
+It puzzled him, however, that while she ordered him about insultingly,
+his tasks were not more burdensome.
+
+But one thing amused him. One afternoon, a young brave stalked into the
+chief's tent, and casting down a freshly-shot deer, went grave-faced
+away. His coming was so frequent and peculiar, that the observant
+captive saw that an Indian courtship was in progress.
+
+The tawny maiden, however, deigned not to notice her suitor. Evidently,
+he was not in favor with her; but her unrelenting coldness only added
+fuel to his ardor, and for hours he would lie on the grass chanting, in
+minor key, his love-song, promising her abundance of game to eat—the
+highest good of the hunter's life.
+
+   "Cling fast to me, and you'll ever have a plenty,
+    Cling fast to me, and you'll ever have a plenty,
+                           Cling fast to me."
+
+Heartless heathen! How often she heard this ditty, droned over and
+over again, as if she heard not; even though accompanied by the
+"cho'-tan-ka," or flute, made of sumac, in the best style of savage
+art, decorated with ribbon streamers, yellow and red paint, the carved
+likeness of a horse, and a brass thimble for a mouth-piece.
+
+Some evenings after the dwarf's discovery of this affair, as the
+undiscouraged redskin was pouring forth his unrequited passion, the
+Hunchback was ordered to the spring. It struck him that the maiden had
+a double purpose in despatching him among the bushes. So, concealed by
+the shrubbery, he stopped to look back, and he saw the tawny beauty
+glide from out the door, and chant a brief response to the pleading
+lover who instantly stood at her side.
+
+"Had she changed her mind, and was now confessing it!" thought the
+dwarf.
+
+A moment more, and fear superseded curiosity. She had been unusually
+tyrannical through the day, and now her conversation seemed to be
+concerning him, for she pointed in his direction. Was she devoting
+him to the knife of the Warrior? But the latter disappeared in the
+darkness, and the thankful dwarf returned to the wigwam.
+
+
+Next day, the dwarf endured much from the tongue of the Indian girl.
+All the epithets expressive of the hatred of her race towards the
+pale-faces descended on his head. What a prospect, should his captor's
+dislike continue to increase! Worn with sad forebodings, that night he
+fell into a dreamful slumber, from which he was awakened by a gentle
+touch. The chief's daughter, bending over him, made signs for him to be
+silent, and led him to the forest. Then handing him a pair of moccasons
+for his feet, she said,—
+
+"Indian girl send pale-face home. Pale-face no lose
+moccasons—'understand?' When he gets to his people, pale-face look in
+moccason; no forget?" She spoke low and impressively, and before he
+could utter a syllable, glided towards the chief's tent.
+
+The round yellow moon hung above the trees. By its shimmering beams,
+he saw a dusky form. It was the Indian beau who silently started off,
+followed by the astonished dwarf. Travelling slowly, they came to a
+small stream. Pushing a canoe from the bushes that lined the bank, the
+savage motioned him to lie down in it, and then paddled swiftly away.
+The succeeding fore-noon, after threading the woods on the opposite
+shore, they struck an Indian trail. Pointing to it, his guide said,—
+
+"Go in that; don't leave; find white cabin," and left him.
+
+Freedom, how sweet to all! Home, however homely, how dear!
+
+Did you ever trace an Indian trail, worn by the feet of the Indian
+pony? The narrow path, clear cut, goes straight to its destination—you
+cannot well miss it. Observed you what choice spots it led to, just
+where a tent should be pitched, or a cabin stand? And thus it comes
+about that the white man, pluming himself on his superior judgment in
+selecting so eligible a site for his wilderness home, finds, after
+all, that he has chosen second-hand; the uncultivated child of nature
+kindled his wigwam fire just there.
+
+No danger that on this journey the little Hunchback would go astray,
+for he trod a well-defined path, conducting him by the sweetest springs
+to the lands of the settlers.
+
+
+That night, he slept in the rude shanty of a pioneer, and by twelve the
+day succeeding,—still retaining the trail,—reached a cultivated field
+in the alluvial river-bottom. Climbing the rail-fence, and crossing the
+enclosed lot, he struck the trail again.
+
+It ran parallel with a lessening creek tributary to a river, near
+which he saw a log house, and higher up on the bank, a neat cottage in
+process of erection. The cabin door was open. At the opposite extremity
+of the room stood a woman before a small looking-glass, arranging her
+toilet, her wealth of glossy-black hair hanging to her waist.
+
+"Madam," said he, entering, in his eagerness, without knocking, "can
+you tell me—"
+
+Not waiting to hear his question, she dashed past him, screaming,—
+
+"Husband! Husband! The Hunchback's here!"
+
+At which, an athletic, pleasant-faced man rushed in, and seeing the
+dwarf, vociferated,—
+
+"Why, where did you rain from? Where 've you been? The whole country
+has been scoured to find you. There's a gathering to-day at the
+missionary's, to decide what else to do about it. I must carry you
+right there."
+
+And putting his head out of the door, he shouted,—
+
+"William! The Hunchback's come. Clap the horse into the buggy quick as
+you can. I'll help you."
+
+And hurrying out, the two hustled the horse into harness, and the dwarf
+was whirling towards the minister's.
+
+"How far is it?" inquired the Hunchback.
+
+"Only a short piece—you must have crossed the parson's ten-acre lot in
+getting to my cabin."
+
+"What are they doing at the missionary's?"
+
+"Why, Tom Jones—we call him Tom, 'cause he was brought up about here,
+as you may say—is there. The settlers had about given over the hunt
+for you. But Tom has brought with him an Indian,—a great friend to
+the Joneses,—and they set this afternoon to state where each one had
+searched, and then the Indian—he's a hound on a scent—is to try. But
+here's the house."
+
+And hitching his horse among the trees, out of sight of the cabin,
+saying, with a humorous twinkle in his honest dark eye, "We must be
+careful not to scare the folks—you just wait outside a minute," he
+entered the dwelling without ceremony, and in an unnecessarily loud
+voice said,—
+
+"Tom, there's a gentleman at the door that wants to speak to you."
+
+The surprise of Tom when he saw who was there, and the joy of the
+company, cannot be described. They made the air resound with their
+lusty cheers, and the firing of their guns gave notice to the settlers
+around of the gladsome event, bringing even the women and children
+to see and hear for themselves. And the dwarf, overwhelmed with
+gratulations, learned that even a dwarf need not be despised.
+
+The Indian, however, retained, amid the universal rejoicing, the
+immobility of feature characteristic of his race. But for his bright,
+gleaming eye, you would pronounce him immovably indifferent. When the
+excitement had measurably died away, pointing to the Hunchback's feet,
+he said to Tom, in low, earnest tones,—
+
+"What for white boy wear moccason?"
+
+Tom saw that Long Hair detected something significant in his discovery,
+and he quietly beckoned the dwarf and the Indian into the missionary's
+attic study.
+
+"Long Hair thinks it strange that you wear moccasons," remarked Tom,
+when they were by themselves; "how does it happen?"
+
+"The Indian girl gave them to me!"
+
+"No; Indian pappoose no give pale-face moccason," contradicted Long
+Hair.
+
+"He means," interpreted Tom, "that it would be unlike an Indian to do
+so."
+
+"But she did," warmly asserted the Hunchback.
+
+"Long Hair want see moccason," said the Indian.
+
+"He wishes you to take them off, that he may examine them," explained
+Tom.
+
+The dwarf complied, passing each in turn to the Indian.
+
+"What dat?" he asked, secretly calling Tom's attention to an object
+smoothly secured within one of them.
+
+The inspection sent the blood with magical suddenness into Tom's face,
+and moved him so deeply that the dwarf was alarmed.
+
+"What is the matter?" he inquired, anxiously.
+
+Tom did not reply, but after whispering aside to Long Hair, asked,—
+
+"How long were you in the canoe?"
+
+"All night," answered the Hunchback.
+
+"Did you go up or down stream?"
+
+"Down."
+
+"And kept the trail all the way?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Good," grunted the Indian. "Long Hair know!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+FOREBODINGS.—SHINGLING THE CABIN.
+
+"MOTHER, you'll have to see to those boys," said the dwarf,
+querulously. "They wouldn't accomplish anything if I didn't drive them
+to it."
+
+"He's fine at bossing," retorted Ferdie, "and that's about all he is
+good for. Georgie and I work from morning till night. We don't sit
+round directing other folks—do we, Georgie?"
+
+"But Frankie likes that. Wonder if he intends to follow it for a
+business," chimed in Georgie.
+
+"Now, there's the roof needs shingling; and the stove must be moved
+into the house. The weather is growing cool, and winter 'll be here
+before we are half ready for it," continued the Hunchback, unheeding
+their taunts.
+
+"There isn't much winter in this climate," affirmed Ferdie, "and we
+have plenty of time to prepare for it."
+
+"Where 'd you get your information?" sharply questioned the Hunchback.
+
+"All the settlers say so."
+
+"But they are new comers, like ourselves. Mother, look here." And the
+dwarf took down a school atlas, and pointing with his immature finger,
+said, "You see we are in the same latitude as Burlington, Vermont,
+where the winter is very severe."
+
+"It's warmer west than east," urged Ferdie.
+
+"Well," replied the Hunchback, "you can risk it if you wish, but you'll
+be sorry for it when everything freezes up. Mother, hadn't these
+youngsters better get ready in season?"
+
+"Youngsters! Wonder what you nickname yourself—oldster?" returned
+Ferdie. "One would think, to hear you talk, that you were Methuselah,
+and I your youngest great-great-great-grandson, and that Georgie and I
+were too lazy to pick our teeth after dinner, while you was a miracle
+of industry, by whom the whole labor of the country is performed."
+
+"Hush, Ferdinand," gently interposed the mother. "Frankie is worrying
+lest we shall not be comfortable. He is not fitted for hard work. And
+I agree with him that it is wiser to be early ready for winter than to
+trust to having a mild season. And as there's only you two to depend
+upon, it is the more necessary to take time by the forelock, as the old
+saying is."
+
+"I'd like to see the shingles, before I'm required to nail them on,"
+said Georgie.
+
+"We shall have to buy them," answered the dwarf.
+
+"How far is it to the lumber-dealer's?" asked Georgie, donning his cap
+with a comical grimace, and starting for the door.
+
+"A Mr. Gregory, near L—, has them. He makes them by hand, and, as it is
+a slow process, it will be necessary to go over and engage them ahead.
+If you and Ferdie will put the horses in the wagon, I'll ride there
+with you."
+
+
+In front of a wretched loggery, open to wind and rain, sat the settler,
+a stump of a black pipe in his mouth, leisurely manufacturing shingles.
+
+An oak tree, straight-grained as can be had, is selected, cut down, and
+with "cross-cut" sawed into segments shingle length. The huge blocks
+are then split into smaller ones, and these in turn into thin parts,
+with a heavy steel instrument cleaver-shaped. This last operation is
+termed "riving out."
+
+The dwarf inquired the price of the rough oaken shingles, and when he
+could have some.
+
+"When mought you be wantin' on 'em?" inquired the man.
+
+"Soon as possible," answered the dwarf.
+
+"Isn't your ruff kivered?" asked the manufacturer.
+
+"Only boarded," said the Hunchback.
+
+"No pertick'ler hurry, then, youngster, if it's boarded, as you say."
+
+"We want them in two weeks, without fail," returned the dwarf.
+
+"Well, jist ride over. Perhaps I ken 'comadate you to enough to begin
+on."
+
+"Why don't you tighten and shingle your own house?" asked Georgie,
+gazing at the leaky structure.
+
+"No need on't sich weather as this."
+
+"But how do you manage when it storms?"
+
+"Couldn't 'tend to it when it rains, no way you ken fix it."
+
+So the easy frontiersman did not repair his shanty in pleasant weather,
+because then it was not necessary, and in foul, he preferred not to
+work in the wet.
+
+"What do you use in your cabin—fireplace or stove?" he asked.
+
+"Stove," promptly answered Georgie.
+
+"Mebbe you don't want to trade for some funnel? Got some to spare."
+
+"Old woman!" he bawled, entering the loggery and climbing into the
+partly-floored attic. "Here, take this as I pass it."
+
+The wife extended her arms as directed, and a shower of ashes and soot
+saluted her head.
+
+"Wall, if that wan't a miss-go!" exclaimed the husband. "Brush it off,
+Roxanna!"
+
+Georgie giggled outright as she rubbed her blackened face with her wet,
+greasy apron.
+
+"My wife don't look like a beauty just now," remarked her lord, "but
+I've seen the time when she'd dance the cow-tillion with the best on
+'em."
+
+"What are these four lengths worth?" inquired the dwarf.
+
+"They might be wuth more, and they might be wuth less. Give us fifty
+cents, and we'll consider it a bargain."
+
+"Put them in the wagon, Georgie," said the Hunchback, handing the man
+the money.
+
+"An' now, youngster, seein' you're flush, 'spose you take a turn round
+the cabin, an' see if there's anything there wuth dickerin' for."
+
+The dwarf smiled; for piled against the building were a number of
+bundles of shingles.
+
+"Them's engaged, but the man hasn't come for 'em accordin' to
+agreement. Told him he'd have to be on hand to the minute. They are
+yours if you've got the cash; if not, the next person that has gits
+'em, whomsomedever he be."
+
+"I'll take them," replied the Hunchback.
+
+And the seller, tossing them on his brawny shoulders, piled them in the
+wagon, and the lads left.
+
+"But what is the matter?" suddenly asked Georgie. "You look dreadful
+sick."
+
+"Not much," answered the dwarf, his contracted brow, pallid cheeks, and
+feeble utterance refuting his words.
+
+"Yes, there is, too!"
+
+"Please stop the team, and let me rest a moment," said the Hunchback;
+"the motion hurts so."
+
+Georgie checked the horses, and, alarmed, watched Frankie, who,
+moaning, curled himself down on the leathern cushion.
+
+"Georgie," said he at last, fixing his deep, sad gaze on his brother's
+frightened face, and articulating with difficulty, "promise me you
+won't tell mother of this."
+
+"Why, she ought to know if you're sick, so that she may get you well."
+
+"No, Georgie; it would worry her. And you know how she grieves now. It
+isn't anything she can help."
+
+"But where do you feel badly?"
+
+"You will not mention it to her?"
+
+"No," was the hesitating answer.
+
+"Nor to Ferdie or aunt Esther?"
+
+"No."
+
+"It's all up and down my back. It seems, sometimes, as if I should
+screech right out, every bone in my spine is so hot and raw. And here,"
+placing his brother's hand against the "false" or "short" ribs, "it
+hurts me there when I breathe. My stomach, too, is awful weak."
+
+"You ought not to come over here, to-day," said Georgie, his eyes
+blinded by tears.
+
+"Yes, I had, Georgie. Perhaps I shan't live long, and the house must be
+made comfortable for mother—she isn't used to roughing it. And now you
+and Ferdie will shingle it right away—won't you? I'd help, but I can't.
+I'm only trying to keep along till father comes."
+
+"Father," cried Georgie; "do you expect to see him again?"
+
+"Yes," returned the dwarf, "I 'feel' that I shall some time—perhaps,
+though, it will be when I die," he softly added.
+
+"Frankie," cried Georgie, dropping the rein and clasping him around the
+neck, "'don't' talk so! I can't have you die, you're so good, and I
+love you so dearly!" And the impulsive boy sobbed aloud.
+
+"I am better now," said the dwarf; and a sadly-satisfied light played
+over his features. "But look, the lines are dragging under the horses'
+heels. Pick them up very carefully, Georgie, as not to set the span
+running.
+
+"Wait! I'll get them," he added, as he saw that Georgie's impetuosity
+was disturbing the animals.
+
+And leaning cautiously over the whipple-trees with the whipstock, he
+gently raised the rein and deposited it in Georgie's hand, the latter
+saying, enthusiastically,—
+
+"You can do anything, Frankie!"
+
+"It's because I stop to think," answered the dwarf.
+
+
+The day following being fair, Ferdie and Georgie commenced work on the
+roof.
+
+Georgie, under the stimulus of his recent conversation with Frankie,
+was foremost in the enterprise, and had a half row of shingles nailed
+next to the ridge-pole, when Ferdie shouted,—
+
+"What you doing there, chick? You've got the cart before the horse. In
+shingling, they always lay the lower tier first, and lap the next upon
+it, and so on till the top is reached."
+
+"That's too bad!" ejaculated the disappointed young house-carpenter,
+scrambling to the ground.
+
+Ferdie, producing a ball of cord and a piece of chalk, telling Georgie
+to hold an end of the twine; rubbed the chalk back and forth upon it.
+Then, tacking a nail to one end of the roof near the edge, he tied the
+twine to the nail, and stationing Georgie at the opposite side with
+his end of the line the same number of inches from the edge, with his
+finger and thumb, he quickly pulled upon the line and let it go again.
+And Georgie saw that it left a perfectly straight white mark all the
+way across.
+
+"We must lay the shingles by this mark," explained Ferdie, "that we may
+put them on evenly."
+
+"How fast our carpenters get along!" remarked the mother, stepping out
+to view their progress. "Don't fall, Georgie."
+
+"No danger of that," he proudly replied.
+
+And the hammers of the lads vied with each other, sinking the nails
+into the tough wood.
+
+Meanwhile, the dwarf had managed to cut a circular hole in a square
+piece of sheet iron, and directing Ferdie where to make a similar
+aperture in the roof-board, the iron collar was fastened over it, to be
+subsequently covered by the shingles.
+
+"That will prevent the stove-pipe from getting in contact with the
+wood, and setting the cabin on fire," said the dwarf.
+
+A fireboard also having been constructed, with which to close the
+fireplace, and thus prevent the air from drawing down the wide-mouthed
+chimney into the room, Ferdie and Georgie, with the assistance of the
+women, moved the Great Western stove into the dwelling, and the funnel
+Frankie bought was fitted together, and run up through the roof.
+
+"Now," said the dwarf, "the fire will also warm the attic next winter."
+
+But the Hunchback, Georgie saw, constantly suffered. And the latter
+often checked his boyish mirth, or ceased his blithe whistling, to
+marvel at and grieve over his drooping, deformed, uncomplaining brother.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE SILENT BOATMEN.
+
+"YEES'LL niver find him there. My Dennis isn't drowned at all, at all.
+I wouldn't belave it if ye saw him fall into the strame wid yer own
+eyes. Sure an' he'll turn up safe an' sound, an' put yees all to shame
+for misdoubting me."
+
+And the young wife turned away from the silent boatmen, as they
+continued dragging the river for the body.
+
+They were common Irish laborers. Who would have thought that those
+coarse, brawny men would be so tender of her feelings as to make no
+reply to her assertions of her husband's safety. And yet so certain
+were they of his fate, that, leaving their work, they had searched the
+waters far and near for long, weary hours, and intended to continue at
+their sad task till the corpse was found.
+
+The missing young Irishman had formerly been a workman in an
+establishment near by. Driven by poverty from the old country, he had
+come to these favored shores to find work. He had made his way to the
+hospitable west. Dunleith, rising so beautifully from the Mississippi,
+caught his eye.
+
+He had a good share of natural shrewdness, and he foresaw that the
+place would grow, and he decided to seek work in the rising town. Two
+years of regular employment passed, enabling him to take a trip into
+Minnesota, and buy a quarter section of fertile land on the line of
+immigration, fencing it, and building a neat cabin, by the avails
+of his earnings as stage-driver from — Landing, on the Mississippi,
+inland. Then he sent to "ould Ireland" for "the wife and the babe."
+
+With what an anxious, longing heart he looked for their arrival! And
+when at last, he clasped them in his arms, his cup of happiness seemed
+to overflow.
+
+He was an intelligent, warm-hearted man, and had been taught that it
+was "no harm to take jist a drop now and thin." The family reunion
+could not, of course, pass uncelebrated, and what with joy and
+excitement of the event, and a growing love of the fiery liquid, he was
+led to drink more than his wont.
+
+"It is all the wakeness Dennis has, sure," said his wife, as with heavy
+heart and many tears she begged the one who sold him his drams not to
+let him have any more, at least "till he's himself again."
+
+But how could the rum-seller continue his traffic if he heeded the
+sorrows of the heart-broken?
+
+That very night, the young husband, walking with pale face and unsteady
+step along the river brink, staggered in, and was swept away by the
+current.
+
+Have you ever been at Dunleith? Then you know how romantically it
+stretches along under the limestone bluffs, and how luxuriantly in
+summer the grape vines clamber over the warm, bare face of the rocks.
+
+Two weeks after the disappearance of Dennis O'Brien, mine host of —
+Hotel was conducting Mr. Parsons, the missionary, over the place,
+plucking the luscious natural plums from the garden, loading him with
+rich, ripe clusters from the graperies, introducing him to various
+objects of interest, embarrassing his retiring modesty with blandest
+attentions, from respect, I fear, not so much to the clergyman as to
+the column he chanced to fill in a Boston weekly—another illustration
+of the power of the press, you see.
+
+But no genuine tavern-keeper is a fool. He knows men. He talks with all
+sorts of folks, and hears from year's end to year's end discussions
+on every known topic. And there is no subject from tea to theology on
+which he may not say something apt.
+
+"The Catholics are very strong here," said he to Mr. Parsons, "and
+there is a church of theirs that you would like to visit. You will find
+in it some quaint old pictures from the masters."
+
+"Will the edifice be open this week-day?" asked the minister.
+
+"Certainly: a Catholic church is rarely closed. And I tell you there
+are some things about the Catholic system that you Protestants, if you
+were wise, would imitate. Let me see," he added, giving him a careless
+but penetrating scrutiny, "you are a clergyman—are you not?"
+
+"You have guessed correctly," said his guest, smiling.
+
+"So I supposed. Now, isn't it said in Scripture, 'My house shall
+be called a house of 'prayer?'" And he emphasized the last word.
+"But do not the sects use the meeting house more for preaching than
+devotion? Why, I have often heard ministers and church members style
+the invocation, singing, Bible-reading, and prayers, the 'preliminary
+exercises.' Even public prayers—how like orations! So that the
+people say, 'Wasn't that a fine prayer?' 'What an able prayer!' 'How
+eloquently Rev. Dr. Blank "addressed" the throne of grace!'"
+
+"But the Romanists go to church to 'worship;' and the cathedral doors
+stand open all the week for devotional purposes. While with us, once
+in seven days, the church-going bell invites us to the sanctuary,
+where the attendants are treated to great sermons, learned essays,
+sensational subjects, elocution, rhetoric, eloquence.
+
+"Besides," he continued, "the poor and the rich are on an equality in
+the Papal church. The ill clad and the well clad sit and kneel side by
+side. But Protestantism is shutting out the masses by high-priced pews
+and fashions, making religious show mock the woes of the lowly. But I
+must leave you now. Good-by."
+
+And the missionary entered the Romanist church alone.
+
+The "dim religious light," the silence that might be felt, the kneeling
+men and women scattered among the pews, the pictures of saints and
+representatives of the passion of Jesus, the gliding in and out of
+ecclesiastics, and in a niche the "confessional box," spoke voicelessly
+of things unseen and ghostly.
+
+Returning to the open air, as the clergyman was going musingly through
+a street inhabited mostly by foreigners, a crowd gathered before a door
+led him to ask what had happened.
+
+"Dennis O'Brien is found, sir," said an Irish woman, with eyes red from
+weeping. "His body's jist brought in from the river, sir, swollen an'
+soaked so yees would hardly know it."
+
+The deceased had temporarily occupied rooms in the second story, and
+through the open window came a wild wailing. It was the voice of his
+widow who "refused to be comforted." And alas! what a sorrow was hers,
+so soon and suddenly after her lonely, stormy ocean voyage, and the
+long-wished-for meeting with the companion of her youth, to be torn
+from him in so awful a manner!
+
+The priest's carriage, with its elegant span and equipage, stood by; so
+the clergyman knew that he was there to administer the last rites of
+his church.
+
+"But what comfort," thought the Protestant, "has the priest to offer
+the stricken woman? Or, indeed, any of the bereaved among his trusting
+followers, when, according to his teachings, the flames of purgatory
+wait to seize the saintliest of his flock at death."
+
+As he pondered this perversion of the "glad tidings of great joy," and
+there came thronging to mind the sweet words of consolation for the
+afflicted with which the Bible is freighted, how he longed to break the
+darkness that brooded over the benighted minds before him!
+
+"And O," he exclaimed, "the cruel horrors and tragedies of the
+rum-traffic! When will its days be numbered? When will the deluded
+immigrant cease to pay the rum-seller for robbing him of property,
+reason, and life, and murdering his dear ones?"
+
+Of the men and women who rode in the long funeral procession at the
+burial of Dennis O'Brien, few were wholly sober. Over his dishonored
+remains, they drank the deadly draught that had hurried him into
+eternity. And the dead man did not rise to rebuke them!
+
+How like a kaleidoscope is real life! Forty-eight hours had not
+completed their rounds, when the gathering suspicion that whiskey was
+not the only agent directly concerned in the fate of the interesting
+young immigrant, culminated in the arrest of a man for his murder. As
+the officers—one on each side of him—hurried the suspected criminal
+along, Mr. Parsons elbowed his way through the excited throng to get
+a glimpse of the prisoner. It was his ex-workman, Mr. Grey "alias"
+Simmons, "alias" Grimes.
+
+Mr. Parsons obtained a private interview with him. He affected entire
+ignorance of the clergyman, pretending with craftily affected surprise
+that he was not Mr. Grey, that he had not before seen Mr. Parsons, and
+that the latter had assuredly mistaken him for some other person.
+
+"Grey," said the missionary, indignantly, "you are in the hands of
+justice, charged with a capital crime, and it becomes you to remember
+that if I volunteer to testify in the case, I can tell a hard story."
+
+The convict was as cowardly as cunning, and, with blanched cheeks, he
+asked, in abject terror,—
+
+"Do you think, Mr. Parsons, that I shall be hung?"
+
+"The prospect is dark for you," replied the missionary; "for if you
+are tried, and not convicted, the people are so enraged that they may
+take the law into their own hands. If you wish me to show you the least
+favor, answer me in a straightforward manner. Where is Scroggs, the
+scoundrel you met on the prairie as you went from Mrs. Willard's to L—?"
+
+Had a bolt from a cloudless sky fallen at his feet, he could not have
+been more amazed.
+
+"He doesn't stay in any particular place; he keeps moving round."
+
+"He's afraid he shall run across Mr. Willard, isn't he?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And where is Mr. Willard?"
+
+"None of us know, for certain. Scroggs says he was picked up, and is in
+one of the river towns. But Merrow, who helped him do the job, don't
+really believe it. 'I' think he's alive somewhere."
+
+This was all the information concerning Mr. Willard that Mr. Parsons
+then elicited.
+
+As to the ill-fated Hibernian, it appeared that Grimes was with him
+at the groggery on the evening of the tragedy; that he was seen again
+in his company after leaving the rum-shop; that O'Brien had on his
+person considerable money, with which to buy housekeeping articles to
+take with his family to his Minnesota farm. And that when the body was
+recovered, his pocket-book was gone, while a five-dollar bill paid
+O'Brien the evening of his death was in Grey's possession. It was
+identified by the initials of a fellow-workman of O'Brien's, written,
+with the date, on the back of the note, the afternoon of the fatal day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE CAPTIVE MAIDEN.
+
+BUT what of Alice McElroy?
+
+Let us go back in our narrative to her mysterious disappearance, the
+resulting search for her, and her flight from the wigwam of her captor.
+
+Her father's soldiers were within call. A moment more, and, environed
+by those brave-hearted men, she would have been secure against a
+hundred Indians. But by one of those unaccountable coincidences with
+which human affairs are replete, just as she espied on the opposite
+bank the uniform of Captain Manly, the hand of the pursuing savage
+was placed upon her mouth, and flinging the struggling girl over his
+shoulder, he bore her to his waiting canoe.
+
+What a terrible revulsion! So near escape, and so frightfully to fail!
+
+The malignant-featured savage uttered not a word till he carried her
+the second time into his wigwam. Then, throwing her to the ground, he
+said, with a fiendish look,—
+
+"White squaw fool; Injun killee her!"
+
+What motive impelled her captor to spare her life at first, and then
+to be so anxious to hold her as to pursue and bring her once more to
+his hut, Alice tried fruitlessly to determine. That it was not hope
+of reward for ultimately restoring her to her parents, the rage he
+exhibited when she held out that bribe fully disproved. It was plain,
+however, that he held a deadly grudge against the general; for when
+Alice mentioned her father's name, the face of the savage glowed with
+hate, and he fiercely muttered,—
+
+"White chief kill Injun—many! Injun killee him!"
+
+It was evident, too, that the savage held a spite against her. As she
+pondered, she suddenly recalled where and under what circumstances
+she originally met her implacable foe. The recapitulation of certain
+incidents, and a brief historical statement, will show why the
+discovery filled her with the worst apprehensions.
+
+One day Mrs. McElroy and her charming Alice, on their way home from a
+visit to friends in Northern Iowa, were detained at the hotel at L— for
+several days, while a party of Indians graced the village with their
+presence. And Alice, flitting hither and thither, bird-like, often
+tripped across the street to brighten Mrs. Mather's sitting-room with
+her coming, and fill the house with music as she swept the piano and
+sang her favorite songs.
+
+Now, it chanced one morning, entering the back door of that lady's
+dwelling, she came suddenly upon an Indian helping himself from the
+good housewife's newly-packed "meat barrel." Startled, she cried out,—
+
+"Mr. Mather! Here's a horrid savage stealing!"
+
+The announcement brought quite a group of spectators to the spot,
+before whom, the town-owner, who was a quick-tempered, stern man when
+aroused, lifted the blanket of the copper-colored thief, disclosing
+to view, hugged under a dirty arm, a number of pieces of salted pork,
+which, with angry threats, he compelled the reluctant red-man to return
+to their places in the barrel.
+
+That Indian was the chief. That chief was Alice McElroy's captor. The
+threatening expression of that evil face terrified her at the time, and
+it was the same evil expression, reproduced with increased intensity,
+that now enabled her shudderingly to identify the swarthy demon into
+whose power she had so strangely fallen.
+
+Now that she was hopelessly in his power, her mind intensely revolved
+the awful question of her fate. Between the hut and stream was a
+solitary oak. Around this, the Indian began to heap brushwood.
+
+"Is he intending to burn me to death?" she queried.
+
+The preparations indicated it. The expression of his hideous face and
+glare of his diabolical eye confirmed the appalling inference. Unable
+to cope with the white soldiery, his breast rankling with traditional
+animosity and personal revenge, he would gloat over the slow agonies of
+the helpless member of the hated race he had captured.
+
+With ghastly, white face, the maiden noted the ominous preparations.
+The pile was completed.
+
+Repairing to a swamp at hand, he brought from thence fibrous grape-wood
+to bind her fast, and was trimming it with his scalping-knife, when, as
+if he heard a sound, he dropped the vines to listen. An instant after,
+there was a report, and a bullet pierced his chest. The wounded savage
+pitched forward, and commenced his death-song.
+
+"It is the soldiers!" cried Alice, joyfully.
+
+But to her surprise, a party of Indians rushed from out the bushes, the
+foremost of whom struck his tomahawk into the skull of the dying savage.
+
+Alice fell to her knees, as, after slaying her captor, the Indian
+entered the wigwam. Instead of the dreaded stroke, he beckoned her to
+follow him, and, returning to the Indian village, took her into his own
+tent, and delivered her to his squaw.
+
+Alice knew that her condition in that barbarous home depended largely
+on what sort of a being the woman was, for the chief would necessarily
+be absent much of the time, while his wife would dwell ever in the
+tent. The trembling captive therefore rapidly scrutinized the feminine
+form before her, to determine, if possible, her disposition and
+character.
+
+But it is difficult to read the Indian countenance, young or old,
+male or female. This specimen was short and thick, untidy in person
+and apparel, with a broad, wrinkled, haggish face. Whether she was as
+old as she looked, Alice could not judge, as the Indian women, from
+exposure, want, and toil, become prematurely decrepit. Her face wore a
+gloomy, sullen expression, which Alice supposed was evidence of hatred
+to her.
+
+From the squaw, Alice's eyes passed to the survey of the little
+habitation she was destined to occupy, how long and under what
+circumstances she knew not.
+
+Like the Arabs of the desert, the Dakotas live in tents—in their
+language, "teepees." Like the army-tent, they are usually of a conical
+shape, covered with buffalo-skins, or, when these are scarce, of cotton
+cloth, or bark, the latter being more pleasant and cool for the summer.
+
+This of the chief's was composed of not less than a dozen
+buffalo-skins, dressed and sewed together by his squaw, and supported
+by a number of poles fastened together at the top, and spreading out at
+the bottom so as to suit the skin-covering, which was drawn around the
+poles and fastened in front with a row of pins, leaving a hole at the
+bottom for entrance, and one at the top for the smoke to pass out. The
+lower edge of the covering was confined by pins driven into the ground,
+while at the smoke-hole was a flap arranged so as to be accommodated to
+the wind. The "draught," however, was not perfect, Alice concluded, as
+she wiped the tears from her eyes caused by the smoke in the tent.
+
+On the ground inside, dried grass had been spread by the squaw, on
+which were placed skin-mats and robes—the carpet by day and bed by
+night. In the centre was a space for the fire, the fuel for which the
+squaw always provided.
+
+When the chief brought Alice there, he said something concerning her
+to the squaw. But as he used the Indian tongue, Alice was not able to
+understand the purport of it. That it was not ominously harsh, however,
+she gathered from the forbearance of the Indian woman to ill-treat her
+at the outset, as their way is towards captives.
+
+The sharp pangs of hunger reminded Alice that she had "lived on
+excitement" already too long, and by signs she sought to signify to the
+squaw that she was hungry; and bringing her some hominy and a boiled
+egg on a wooden plate, with a horn spoon, Alice ate the food with
+avidity.
+
+It was evident from what the chief's wife proffered Alice that
+provisions were not any too abundant in the "teepee;" and that was the
+reason the husband had left so soon. He did not return that night,
+nor the next. But each morning the squaw, with haggard looks and
+dishevelled hair, wearing a ragged skirt and leggins, with an old piece
+of buffalo-skin thrown over her shoulders, walked round the wigwam,
+wailing, "'Me-choonk-she! Me-choonk-she!'"
+
+She was mourning for her only daughter, slain by the Ojibwas. Bitter
+was the lament of the Indian mother, which, if rendered in English,
+would be somewhat like that given by Mrs. Riggs—"'Me-choonk-she!
+Me-choonk-she!'" ('My daughter! My daughter!') "Alas, alas! My hope, my
+comfort has departed, and my heart is very sad. My joy is turned into
+sorrow, and my song into wailing. Shall I never more behold thy sunny
+smile? Shall I never more hear the music of thy voice? The Great Spirit
+has entered my 'teepee' in anger, and taken thee from me—my first-born,
+my only child! I am comfortless, and must wail out my grief. The
+pale-faces repress their sorrow; but we, children of nature, must give
+vent to ours, or die. 'Me-choonk-she! Me-choonk-she!'"
+
+"I have cast from me all comfortable clothing, and robed myself in
+skins; for no clothing, no fire, can warm thee, my daughter. Unwashed
+and uncombed I will mourn for thee, whose long locks I can never more
+braid, and whose cheeks I can never again tinge with vermilion. I will
+cut off my dishevelled hair, for my grief is great. 'Me-choonk-she!
+Me-choonk-she!'"
+
+The return of the Indians from the hunting expedition was announced,
+while they were yet far-off, by their rejoicing song. This showed, too,
+that they had been successful. And when they appeared, they brought
+quite a little supply of game, which, however, they staid at home to
+eat up, before getting more.
+
+While the chief was at home day by day, Alice pleadingly inquired when
+he was to take her to the fort.
+
+His vague guttural reply uniformly being, "Take pappoose dere bimeby!"
+
+What motives led her present captors to show her special consideration
+we cannot say. Certain it is, however, that Alice McElroy was not
+subjected to the sufferings that befell her less fortunate captive
+sisters. Who can paint her thankfulness at their forbearance towards
+her! She resolved to show her appreciation of it. And as her grateful
+looks and winsome ways evoked additional kindness from her captors,
+she trusted that ere long their softening natures would yield, and
+they would grant her one consuming desire and oft-uttered prayer, and
+restore her to those she knew were mourning her loss,—a quenchless
+grief.
+
+Conceive her dismay, then, when, one day, the childless couple gave her
+to understand that they had concluded to adopt her!
+
+"O, no; carry me to my 'true' father and mother!" she cried, convulsed
+with agony.
+
+But the brow of the chief grew portentous, and his squaw changed into
+a fury, and seemed about to pounce upon and tear her in pieces. In
+anguish and terror, she lay and pondered that night, and by morning
+had wisely resolved to submit to their whim,—making a virtue of
+necessity,—and patiently wait the issue. For were not her condition
+and prospects enviable, compared with other captives? Would it not be
+suicidal folly to offend those who held her prisoner? Moreover, as
+a chief's daughter, if she used discreetly the advantages of such a
+position, she could win the respect and confidence of the tribe, and
+when her plans were ripe and the opportunity opened, farewell, Indian
+captivity; welcome, liberty and home!
+
+Alice's acquiescence in their wishes gave great satisfaction to the
+swarthy pair; particularly as, with girl-tact, she became an Indian
+of the Indians, as Paul was "a Pharisee of the Pharisees," conforming
+to their habits, customs, and prejudices as far as she possibly
+could—outwardly at least.
+
+The use of paints, the Dakotas aver, was taught them by their gods. I
+think their gods must have been poor artists—do you not? "Oon-ktay'-he"
+showed the first "medicine-men" how to paint themselves when they
+worshipped him, and what colors to use. "Ta'-koo-shkan-shkan'" whispers
+to his favorites what colors are most acceptable to him. "Ha-yo'-ka"
+hovers over them in dreams, and communicates how many streaks to make
+upon their bodies, and what tinge they must have. And no rite in
+worship was considered acceptable if destitute of the "wakan'," or
+sacred application of colors.
+
+So Alice, from those skilled in plants that dye, obtained liquids to
+change her auburn locks to raven black, and her skin to a tawny hue—of
+course the gods directed in the transformation, and in the added hues
+and daubs.
+
+Her manner became grave, composed, and dignified, as became the child
+of the chief. Here her birth and training helped her. Accustomed all
+her life to the sight of military discipline, and to her father's
+commanding carriage, she easily bore herself with a quiet authority
+eminently adapted to impress the savage mind.
+
+One thing I liked to have forgotten. Alice could turn to black her
+eyebrows and lids, but her "eyes" were "'true' blue," and neither of
+the god painters, nor the trio combined, could undo what "the true God"
+had done for her as to color in those conspicuous parts of her visage.
+So, after all, I guess our God is God, and "the gods of the heathen are
+vanity."
+
+In becoming an Indian, Alice was honored with a new name. The Dakotas,
+however, have no family names; so she was not named for her Indian
+parents, as would be the case among us. They employ proper names only,
+and these all have a significance. Generally they are formed of two
+nouns, or a noun and an adjective, as "Good-House," "Scarlet-End,"
+"Good-Road," "Long-Buffalo," "Iron-Cutter." Sometimes they consist
+of a verb or participle, as "Walking-Spirit." And often the name is
+affixed to the individual because of some peculiarity or defect, as
+"Crooked-Feet," "Burnt-Legs," "Sleepy-Eyes," "Bit-Nose" (how would you
+like that?), "Big-Eyes." It was perfectly natural, therefore, that they
+should designate Alice, the chief's daughter, "Blue-Eyes." However,
+black eyelids cause the peepers beneath them to seem darker than they
+really are, and even in some lights to appear black; so Alice was not
+afflicted with a serious defect.
+
+Many phases of life among the Sioux must have been terribly repugnant
+to the petted child of the general. But she had will and wisdom, and
+was working for a precious object; and one can do, and dare, and endure
+when inspired by a high purpose.
+
+Blue-Eyes became the idol of the old chief and his squaw, while her
+queenly air and personal grace and beauty made her the admiration of
+the younger warriors, to win whose notice they wrestled, and ran,
+and exhibited feats of physical prowess, and sang their impassional
+love-songs.
+
+I should insult the intelligence of my reader to explain, at this
+point, that the charming "child of nature," who broke so unexpectedly
+on Tom's wondering vision, the beautiful chief's daughter, she of
+the "coffin cough" and grave demeanor, was Alice McElroy, otherwise
+Blue-Eyes; and also that it was to her interposition the dwarf owed his
+escape.
+
+Ah, had Tom known into whose yellow palm he poured the healing
+globules; had he been conscious of the concealed tremblings of those
+girlish limbs that walked so unswerving a gait, or noted the latent
+glances of the eyes that gazed straight ahead, as if unaware of his
+presence; if to the ear of the soul there had been conveyed the
+unwhispered word of recognition aching to burst from the voiceless
+lips,—then might he have comprehended, in part, what self-mastery and
+self-abnegation it cost her to preserve her composure, that he might
+not be put in jeopardy.
+
+O, how she longed to send a message by him to her parents, letting
+them know that she still lived, and thought of them! Must she keep
+her secret, and remain a captive? Could she see him depart, not once
+dreaming who she was? Ah, how hateful then the Indian ornaments
+celebrated in the songs of admiring braves! Ah, how odious her
+disguise, if she might cast it off sufficiently to show that she was
+not Blue-Eyes, the chief's daughter, but only Alice McElroy!
+
+But keen eyes and ears were in ambush. She must act her part for
+Tom's sake, and to secure a future chance. How magnificently she
+triumphed over the trying ordeal, the chief's personal application to
+Tom for "more medicine for pappoose," and Tom's unharmed dismissal,
+demonstrated.
+
+From that test-hour, the confidence of the Indians in Alice's fidelity
+to them was almost unlimited.
+
+She readily divined, however, that Tom was on his way to visit his
+mother at the fort. From that interview, she was on the alert for an
+opportunity to send a message to him. The coveted occasion came when
+the little Hunchback strayed into the chief's encampment, after the
+Indians had returned there.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+A BIRD-SONG IN THE NIGHT.
+
+TOM and Charley lay in the shadow of the wood, intently listening. Save
+the liquid lullaby of the gently-flowing stream, and the whisper of the
+trees stirred by breath of zephyr, silence reigned.
+
+Wary watchers they. Only those trained where the stealthy step and
+keen senses of the death-dealing savage must be watched by a foot as
+noiseless, and a vigilance as acute, could preserve such motionless
+quietude and alert wakefulness.
+
+Past their covert slunk a large, black wolf, unsuspicious of their
+proximity. Over their heads perched a monstrous owl, his staring eyes
+stretched to see the first creature to his taste that moved; then on
+downy wing, he swooped to their very side upon a plump field-mouse, and
+supped at his leisure on raw rat steak. An antlered deer proudly guided
+his mate to the stream to slake her thirst. Tempting game; but the
+bullet sleeps in the pioneer boys' rifles. The deer drink deeply, and
+browse the pendent boughs, and wander away unharmed.
+
+What a scene for the stars to look down upon through the rifted clouds
+and glimmering treetops—that solitary pair of youthful faces, patient,
+resolute, unwearied, keeping brave vigil far from the haunts of
+civilization, the gloom of the forest at night enshrouding them, and
+rolling off immeasurably from the woods the uninhabited prairie.
+
+Hush! A faint sound from out the far-off darkness. Was it the dip of
+an oar, or the feathered plunge of a night-bird? None, save an ear
+educated to it, sharpened and rendered preternaturally quick, would
+have caught the muffled indistinctness. The eyes of the venturesome
+young scouts shine, and they scarcely breathe. A lengthy interval of
+unbroken quiet succeeds. Were they deceived?
+
+Suddenly, up-stream, a robin carols. How hard for birds that can
+sing not to sing! Perchance tuneful red-breast, in dreaming of his
+true-hearted mate, uttered his love-lay unawares. None the less
+sincere, however, for that.
+
+What now! From the bushes where Tom and Charley wait is wafted a
+responsive warble. Did bird-wife wander in the swift-descending
+twilight from her husband's side, and the darkness compel her to
+alight on the first object her tiny foot might press, and wait there
+in loneliness for the dawn of a new day? And did she fold her wing on
+Tom's lips? For the answering notes seemed to rise therefrom.
+
+If, however, you will notice, as well as you can for the darkness, the
+countenances of the frontier brothers, you will perceive an aroused
+expectancy that was not apparent before. Did the bird-note telegraph
+important news that the young men now peer with strained vision through
+the gloom? That's a secret, confided only to the prudent few. "Won't
+you tell?" Then let me whisper that no bird was concerned in the song
+you admired so, and the tuneful reply. It was the signal agreed upon
+between Long Hair, the friendly Indian, and Tom.
+
+And observe. Down the narrow river, through the black vista of
+overarching trees, shoots a canoe. It pauses opposite the brothers'
+place of concealment. A savage, with cat-like agility, springs ashore,
+and swiftly drags the light craft into a sheltered baylet, hidden by
+tangled thickets. The bird-call is sounded cautiously again. Tom and
+Charley hurry noiselessly to the Indian's side. It is Long Hair.
+
+"Quick; got pappoose dere!" said the latter, pointing to the canoe,
+from her prone condition in the bottom of which an Indian girl arose,
+and, aided by Long Hair, stepped upon the bank. It was Blue-Eyes.
+
+"O, Alice!" whispered Tom, trembling with excitement, as he extended
+his hand.
+
+"O, Tom!" she answered, and, overcome with the tumult of her feelings,
+in a very un-Indianish way, flung her arms around the squatter son's
+neck, sobbing wildly for joy, while Tom, giving the reins to his
+long-pent-up emotions, in an exceedingly unmasculine manner, fell
+to laughing and crying together; and Charley, forgetting military
+propriety and fear of pursuing savages, turned an old-fashioned
+summersault, crashing the bushes with his descending heels.
+
+"Pappoose fool; Tom fool; Charley fool," rapidly whispered angry Long
+Hair. "What for make noise? Want Injun come?"
+
+"Nature will have its way."
+
+It did, in this instance, with white and copper-face. Fortunate for the
+escaping captive that Indian nature was there as an ally. Clapping his
+ear to the ground, Long Hair said,—
+
+"Injun come bimeby—'quick!'"
+
+The trio understood by this that the pursuing Indians were close upon
+them. You should have seen the change this startling intelligence
+caused in Tom and Charley. Active, adroit, sagacious, their faces like
+marble, yet expressive of fearless determination—from weak weeping to
+heroes in deportment. Thus do great emergencies bring out and invest
+with the sceptre the nobler elements of the soul.
+
+Alice understood her three friends not to be panic-stricken. She had
+intrusted her safety to their hands, and felt assured that they would
+not undertake the dangerous and difficult enterprise of her rescue from
+captivity and restoration to her home without adequate preparation.
+And she hopefully accompanied them, as they glided rapidly through the
+forest towards the open land.
+
+Alice's heart beat with a joyous, grateful throb, as Tom, taking her
+hand, guided her to a sheltered spot, where stood her own dear pony.
+Hidden also near by were spirited steeds for himself, Charley, and Long
+Hair. Dashing out upon the prairie, the whiz of an Indian's arrow gave
+notice that their foes were pressing them hard.
+
+"Let them come on," said Tom; "we are safely out of their ugly claws."
+
+"Safe!" ejaculated Alice, as a spent bullet smote Charley's horse.
+
+"Look! Injun over dere," said Long Hair, pointing ahead, slightly to
+their right.
+
+He was correct; dusky forms were hurrying to intercept them.
+
+"No matter," coolly replied Tom; "we'll turn a little to the left.
+They'll soon go back faster than they came."
+
+The assertion was not mere bravado; for suddenly there was a bright
+flash in the prairie grass, followed by a simultaneous discharge of
+fire-arms, and, with an astonished yell, the savages recoiled to the
+woods.
+
+At the same instant, on the extreme left, there was similar firing on
+the advancing Indians at that point, with like result.
+
+"Good," grunted Long Hair. "White soldier fire from de ground."
+
+But their defenders remained flat on their faces, and the prairie
+seemed as destitute of military force as before.
+
+"The Indians won't molest us any more," said Tom, exultingly. "They'll
+think the prairie is sown with soldiers. Captain Manly is a splendid
+tactician. He can fight the Indians better with a score of picked men
+than some officers could with a regiment at command."
+
+And the three rode courageously on.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+BLACK NANCY SHOUTS.—A DREAM.—THE TWO SAVAGES.
+
+THE lad that goes from the old homestead to seek his fortune, but of
+whom nothing is ever heard afterwards; the dear ones who set sail in
+the ship that makes no port, and concerning whose fate the ocean is
+dumb; the child, missed from your side in the dense city or flowery
+field, who answers no more to your call,—these "lost" ones are mourned
+for with an unceasing and peculiar sorrow. The mystery of their destiny
+fills the mind with a yearning disquiet. Years drag by, and we think we
+have seasoned ourselves into the immovable conviction that they have
+entered, "where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at
+rest." But we start at a familiar voice or step, and find ourselves,
+with aching hearts, waiting for the wanderers.
+
+Over long-lost Alice, her parents ceaselessly wept. They conversed less
+of their strange bereavement, but their grief gnawed as remorselessly.
+General McElroy's tall, erect form became bowed, and his locks white.
+His elegant wife wasted as if in a slow consumption, and her brilliant
+smile was the wan semblance of its former radiance.
+
+The fond parents had left no measures untried to solve the painful
+problem of her disappearance. But no news of the absent daughter was
+borne to them from prairie, grove, or river, cabin of the pioneer, or
+wigwam of the red-man. Grasses waved, birds carolled, trees waved their
+brawny branches, waters ran, but spoke not a syllable concerning the
+fair form for whom they witnessed such pains-taking and heart-breaking
+search.
+
+Nor did her family grieve alone. Before the sad event, gayety and mirth
+often held carnival in the many-roomed dwellings of the frontier fort,
+for the long, four-storied, brick buildings, enclosing the spacious
+square, contained not a few choice spirits—ladies and gentlemen of
+culture; and the fortress itself, what was it, but an armed, compact
+town? An advanced outpost, remote from the large settlements, it was
+dependent on its own resources for improvement and diversion, and each
+person contributed something to the social stock.
+
+But the loss of the commander's child caused a marked change in the
+little community. The sympathy for him and his wife was sincere and
+profound. Soldiers spoke low and stepped softly as in the chamber of
+death; for the beautiful girl was a universal favorite.
+
+Prosperity affects children very differently. It is the ruin of some, a
+blessing to others. Alice McElroy was "born with a silver spoon in her
+mouth," as the quaint old phrase has it. Wealth and position commanded
+attention and petting, and the winsome child of the general would
+inevitably have been spoiled had she naturally lacked the ballast of
+sound common sense. Just as sweet, unaffected, and unselfish was she,
+despite fine clothes, personal charms, and unstinted praise.
+
+Ah, that shut piano, which used to gush with music beneath her
+fairy fingers, the varied tones of which all the fort rejoiced to
+hear,—sacred instrument, closed now, for no hand since hers had
+vanished might woo the ivory keys,—how its eloquent voicelessness
+depressed the fort people! And the dumb woe of the dispirited pony,
+listening in vain for the loving call and the tripping-step, increased
+the prevailing gloom.
+
+A Scripture fragrant with wisdom and love exhorts us to console the
+sorrowing, "with the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted."
+Mrs. Jones, Tom and Charley's mother, was first brought to the fort by
+the soldiers who had rescued her from the scenes of tragic horror in
+which her husband was mortally shot and her daughter tomahawked. The
+fate also at that juncture of Charley and little Bub was involved in
+doubt, as no trace of them was found.
+
+Mrs. McElroy welcomed the weeping woman with large-hearted and
+sympathizing hospitality, and did all in her power to calm her grief
+and cheer her spirit. With tender consideration, she caused the widow
+to become governess in the McElroy household, that congenial employment
+might at once divert her thoughts and give her the independence of
+self-support. Little did the general's wife then imagine that the hour
+was coming when, instead of ministering comfort, she would lean on Mrs.
+Jones for sympathy, as that lady had on her. So do good deeds return to
+bless the doer.
+
+A union of the best qualities of head and heart fitted Mrs. McElroy to
+counsel and plan for Mrs. Jones in the time of the latter's troubles.
+She could suggest a silver lining to the stormiest cloud, and argue
+aptly and cogently against despair. Nor did she omit to point the
+sufferer to faith in an all-wise and gracious Providence. Nevertheless,
+this, to a large extent, was "theory" to Mrs. McElroy. Her life had
+been scarred by no notable misfortune—on the contrary, it had been
+happy beyond that of most.
+
+But the unexplained disappearance of Alice smote down the stately woman
+as by a murderous blow. Wild with anguish, day and night she moaned and
+wept. Such a sunbeam as Alice had been, and so swift the quenching of
+that light! The mother's vigorous mind, stored with philosophic maxims
+and Bible texts, was in a whirl of fear, anxiety, sorrow, foreboding,
+and not one of the well-turned truisms she was wont with soothing smile
+to offer Mrs. Jones availed for her own soul.
+
+Her extremity was Mrs. Jones's opportunity. What could she have done
+in that hour, had it not been for one who had tasted the same cup of
+bitterness? When the cry was wrung from her, "Never was sorrow like my
+sorrow," the gentle governess reminded her of the terrible days when
+brave, romantic Charley was, none knew where; yet both he and Bub were
+restored to her embrace.
+
+"Best of comforters! Truest of friends! What should I do without you?"
+often would Mrs. McElroy exclaim.
+
+
+One morning, after a sleepless night, Mrs. McElroy, adjusting a shawl
+to her shoulders, feebly descended to the door to breathe the prairie
+air a moment before eating, she said, then took her seat at the
+breakfast table. The ashen lips, sunken cheeks, languid eye, fickle
+appetite, bespoke the chronic invalid. Yet it was not bodily disease
+that had wrought the sad change, but a mother's mourning love.
+
+Black Nancy, with hair in short, crisp pig-tails, adorned with
+fluttering bits of bright ribbon, bustled about, recommending "missus
+jest to taste of dish sher berry nice fricassee prairie chicken, an'
+dat ar light biscuit and new butter."
+
+But neither odorous coffee from the silver urn, though seasoned with
+rich, thick cream, skimmed "preticklerlally for missus," nor the neatly
+laid cloth artistically covered with tempting dishes, could provoke the
+sorrowing woman to eat.
+
+"It's mos' descouragin'; de little bird ud die eatin' no more'n missus
+do," ejaculated the sable waitress, as Mrs. McElroy arose. "I'se a
+great min' neber to set dish sher agin." And she clattered off the
+plates indignantly. "Anybody'd tink de food wasn't fit for de pigs—dat
+dey would. An' missus growin' dat poor,—specs she'll blow away some ob
+dese fine mornings, when dere's no wind. An' massa, too, follerin' on
+jest de same way. So poor now de crows wouldn't pick dere bones, of
+'twas ter keep dere selves from breakin' de commandment, and stealin'
+de farmer's corn! But, laws, Miss Jones," she exclaimed, suddenly
+confronting that lady, "what am de matter wid you? Eber sense Tom was
+here de las' time, you fly about, fly about, jest as if de wings were
+sproutin' on yer shoulders, an' you was spectin' to be a sure enough
+angel, an' fly out ob de winder up to de sky. You do conduc berry
+singlar!"
+
+"Nancy," said Mrs. Jones, striving to look very grave, at which the
+quick-eyed image cut in ebony rolled up her eyes most comically, "it
+is quite desirable that you do not call attention to my manner in the
+hearing of Mrs. McElroy. I do not wish her to notice it."
+
+"Can't help it, no ways, Miss Jones; you do behave so quar," shrewdly
+replied the African. "Ef, now, I understood jes' what am de matter wid
+you, 'twould be diffrunt—dat's de fac, truf."
+
+"Won't you let a soul know, if I tell you the secret?"
+
+"You wont ketch dis chile in no sich imprudency—won't tell myself—dat's
+so!"
+
+Mrs. Jones began to whisper in her ear, her dark-skinned listener's
+fat, shining face glowing with the consciousness of the honor conferred
+on her by being made the confidant of the governess. Better than a
+show was it to watch the varying expression of the colored woman's
+mobile countenance. The large, round eyes grew larger and rounder,
+the generous mouth slowly opened, revealing by degrees double rows
+of comely white teeth, breaking meanwhile into a widening grin that
+threatened to involve her ears; and the fleshy arms and hands were
+gradually upraised in ineffable astonishment.
+
+"O, bless de Lord! Praise de 'good' Lord! Jes' what I'se bin prayin'
+for," she bellowed, "an' long ago He gub me de witness dat de honey
+sweet—"
+
+"Stop," interrupted Mrs. Jones; "you promised not to tell, and you are
+proclaiming it to the whole fort."
+
+"Can't help it, Miss Jones." And sitting flat on the floor, and swaying
+back and forth, her ample body exercised in every bone and muscle with
+her happy excitement, she shouted, "I 'shall' praise de Lord, if all de
+worl' say I mus'n't. Bless de Lord! Praise de 'good' Lord!"
+
+"Nancy," asked Mrs. McElroy, drawn to the dining-room by the uproar,
+"what does this mean?"
+
+"Dish chile can't possibly splain, missus; but she mus' praise de Lord,
+or she'll bust; dat's de Bible truf."
+
+"What has come over you? Get up, and be yourself again," commanded her
+mistress.
+
+"Now," said Mrs. McElroy, as the servant arose, "state to me calmly
+what agitated you so?"
+
+"Dat are ain't possible, missus. But I'se terr'ble happy. 'Fraid if I
+keep still, de berry stones ob de court ud cry out. Praise de blessed
+Jesus! He's jest bin de 'besterest' friend dat eber any poor sinner
+eber had—been monstrous good to all in dish sher fort!"
+
+"I wish I could realize it," said Mrs. McElroy.
+
+"Bress de Lord, you'se gwine to right away, missus. You'll shout
+bigger'n I did, when—"
+
+"Nancy!" sternly interposed the governess.
+
+"Laws," ejaculated the forgetful waitress, clapping her great paw over
+her widely distended lips, "I jest gwine ter break my promise—but I
+didn't, thank de good Lord for dat!"
+
+"An unusual scene," observed Mrs. McElroy, as they ascended to that
+lady's apartment. "You can, however, interpret it to me, if I mistake
+not." And she laid her thin hand in that of the governess.
+
+"It appears," replied the latter, "that Nancy has made your great loss
+a subject of prayer,—you know what a simple, child-like faith many of
+the blacks have,—and she is confident that the evidence is given her
+that her petitions are heard; in other words, that Alice is alive, and
+will be restored to you."
+
+The mother sighed, then asked, with a penetrating look,—
+
+"What do you think in regard to this matter?"
+
+"Stranger things have happened," she answered.
+
+"Mrs. Jones," cried the general's wife, gazing into the governess's
+truth-telling face, "has anything been heard of Alice?"
+
+"There has been a new search instituted by my Tom, aided by his Indian
+friend, Long Hair, and Tom is sanguine that all will end well. But of
+course the young are hopeful. Do you think the joy will be too much for
+your debilitated frame, should his efforts result as we all so much
+desire?"
+
+"No. I can bear anything better than this awful suspense. But I have
+not mentioned that I also have a presentiment that Alice is not dead,
+and that I shall once more clasp her in my arms. Lately, when I am
+most desponding, a secret voice seems to whisper, 'She's coming; she's
+coming!' And therefore, if she should return, she would not find me
+wholly off my guard. But what is this?" she inquired, as, hearing the
+clattering of hoofs, she went to the window. "Two mounted Indians! How
+queer!"
+
+"Why, so there are," Mrs. Jones responded. "One of them looks like a
+squaw. It is the Dakota chief's daughter, Blue-Eyes, so famed for her
+beauty, intelligence, and fine character, I'll wager. Tom told me about
+her; he saw her on one of his adventurous expeditions. Yes, it must be
+she, for there's Tom just alighting, and my wide-awake Charley. Suppose
+we return to the dining-room, and make the acquaintance of the tawny
+miss."
+
+"A remarkable beauty, surely," murmured Mrs. McElroy, raising the
+window, and gazing spell-bound after the Indian girl. "What a graceful,
+queenly carriage—a perfect figure! But I feel faint," she suddenly
+added, and staggering to a sofa, reclined a while, Mrs. Jones anxiously
+fanning her.
+
+"What do you suppose," said she, recovering her equanimity, "affected
+me so? You don't know how my heart jumped. What is the matter with me?
+My load of sorrow is gone. I begin to be happy again. How singular!
+One night I had such a sweet dream! I thought Alice came. I didn't
+recognize the dear child at once; but it proved to be really she; and
+O, how happy I was! But why should that same peace fill my heart now,
+when, alas! she is still away? Strange—isn't it? If I did not 'know'
+to the contrary, I should believe that the dear girl had now come. But
+perhaps it is because I am not strong, and my mind is overtaxed."
+
+"Perhaps it will interest you," said Mrs. Jones, wiping the tears from
+her own cheeks, "to go down and see the chief's daughter."
+
+
+Tom's eager, yet respectful greeting of Mrs. McElroy, as she entered
+the room, was cordially reciprocated.
+
+"This is Long Hair," said he, pointing to the Indian sitting nearest.
+
+"I am pleased to see you once more," she remarked, shaking his hand.
+"You were a good friend to the Joneses, and I am grateful for it. And
+who is this?" she inquired, advancing towards the beautiful Indian girl.
+
+"Blue-Eyes," answered Tom, with choked utterance.
+
+"I have heard of you," politely said Mrs. McElroy, addressing the dusky
+maiden.
+
+And she was about to take her hand also, when, sinking into a chair,
+she said, "O, how strangely I feel! Just as in that blissful dream. I
+am not deceived—Alice is coming! Nancy, open the door, she must be in
+the court. I know she's near. Throw the door wide open. Nancy, do you
+hear? Alice, my own darling Alice, is coming, I say!"
+
+"Mother, mother! Dear, dear mother! Don't you know me!" cried the
+Indian girl, starting up, and casting herself on Mrs. McElroy's bosom.
+"I was captured by the Indians, and adopted by a chief!"
+
+"Happy, happy! Just as I dreamed," murmured the mother, folding her
+closely.
+
+It is said that evil tidings travel fast, and that "a lie will go ten
+leagues while truth is putting on its boots." It is delightful to
+mention one instance in favor of the reverse.
+
+The news that the fairy of the fort, gentle, lovely Alice McElroy, was
+in the fortress, went like a flash of light through the buildings.
+"Beautiful upon" the prairie "the feet of them" that hasted to spread
+the joyful intelligence. Officers and privates shook hands over the
+event, and war-begrimed comrades embraced each other with brimming eyes.
+
+
+That evening, when the grand old star-spangled banner, waving from the
+lofty flag-staff, was, as usual, lowered, jubilee was kept. How the big
+cannon roared, and the musketry rattled, and the band played! Flash
+followed flash, report succeeded report, one tune rose after another,
+till the air was ablaze, and the prairie vocal.
+
+Meanwhile, the ladies,—did anybody ever "get ahead of their
+time"?—while the lords of creation supposed them to be dutifully
+applauding their performances, were getting up a little celebration on
+their own hook. To each window-pane of the entire fort, they affixed
+rows of candles, and at a signal the tapers were lighted, and the
+spacious buildings illuminated as if by enchantment.
+
+The result was striking. The drummers stopped drumming, the musicians
+forgot to blow, the gunners neglected to load; then splitting their
+throats in their enthusiasm, cheer on cheer greeted the brilliant
+spectacle.
+
+I do not know what the prairie wolves thought of the military thunder
+and lightning, the radiance and deafening voices. They did not tarry
+to express their feelings at any great length, but with their tails
+between their legs, they scampered off, snarling and howling. As for
+prowling savages, they slunk away with the wolves.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+THE MYSTERY OF THE MOCCASONS.—THE MAN WITH THE LANTERN.
+
+IT is related of an artist, who, secluded from observation, was working
+on a masterpiece, which it was for his interest not then to make
+public, that his bosom friend begged permission to invite 'only two' of
+his acquaintances to view it.
+
+The painter smilingly answered,—
+
+"You do not reckon right!"
+
+"How so?" inquired the other.
+
+Taking his pencil, the artist replied,—
+
+"'You' have seen the painting; that's 'one';" and he indicated it by
+the appropriate numeral. "Mr. E— would also be one, and Mr. G. one;
+that makes," said he, significantly marking a numeral, 111—"one hundred
+and eleven."
+
+The successful escape of Alice McElroy was due largely to the fact
+that she had sufficient discretion to confide the enterprise to so
+few persons, and those able to keep their own counsel. Tom and Long
+Hair were every way fitted to prosecute the undertaking, for they
+were well acquainted with the Indian character and habits, and could
+devise and execute her rescue with little risk of alarming her captors
+and imperilling her safety. Had a squad of soldiers been despatched
+to deliver her, the Indians, discovering their approach, would have
+spirited her away, or, failing in that, sacrificed her life.
+
+What a cute thought, placing those moccasons on the dwarf's feet!
+For if the Hunchback had worn away his shoes, some straggling savage
+might have struck his trail, and the temptation to take his scalp be
+too strong to resist. But wearing moccasons, a score of bloodthirsty
+Indians, seeing his footmarks, would suppose them those of a native
+Sioux. But there were in them, in Indian symbol, for Long Hair, her
+name and that of the old chief, and where their encampment was; also,
+in English, a message to Tom, suggesting that Long Hair be employed to
+come alone first, and arrange the time of her flight.
+
+Words cannot convey the anxiety with which she waited the issue of her
+experiment. When she slept, her heart was awake to catch the coveted
+signal. And one kind night, the full round harvest moon "took the
+black veil," and the prairies went into mourning for her absence. At
+midnight, when the swarthy occupants of the wigwams snored in their
+blankets, the faintly audible carol of the robin threw up her eyelids
+with spasmodic suddenness. She understood well what bird of hope sung
+that song,—so well that her strength for the moment utterly forsook
+her, and, unable to rise, she lay pressing her little hand over her
+heart to suppress its loud palpitations.
+
+Long Hair, however, was too sagacious immediately to repeat the signal;
+and stealing softly out into the thicket, from whence came the call, in
+the heavy dew-damp and chilly night air, was the patient red-man. In
+terse language, he appointed the time when he would convey her to the
+fort. And when the hour rolled round, he was there.
+
+The lives of some persons have little incident to vary their hackneyed
+monotony; others are crowded with great and solemn events. Tom Jones's
+was stirring and eventful. Even his vacation, which he anticipated as a
+peaceful visit to his frontier friends, had been filled with adventure.
+
+How remarkable the occurrences that had drawn Alice McElroy and himself
+into such close connection! What did these experiences foreshadow? He
+dared not trust himself to ponder this question. His honor would not
+permit him to presume on the strength of the service he had rendered
+her. On the contrary, he was sensitive lest she might fancy he expected
+to be specially noticed on this ground.
+
+"For," he reasoned, "I am only assisting to pay the debt of gratitude
+due her parents for their kindness to my mother. And who am I—Tom
+Jones, the squatter's son—that she should think of me?"
+
+But, when the day arrived for him to set his face eastward, and, at
+parting, Alice leaned from a window, just as he once dreamed, and with
+evident agitation said, "You won't forget me while you're gone—will
+you, Tom?" his heart was so moved he could not answer.
+
+On his way to the river, Tom called at the cabin of the Willards. The
+very logs seemed to brighten, so glad were the inmates to see him. And
+the dwarf's eyes swam as the loved visitor handed him an appreciative
+letter from Mrs. McElroy, complimenting him on his heroic deeds for his
+family, and thanking him for the part he bore in the recovery of her
+daughter. The fifty-dollar bank-bill, enclosed, was to buy, she said,
+if he would oblige her by parting with them, the moccasons Blue-Eyes
+furnished him.
+
+The proud-spirited Hunchback had no opportunity to decline the money,
+for as he commenced speaking, there was a thundering knock at the door,
+which, as he was sitting nearest, he hastened to open. A short, stout
+man with a cross face, which misrepresented its owner, stood before
+him, the butt of his formidable whipstock uplifted for a second rap.
+
+"My name is Edmands," said he. "I've come to see about that hay I
+bought of Simmons!"
+
+"Twasn't his to sell," piped the dwarf, bristling with combativeness.
+
+"Wal, wal," replied the settler, surveying him with a comical squint,
+"you're a buster—ain't ye, now? Going to swallow me? I suppose you've
+no objection to showing me where the stacks are."
+
+"Mr. Edmands," said Tom, starting towards him.
+
+"Ah, Tom, how are you? I drove round here on 'business'; didn't expect
+to have the pleasure of seeing you."
+
+"Nor I you," responded Tom. "But about that hay—"
+
+"That's none of 'your' concern," he brusquely interrupted, slyly
+winking at him. "I bargained for hay that's on this claim, and if this
+youngster, or oldster, whichever he is, ain't afraid to do the square
+and honest thing, he'll show it to me."
+
+"I will do that," answered the Hunchback; "but you can't cart off a
+wisp on that Simmons's account."
+
+"Can't, eh? Wal, that can be tested, I reckon."
+
+Ferdie and Georgie, with lengthened visages, accompanied the two.
+
+"You'll want to reserve enough to winter your span," remarked the
+farmer.
+
+"We shall reserve it all," retorted the dwarf.
+
+"Don't get riled, my little friend," the man observed. "I expect to
+control the major part of that dried grass, anyhow. You can spare ten
+tons, and leave plenty for your horses. I contracted with Simmons for
+it at two dollars and fifty cents. There's been more grass cut this
+season than anybody expected. It won't be over five dollars a ton till
+next mowing. I'll give you that, my lad, if you are willing to spare
+the hay, and I'll pay you this minute, to clinch the bargain." And he
+tendered the dwarf fifty dollars.
+
+"It's too much," replied the Hunchback, his tones husky with emotion.
+
+"That's 'my' bread and butter," said the settler. And as if offended,
+he tossed the bills upon the grass, and began to walk away.
+
+"Don't be angry, Mr. Edmands," cried Georgie, running after him; "we
+all thank you."
+
+"How wonderfully the hand of Providence has marked our history since we
+left the steamboat!" exclaimed Mrs. Willard, as the boys reentered the
+dwelling, and related Mr. Edmands's kindness.
+
+"I trust you have had no reason to regret settling on a prairie claim.
+I would not advise every family as I did yours, but was impressed that
+it would be best for you."
+
+"There is one lesson we ought to learn from this affair about that
+Simmons," remarked aunt Esther, "and that is, that opposite qualities
+balance one another. Mrs. Willard and the boys were too confiding.
+Frankie and I are apt to be suspicious. Yet, if there had been no
+over-confidence, the haying, breaking, and fencing would not have
+been done, nor the stolen horse left here. But if, also, there was
+no distrust, Simmons might not have been foiled, and no profit have
+accrued to us. Shall we not appreciate each other better after this?"
+
+"Learn, too," added Tom, "that the sickly and feeble may be eminently
+useful and honored of Providence, as was our Frankie."
+
+"O," sighed Mrs. Willard, "if I knew how we should pass through the
+winter! And if the other lost one could be restored to us."
+
+"It is good to hope and quietly wait for the salvation of God,"
+tenderly quoted Tom. "Trust your husband in God's care, madam. And, as
+to lesser troubles, do not be unbelieving; when you need help, it will
+come—just as it has. How often I have seen this illustrated here at the
+west!
+
+"A clergyman was once called from home on a mission of mercy. The case
+was urgent. A dangerous marsh must be crossed, which it was impossible
+to reach before nightfall, and he could scarcely expect to pass over
+in the darkness unharmed. But he recognized the call as imperative;
+'love constrained' him; and, casting all care on the heavenly Friend,
+he pushed on through the gloom. Urging his horse along the dangerous
+pathway, he at length reached a frightful point in his perilous
+journey. The darkness was profound. A single misstep might be fatal and
+for an instant, he paused.
+
+"At that moment a light appeared. Nearer and nearer it came. What
+could it betoken in that lonely, uninhabited spot? Directly a stranger
+came in sight, bearing a lantern, and courteously guided the benighted
+minister to a place of safety.
+
+"'And thus,' said the man of God, 'have I ever found it through life.
+When all has been enveloped in gloom, and in no way could I extricate
+myself, 'a man with a lantern' has come to my aid. God has said, 'Let
+there be light.'"
+
+
+"A missionary, when pressed by poverty and want, was in the habit of
+specifying in prayer his most important needs. One day potatoes, meal,
+and salt were lacking. Nothing could be hoped from the 'subscription.'
+A great financial crash had fallen on the whole country, and distress
+was upon all the settlers. What could he do? Prayer was his only refuge.
+
+"Next morning a rough, swearing man, living miles away, came driving
+his team through the bushes. Presently stopping, he tossed some bags
+into the grass, saying, in a frank, off-hand way,—
+
+"'There's a trifle for your babies; that's a bag of potatoes, the other
+is meal, and at the end of the sack you'll find a few pounds of salt;
+perhaps you'll smile when I tell you that I had a queer notion that I
+must put that salt in; but if you don't need it, it won't do any harm.'
+
+"Who would have thought this messenger would have come 'with the
+lantern'? How happened it that he, and not one of the members of
+the missionary's church, should be the almoner of God's goodness to
+His servant? Answers to prayer often reach us through unexpected
+instrumentalities. And God may be nearer those accounted not his people
+than we think."
+
+
+"Sickness on the frontier! Ah, the terror of that thought—an entire
+family prostrated, and none to help! Thus it was one fearful autumn
+with the Fosters. First the parents, then the children; the former,
+rallying, bent over the wasted forms of their little ones, in great
+weakness watching them through long nights and sultry days, until,
+exhausted, they could watch no more, and sinking upon the floor,
+besought the Lord to send them a friend.
+
+"Morning broke, and with it came an answer to their petitions, in
+the person of one least expected or desired, and who, under happier
+circumstances, would have been greeted coldly. Little did they know
+till then that under that repulsive manner throbbed a tender heart.
+
+"'I could not sleep last night,' said the comer, 'I was so troubled
+about you; and now, if you can put up with my rough ways, I should like
+to help you.'
+
+"Such words from her, while those who ought to have been there, afraid
+to trust themselves before the dreaded contagion, keep safely at a
+distance!
+
+"And what a help that strong-armed woman was, as she tenderly arranged
+the sick ones upon freshly-made beds, and laid their aching heads upon
+smooth, sweet pillows.
+
+"Ah, she was a messenger with a lantern, and verily the place grew
+beautifully 'light about her.'"
+
+
+Dear reader, let us not only pray that in our hours of darkness a
+messenger with a lantern may come to us, but that we, in our turn, may
+bear to the benighted and tempest-tossed its cheering rays. Farewell,
+till we meet again.
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78432 ***
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+<head>
+    <meta charset="UTF-8">
+    <title>
+      The Young Pioneers of the North-West | Project Gutenberg
+    </title>
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+    <style>
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+</head>
+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78432 ***</div>
+
+<p>Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image001" style="max-width: 33.8125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image001.jpg" alt="image001">
+</figure>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image002" style="max-width: 25.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image002.jpg" alt="image002">
+</figure>
+<p class="t4">
+<b>THE SURPRISE.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image003" style="max-width: 25.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image003.jpg" alt="image003">
+</figure>
+<p class="t4">
+<b>THE FRONTIER SERIES—Illustrated</b><br>
+<b>The YOUNG PIONEERS, BOSTON, LEE &amp; SHEPARD.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t1">
+<em>THE FRONTIER SERIES</em><br>
+<br>
+——————————<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<h1>THE<br>
+<br>
+YOUNG PIONEERS</h1>
+
+<p class="t3">
+OF<br>
+</p>
+
+
+<p class="t1">
+<b>THE NORTH-WEST.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+BY<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t1">
+DR. C. H. PEARSON<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+AUTHOR OF "THE CABIN ON THE PRAIRIE," ETC.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<em>ILLUSTRATED.</em><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+BOSTON 1890<br>
+<br>
+LEE AND SHEPARD PUBLISHERS<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+10 MILK STREET NEXT "THE OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE"<br>
+<br>
+NEW YORK CHAS. T. DILLINGHAM<br>
+<br>
+718 AND 720 BROADWAY<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by<br>
+<br>
+LEE AND SHEPARD,<br>
+<br>
+In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District<br>
+of Massachusetts.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3b">
+CONTENTS.<br>
+<br>
+————<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>CHAPTER</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_1">I. THE FAIRY OF THE FORT.—PLEASURE AND SORROW.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_2">II. A RIDERLESS PONY.—THE BUFFALO WALLOW.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_3">III. THE FLIGHT FROM THE WIGWAM.—INDIAN WATCH-DOGS.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_4">IV. THE TRAGEDY ON THE RIVER.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_5">V. THE LITTLE HUNCHBACK.—AUNT ESTHER, THE IMMIGRANT.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_6">VI. THE IMMIGRANT WAGON.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_7">VII. BURR-OAK CIDER.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_8">VIII. TOM'S RIDE CONTINUED.—THE CHIEF'S DAUGHTER.—SINGULAR ADVENTURE.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_9">IX. HOG'S BACK.—THE SOLITARY HORSEMAN.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_10">X. A NIGHT ON THE PRAIRIE.—DANGER.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_11">XI. A PIONEER BOY'S OPINION OF THE EAST.—DISAPPOINTMENT.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_12">XII. THE DWARF'S DISCOVERY.—BRAIN OR BONE.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_13">XIII. A STRANGE VISITOR.—THE MAN IN THE CHIMNEY CORNER.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_14">XIV. SECOND IMPRESSIONS.—AUNT ESTHER AND THE PLOUGHMEN.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_15">XV. ONE SWALLOW DOES NOT MAKE A SUMMER.—TRIBULATIONS OF A FAT MAN.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_16">XVI. FRANKIE'S SECRET.—THE INVISIBLE PURSUER.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_17">XVII. GRUBBING.—HONEST MR. GREY.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_18">XVIII. JOHN TOWER'S TOWN.—A WEDDING TOUR.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_19">XIX. THE WRONG CABIN.—THE COUPLE UNDER THE UMBRELLA.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_20">XX. THE CIRCLE IN THE LODGE.-WAKAN'.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_21">XXI. AUNT ESTHER'S TROUBLE.—THE LAMP IN THE WINDOW.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_22">XXII. AN INDIAN LOVER.—THE MAGIC MOCCASONS.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_23">XXIII. FOREBODINGS.—SHINGLING THE CABIN.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_24">XXIV. THE SILENT BOATMEN.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_25">XXV. THE CAPTIVE MAIDEN.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_26">XXVI. A BIRD-SONG IN THE NIGHT.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_27">XXVII. BLACK NANCY SHOUTS.—A DREAM.—THE TWO SAVAGES.</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#Chapter_28">XXVIII. THE MYSTERY OF THE MOCCASONS.—THE MAN WITH THE LANTERN.</a></p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t2">
+<b>
+THE YOUNG PIONEERS.</b><br>
+<br>
+———————<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_1">CHAPTER I.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE FAIRY OF THE FORT.—PLEASURE AND SORROW.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"WHY don't he come?" And Alice McElroy's fingers glided impatiently
+over the keys of the piano-forte.</p>
+
+<p>She glanced again into the square below. There stood pony, saddled and
+bridled, pawing the paved court, restlessly awaiting the presence of
+his young mistress.</p>
+
+<p>The morning was superb—a cloudless Minnesota sky of intensest blue, the
+air dry, balmy, bracing, delicious, the velvet green of the immense
+prairie prismatic with glistening dewdrops.</p>
+
+<p>As the fair-browed maiden skipped to the other side of the fort
+building, and gazed from the window upon the scene, she drank in its
+wondrous beauty with a wild delight.</p>
+
+<p>The frontier fortress was built on a swell of land remarkable for
+prairie land. One would think that nature designed it for just such a
+structure as crowned it with the murderous munitions of war. Strange
+that in the heart of that vast savanna there should rise a huge mound,
+or half hill, of height and circumference sufficient to command the
+entire wide-stretching landscape. Over this flower-enamelled plain,
+sloping from the fort on every side to the arching horizon, the
+kindling eye of the young girl wandered with worshipful enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall wait no longer!" she exclaimed, decisively. "Charley has been
+set to some task, I warrant, and there's no guessing when he'll get
+through. What's the use of always having a 'boy' escort. As if I cannot
+take care of myself! There are no Indians about now. I shall go alone
+for once. Pony is as good company as I wish."</p>
+
+<p>And tripping down stairs, and out into the court, she mounted her
+miniature steed. There was a clattering of dainty hoofs, and she was
+flying across the plain.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>These early morning rides were Alice McElroy's special pleasure.
+Horseback exercise on the open prairie had been prescribed by the fort
+physician on account of the delicacy of her constitution, and the
+cough, which though slight and inconstant, gave him, of late, some
+concern.</p>
+
+<p>But never before had she gone without an attendant. And as Mrs. Jones
+discharged the duties of governess to the McElroy children, Alice
+and Willie, and she knew her own son Charley to be brave, manly, and
+discreet beyond his years, he was often detailed to accompany Alice.</p>
+
+<p>As we have seen, Alice expected Charley to attend her on this occasion.
+But as he did not promptly make his appearance, glad to assert her
+independence, she ventured without him.</p>
+
+<p>The truth is, Alice, although affectionate and noble, was towards
+Charley petulant and innocently imperious at times. What queer
+creatures girls are, indeed! Mr. Jones, with his family, occupied a
+log cabin near Spirit Lake at the time of the fearful Indian uprising,
+and Charley distinguished himself there by his romantic adventures and
+heroic conduct—a mere lad that he was. He was, therefore, petted by the
+soldiers, and fairly doted on by Alice's mother and General McElroy,
+commander of the forces at the Fort.</p>
+
+<p>Alice also liked him as a playmate, and admired his fine qualities. But
+to have a "boy" for guide and protector on her prairie expeditions, and
+she a young lady in her teens, "what an idea!"</p>
+
+<p>With an exuberant sense of freedom from restraint, and of superiority
+to juvenile guardianship, Alice dashed along, now putting pony to a
+round trot, now to a full gallop, then resting the reins on his glossy
+neck, permitting him to take his own way—just as she was doing with so
+much comfort to herself.</p>
+
+<p>Between pony and rider there was perfect sympathy. An intelligence
+and devotion almost human characterized the wee horse. It was a rare
+animal,—a thorough-bred specimen of a species once famous but now
+nearly or quite extinct in this country,—for which the general paid a
+fabulous sum, presenting him as a birthday gift to his only daughter
+for her sole use.</p>
+
+<p>Never was beast better loved and treated. Winding her white arms around
+his curved neck, she would talk to him as if he understood each word.
+And are we certain he did not? You could not make Alice think him so
+stupid. She fed him with dainties from the table, and plucked for his
+mouth the sweetest grass-tufts. And her voice, her step, her hand were
+"all the world" to him.</p>
+
+<p>How pony drooped with failing appetite when for three weary weeks his
+gentle little mistress lay sick! When, convalescing, she was supported
+to the window, it was affecting to watch him as he waited beneath the
+sill for the feeble word of recognition from her pallid lips. And when
+she first stepped out of doors, pony rushed frantically to her side,
+and would not be pacified, despite the outcries and protestations of
+the frightened nurse, until she repeated his name and caressingly laid
+her soft hand on his forehead.</p>
+
+<p>Pony took short steps, but nimble, and got over the ground much faster
+than some longer limbed coursers I have seen. He liked so to go—no
+working one's passage, whip or spur-wise, with him.</p>
+
+<p>Doubtless high feeding and light work has much to do with the muscular
+thrill of speed experienced by the well-handled and mettlesome steed.
+But the loved form on pony's back, so graceful and unburdensome, full
+of glee, praised and patted him, and encouraged his best efforts. And
+away, away he sped, the fairy rider's eyes sparkling and cheeks abloom,
+and wavy silken tresses floating on the breeze, as they skimmed along,
+unmindful alike of distance and of time.</p>
+
+<p>Alice McElroy gave a sudden start, when at length she descried just
+before her a piece of woods. Had she ridden so far? She saw no trees
+from the fort, only commingled grass and flowers extending like a sea
+of verdure to the bending sky. But pony was sweating. How nice, she
+thought, to rest a while in the leafy shade, before returning!</p>
+
+<p>Riding in among the trees, she stopped the horse a moment, listened and
+gazed about, to be sure no danger was near. How silent the sheltering
+retreat! Not a sound broke the pervasive stillness, save a plaintive
+bird chirrup in the dim solitude.</p>
+
+<p>"O, isn't it perfectly lovely!" she ejaculated. "And yonder's a river.
+How clear and smooth the water is! And what splendid flowers,—there's
+the cardinal flower, if I live,—magnificent! Now, pony," she added,
+dismounting, and leaving the reins loose, "you just get cool,—don't
+wander off,—mind, now, while I gather a bouquet for darling mother and
+my dear good governess; then we'll start for home."</p>
+
+<p>At which pony, with contented air, fell to nibbling the grass,
+displaying his nice taste by nipping, too, a bright blossom now and
+then, out of regard, perhaps, to Alice. And she, with an occasional
+glance at him to be positive he staid near, strolled by the river brink
+culling flowers. They grew in tempting profusion, and she soon had a
+bountiful store. And reclining on the yielding moss, among the feathery
+ferns, she began to arrange the wild-springing beauties.</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly beautiful!" she murmured. "Won't mother and Mrs. Jones be
+surprised when they learn how far pony and I have been to-day all
+alone!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pony, are you there? Yes, I see you now. You're a dear good pony! How
+much nicer it is to ride all alone! One can do just as one pleases.
+Besides, Charley is so boyish! There's Tom, now," and a slight flush
+crept to her temples; "how grand it was, his pushing off the cliff that
+horrible savage that was creeping up to murder him!"</p>
+
+<p>At this point she stopped soliloquizing, and hummed to herself a while.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Tom's studying to be a minister. I suppose he wouldn't 'dare' to
+play as Charley does. Soldiers can play, but ministers must pray." Then
+she laughed. "I shouldn't like to do nothing but preach, and pray, and
+think about another world, about preparing to die. Death is frightful;
+though, if one is good enough to go to heaven, and 'old'—but I'm only—"</p>
+
+<p>A slight rustling of the bushes snapped the thread of her musing. A
+heavy hand was laid on her shoulder; she glanced backward. A hideous
+savage bent over her.</p>
+
+<p>The blood seemed to freeze in her veins at the sight. She attempted
+to scream, but the sound died on her lips. Her eyes became fixed and
+glassy.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian's face wore a fiendish expression, as he held his tomahawk
+above her head. She tried to fall on her knees and beg for mercy.
+Then Indian, trees, water, swam confusedly round. Her eyes closed in
+darkness and insensibility.</p>
+
+<p>The savage for a moment looked down upon the rigid features of the
+white girl as if undecided whether to strike or not. That doubt
+arrested the descending weapon. Something connected with her dress
+caught his attention.</p>
+
+<p>"Ugh," he grunted, and, stooping, detached from her belt a shining gold
+chain and locket, the latter containing the likeness of her mother.</p>
+
+<p>This appeared to turn the current of his intentions; for taking the
+girl in his arms, he bore her a short distance up the river side,
+dragged a canoe from out the thick shrubbery, placed her in it, gave
+it a quick running push, and dexterously jumping in after, paddled the
+light boat along.</p>
+
+<p>When Alice recovered her consciousness, she found herself lying alone
+in the bottom of a canoe, and an ugly-featured Indian sitting in front
+of her.</p>
+
+<p>At first she deemed it a dream. Then, bewildered, she rubbed her eyes
+with her hands to be certain she was awake. Soon, like lightning flash,
+the horror of her condition broke in upon her mind. In a frenzy of
+fear, she roused herself to attempt escape.</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw, keep still!" spoke the Indian, angrily. "Think swim, run, get
+'way? No. Water deep. Injun killee you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear, good Indian," pleaded the terrified girl, "don't kill me. Take
+me back; let me go home, and father 'll give you—"</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw speak no one word more!" grunted the savage, with an ominous
+look.</p>
+
+<p>O, the agony of that moment to the captive! How she wrestled with her
+emotions, striving not to provoke her fierce captor by unavailing
+outcries!</p>
+
+<p>Crouching in the swift-moving, fragile craft as it shot through the
+dim woods, now hidden by the pendent branches, now lighted by ruddy
+sunbeams, hurried on to what fate she knew not, minutes were as ages.</p>
+
+<p>By and by they came to shoal water. The Indian now laid his paddle in
+the bottom of the canoe, and employed a long pole to propel with. Soon
+he stranded the airy vessel, and ordered her to get out. Easily lifting
+the canoe on his shoulders, and driving her before him, they tramped a
+long way through the woods, away from the water.</p>
+
+<p>At last, they came to a spot not covered with trees. Back of it, and
+somewhat remote, was a line of smoke rising, indicative of an Indian
+village.</p>
+
+<p>But the Indian did not take her there. Turning to the left, they struck
+into the forest again, continuing their journey till they reached an
+old tumble-down wigwam. Entering, he pointed Alice to a corner, took
+from a pouch at his side a thick piece of smoked venison, tore on a
+strip with his teeth, handed it to Alice, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw hungry; eat!"</p>
+
+<p>Alice was faint from fear and fasting, but too wretched to partake of
+the untempting food. Dreading, however, to arouse his resentment, she
+tasted a morsel, and concealed the remainder.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>When night fell, her captor stretched himself on the ground in his
+blanket, near the entrance to the wigwam, and was shortly asleep.</p>
+
+<p>O, the long, long watch that night to Alice! She could not sleep. The
+heavy snoring of the savage in the gloomy wigwam, the hooting of the
+screech-owl and howling of the wolf without, the tumult of fright,
+grief, and foreboding within her throbbing breast, thoughts of her
+father's and mother's distress because of her prolonged and mysterious
+absence,—under these circumstances, her eyes were as wide open as
+if they never could close again, and her brain active well nigh to
+insanity.</p>
+
+<p>She was still awake when the pioneer streaks of morning penetrated
+the hut. After a while the savage bestirred himself, arose, lighted a
+filthy pipe, seated himself in front of her, cross-legged, and smoked
+in grim silence.</p>
+
+<p>With sharpened intuitions, Alice studied his physiognomy, to discover,
+if possible, some human quality to which she might appeal. But the
+paint-streaked copper-face staring stolidly at her, though evidently
+that of a youngish warrior, was repulsive and malignant in the extreme.</p>
+
+<p>"Where am I?" gasped the girl, at length, with clasped hands.</p>
+
+<p>"In wigwam," laconically replied her captor.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Alice, startled at the sound of her own voice, "but, I
+mean, how far from the fort?"</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty, fifty, 'hunderd' mile; big way; no git back, never!"</p>
+
+<p>"O, do carry me there," cried she. "You shall have money, anything. My
+father is General McElroy; he'll pay you all you ask, and more too!"</p>
+
+<p>But at mention of her father's name, a terrible scowl corrugated the
+brow of the savage, and, emitting great puffs of smoke, he muttered,—</p>
+
+<p>"Injun no do it. White chief kill Injuns, many!"</p>
+
+<p>Alice poured forth a flood of entreaties, sobbing heart-brokenly.</p>
+
+<p>The savage drew his scalping-knife, bent a threatening gaze on her, and
+said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw hold tongue; Injun cuttee out!"</p>
+
+<p>And the girl was silent and hopeless, but shook with an "aguish"
+terror, her sad eyes fixed on her captor, full of anguish and
+supplication more moving than speech.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian puffed serenely at his pipe a while longer, then putting
+it by, drew from his dirty pouch more dried meat, and tossing her
+a portion, commanded her to eat. This time, half famished, she
+obeyed, which appeared to please her captor, who, after regarding her
+intently, as if deciding a matter of importance concerning her, said,
+peremptorily,—</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw stay in wigwam!" and disappeared in the woods.</p>
+
+<p>Alice, with beating heart, watched the fading figure of the savage till
+lost to view.</p>
+
+<p>Where was he going? How soon would he come back? When he reappeared,
+what would be her destiny? If he did not return, what then? Alone in
+the wilderness, without food or fire, and no means of procuring either!
+It was frightful to expect his return, and starvation if he staid away.</p>
+
+<p>The appalling novelty of her position brought into ascendency a new
+class of feelings. She had a bright intellect, and military blood
+coursed in her veins. Reason and courage reasserted themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"If I perish, I will do so trying to escape," she resolved.</p>
+
+<p>And strong in this purpose, and buoyant with a sensation of freedom now
+that the Indian was away, in her eagerness she ran into the forest.</p>
+
+<p>But suddenly stopping, she pressed her hand to her forehead in deep
+thought.</p>
+
+<p>Which way should she go? Grave question that.</p>
+
+<p>Sinking to her knees, and whispering an earnest prayer for guidance
+and protection, she hurried into the hut, picked up the venison she
+threw away the night before, and set out on her perilous and uncertain
+undertaking.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_2">CHAPTER II.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>A RIDERLESS PONY.—THE BUFFALO WALLOW.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>PONY appreciated the tender herbage, and the grateful shade of the
+wildwood, for he was "a dear lover of nature," after his manner, and
+perhaps would have voted, if admitted to the right of suffrage, to
+spend the remainder of the season there, could winsome Alice be near.
+He might cast his ballot thus, were it not for two objections—the grain
+he would miss and the titbits from the McElroy table, and the insects
+that abounded in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Flourish, and flirt, and lash his luxuriant tail, shake his comely
+mane, toss his shapely head, stamp his delicate feet, suddenly trot to
+a fresh place, no matter what violence or strategy he used, the hungry
+flies would persist in trying to suck the life-current through his
+sleek skin. In fact, his exertions, whether offensive or defensive,
+increased his troubles, attracting his foes from afar, till the air
+swarmed with whizzing, buzzing, trumpeting blood-suckers.</p>
+
+<p>Strange, is it not, that so insignificant a trifle as a tiny fly can
+so harass and baffle a quadruped heavy enough to outweigh millions on
+millions of such enemies?</p>
+
+<p>Pony endured the torture and fought the battle with as much patience
+and valor as, perchance, you or I would, were we subject to his
+annoyance. But even horseflesh will not bear everything. And pony,
+desirous of permanent relief, darted out from under the ravenous cloud
+of pitiless parasites, and trotted to where he left his gentle young
+mistress, attaining the flowery bank where she had sat, and uttering a
+questioning whinny simultaneously, as much as to say,—</p>
+
+<p>"Please, Miss Alice, shall we not hasten out upon the breezy prairies?"</p>
+
+<p>But the pretty wee animal saw no Alice there!</p>
+
+<p>He snorted, pricked forward his tremulous ears, smelt of the earth,
+then of the bunches of flowers; neighed loud and shrill; waited,
+trembling with excitement for the familiar reply,—furiously shaking his
+head and whisking his tail the while at the pursuing insects,—dashed
+down the river bank, scenting the ground as he went, like a hound on
+the track; turned, and smelt up along the border of the stream; paused
+suddenly, as if to deliberate, then wildly wheeled about, and, with mad
+swiftness, struck a straight course for the fort.</p>
+
+<p>How wonderful is instinct! What so excited pony? Why did he hunt for
+a trail that should guide to the missing girl? Why his alarm and
+concern? What caused him precipitately to relinquish the search, and
+speed homeward as if on an errand of life or death? Ah, if the dumb,
+yet ofttimes singularly intelligent brutes could all speak, as did the
+prophet's wiser beast, what might we not learn from their now sealed
+lips! What an infinite gulf between their inarticulate muteness and
+human speech! O, what our condition, were we like them unable, as a
+race, to embody our thoughts in words! God be praised for the gift of
+speech, for who but He give it us and denied it to them?</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"Miss Alice, whar' you be?" And black Nancy's ebony face peered into
+closets, clothes-presses, behind doors, and under beds. "Now you jist
+stop foolin'! Dinner's bin coolin' more'n half an hour, and yer father
+and mother are that worried. Can't yer 'make strouble' 'nough widout
+hidin' away when eberyting is a spilin'! Come, honey, dat's a good
+girl; come eat yer dinner."</p>
+
+<p>But remonstrate, scold, reason, and coax as the affectionate negress
+would, there was no answer.</p>
+
+<p>Perseveringly the servant continued her search, hoping each instant
+that from some place of concealment her frolicsome charge would spring
+forth as she was wont, and with ringing peals of laughter, fling her
+dimpled arms around her neck with a kiss, or scamper through the halls,
+challenging pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>The colored waitress's brow became knitted with anxiety, and reentering
+the dining-room, she said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Please, marm, I can't find Miss Alice no whar!"</p>
+
+<p>"O, well," pleasantly returned the lady, "she is probably in at Mrs.
+Colonel Thomas's. You just step across the square, and inquire."</p>
+
+<p>The general and his wife were rising from the table when black Nancy
+returned, reporting that she had visited all the officers' rooms, and
+could get no tidings of Alice.</p>
+
+<p>"It is certainly very strange," observed Mrs. McElroy, going to the
+window. "But what does this mean?" she quickly added, as the sound of
+a horse's feet smote upon the ear. "Pony has rushed into the yard,
+covered with sweat and foam, saddle and bridle on, but riderless!"</p>
+
+<p>"Call Charley," gravely said the general.</p>
+
+<p>The lad instantly made his appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"Charley," asked the general, "have you been to ride with Alice to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know if she went?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not."</p>
+
+<p>Black Nancy now recalled with dismay that Alice apprised her the night
+before that she intended to ride in the morning, requesting her to tell
+Charley to be ready to attend her, all of which had been forgotten till
+this moment.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear she ventured alone, and something has happened to her,"
+remarked the mother, turning pale. "When did you first miss her from
+the house, Nancy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dunno, missus, zactly. 'Parently 'twas 'bout eight, missus, when de
+hat was taken from de place whar—"</p>
+
+<p>"Eight o'clock; who was on guard, husband, at the gate, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Call private O'Connor," said the general.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"O'Connor, did my daughter pass out on her pony when you were on duty
+this morning?" asked the general, as that worthy entered.</p>
+
+<p>"An' indade did she, the blissed crayther," answered the Hibernian.</p>
+
+<p>"Was any one with her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a sowl, yer honor, save her own swate self, sure; an', says I, the
+Howly Vargin be praised, but if there's a saint in heaven, sure an'
+she's that same, her hair stramin' an' her eyes sparklin', a ridin' off
+so light an' aisy—"</p>
+
+<p>"Rub down the pony, and put him up," sharply interrupted the general.
+Then, addressing his weeping wife, he said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Don't distress yourself, dear; I will go out at once with men enough
+to scour the prairies far and near. We shall certainly find her."</p>
+
+<p>As if by electricity, the sad news of the loss of Alice went through
+the fortress, and, as if by magic, a force duly instructed, well
+mounted, and provisioned so as to be able, if necessary, to remain
+through the night, was departing for the search, each member of the
+expedition ambitious of being the one to restore the missing girl to
+her parents.</p>
+
+<p>As the company left, O'Connor was leisurely grooming pony. A remarkable
+insubordination seized the little animal.</p>
+
+<p>Jerking at the halter, and kicking with both hind heels to impart force
+to the jerks, and at the same time keep the Irishman at bay, the strap
+parted, and pony, at liberty, started after the soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>"Howld, howld, ye baste!" shouted O'Connor, running to head pony off.
+And by a short cut getting in front of her, he furiously brandished the
+curry-comb.</p>
+
+<p>But pony had a will for once, and a temper, too.</p>
+
+<p>Laying flat her ears, and drawing back her lips, disclosing double rows
+of formidable teeth, she made directly for the Celt, as if to eat him.</p>
+
+<p>With a wild whoop Erin fled, pony following, her glistening ivories
+within an inch of his pate. The spectators in windows and court,
+overcome at the ludicrousness of the rare spectacle, laughed and
+applauded, forgetful for the moment of the loss of Alice, till Erin
+took refuge in a friendly doorway. Then pony galloped out upon the
+prairie, and joined the cavalcade.</p>
+
+<p>That wise and experienced officer, General McElroy, had laid out the
+work of hunting up Alice with far-sighted and systematic skill. The men
+were divided into squads, each with its distinctive mission, and all to
+report often to him. Signals were appointed which would enable the most
+widely separated corps to communicate with each other, and with the
+commander-in-chief.</p>
+
+<p>How like clockwork is military discipline! In this instance, however,
+there was one connected with the expedition irreducible to rules. That
+was pony, the volunteer. Defying orders, signals, and the ordained
+plan, the bantam steed would proceed in "one" direction, and that
+only. He even aspired to lead—the usurper. If the cavalry followed,
+how pleased he seemed! If they swerved from the route he preferred, he
+would curve and canter up to them, then back to "his" track, neighing
+for them to come also.</p>
+
+<p>Pony's mute though eloquent appeals and manœuvres attracted the
+attention of Captain Manly. He was a close observer, was versed in
+natural history, and passionately fond of good horses. He was aware
+that not alone that useful animal, but the dog, the elephant, and
+others of the dumb kingdom, frequently exhibit a marvellous sagacity.
+Thrusting his spurs into his own beast, he was quickly at the side of
+his superior.</p>
+
+<p>"General," said he, making the military salute, "the horse your
+daughter rode this morning having, it appears, broken loose from
+confinement, is hovering near my men. The little animal acts, I think,
+as if it would lead us to some particular locality. It may be a whim of
+mine, but I fancy it might not prove amiss to humor the creature, and
+see what comes of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Singular, very," ejaculated the gray-bearded veteran, levelling
+his glass at pony. "Every movement of the animal is instinct with
+intelligence. Do as you please, captain, and if anything turns up,
+signalize promptly."</p>
+
+<p>"I have great faith in horses," remarked the captain, on rejoining his
+command, to a brother officer. "They differ in intelligence just as men
+do. Some are stupid, others acute. Some love their owners, others care
+only for the stall mere eye and trencher servants.</p>
+
+<p>"Observe what a sensitive organization has that pony. His nostrils and
+ears,—the latter ever in motion, alert for the faintest whisper,—trim
+limbs, clear, bright eye, proud, self-conscious carriage,—there's a
+world of affection and good sense in that beast. I owe my life to a
+horse like that—except that mine was large and powerful.</p>
+
+<p>"It was on the plains. A messenger arrived at our station, stating that
+a stage had been attacked by Indians, and imploring relief. Most of my
+command had been detailed as escort to an immigrant train; but taking
+ten men with me, we hurried to the scene of action.</p>
+
+<p>"The crack of rifles and yell of savages urged us forward, and rounding
+a bluff, we were at once on the battle-field. The stage had been
+captured, and was filled with Indians, while a redskin sat on each of
+the four horses. The fellows, with gory scalps dangling, were enjoying
+a ride. Several bodies of dead and wounded whites lay around, while
+in the distance, the fight was still raging, showing that some of the
+passengers had survived the onslaught.</p>
+
+<p>"I comprehended at a glance how matters stood. The plains, you know,
+are all dotted with round hollows, say a dozen feet across, called,
+'wallows.' To these, the huge buffalo resorts to roll, covering himself
+with a coating of moist earth to rid himself of the lively little
+eaters infesting his shaggy hide.</p>
+
+<p>"In one of these buffalo wallows four men had found refuge, their heads
+being just visible; and riding dexterously and rapidly in a circle
+about them, shooting arrows or fire-arms, were not less than a hundred
+and fifty Indians. The cunning copper-faces would keep their bodies on
+the side of their ponies away from the white men, making a galloping
+breastwork of each horse.</p>
+
+<p>"The danger was that the whites would exhaust their ammunition; then
+the rascally savages would show no favor.</p>
+
+<p>"The Indians were between us and the men in the wallow, and the
+intervening bluff had concealed our approach. Giving word to charge on
+the savages, in order to break through to the rescue of the whites,
+whose fire was slackening, we rushed with a cheer to the onset. The
+surprise was complete, and at first successful. But perceiving the
+handful I had with me, the scattering savages rallied, and assaulted us
+with great ferocity.</p>
+
+<p>"An arrow-head struck my arm. The reins dropped. My horse reared;
+I lost my balance, and was hurled violently to the ground. Before
+recovering from the shock, a savage was upon me to take my scalp.</p>
+
+<p>"Utterly at his mercy, he would soon have finished the job, when, with
+a defiant snort, my faithful beast swept up, and seizing my assailant
+in her capacious mouth, dragged him over, and trampled him with her
+fore feet. How she smote and bruised him! It was a terrific sight.</p>
+
+<p>"I had by this time regained my feet, and remounting, being better
+armed, we succeeded in putting the Indians to flight."</p>
+
+<p>"The instinct of the brute is a great puzzle to me," remarked his
+comrade, "it is so marvellously quick, subtle, and unerring. It seems,
+in certain respects, to surpass reason. There, for example, is the
+honey-bee. The honey-hunter repairs to the fields provided with a
+little box containing honey. Catching some bees, he shuts them within,
+and through the glass top watches till he sees that they have loaded
+themselves with the sweet liquid. The insect is then liberated. It
+rises in the air, flies round in several widening: circles, till,
+having ascertained the direction of its home, it makes directly for
+it, the hunter following, sure that if he retains the bee in sight, he
+shall find the honey-tree.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, how does the insect—no matter how far or where the hunter bore it
+while imprisoned in the box—find out the right way home, and not only
+so, but reach it by a perfectly straight, or, as it is termed, 'a bee
+line'?"</p>
+
+<p>"The horse will do the same thing," said the captain. "I had ridden
+one day forty miles across trackless prairies—an entirely new route to
+me. On returning, the sky became overcast, and not having a compass,
+I got lost. Giving the reins to my horse, the sagacious animal chose
+an opposite course from that I had been pursuing, carrying me across
+marshes and streams, and through almost impenetrable thickets, by,
+I subsequently learned, an almost mathematically direct line to my
+destination. And yet the country was as new to him as to me.</p>
+
+<p>"But see, there are woods! Pony is entering them. Ah, yonder's a river;
+and what is this on the bank?" he earnestly exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>For there lay Miss Alice's hat, containing a few withered flowers, and
+near by two partially arranged bouquets!</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_3">CHAPTER III.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE FLIGHT FROM THE WIGWAM.—INDIAN WATCH-DOGS.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>WHEN Alice McElroy awoke to consciousness, and to find herself in the
+canoe with the savage, two opposite states of mind and feeling were
+induced. Overpowering terror and grief swallowed her up in a tempest of
+horror, and yet her faculties were preternaturally busy in noting the
+course she was being transported, so as to be able, if chance occurred,
+to retrace her way.</p>
+
+<p>Little did her pitiless captor imagine that the young girl who lay by
+turns moaning and pleading in her sorrow, or speechless from fright,
+observed objects they passed with a vividness that photographed their
+image indelibly on her memory.</p>
+
+<p>When, therefore, she took flight from the wigwam, her first endeavor
+was to discover the real direction homeward.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian had said that they had come a "big way" from the fort. But,
+judging from the slow progress they had made, on the whole, she was
+convinced that he had purposely exaggerated the distance. Perhaps it
+was only a few miles to the river. Perchance her father might be there
+searching for her.</p>
+
+<p>But what dangers and difficulties might be between her and rescue she
+dared not anticipate. A giant elm, lightning-blasted, she had seen in
+coming, and there, a mile or so away, she could discern its ghostly
+outline, stretching its bare branches heavenward. This welcome landmark
+decided her course, and the assurance she felt that the decision was
+correct gave her courage.</p>
+
+<p>What did she not suffer in that dreadful journey! Struggling through
+thorny bushes and interlacing shrubs, tearing hands, face, and neck
+till blood trickled from the smarting wounds, bewildered in bushy
+labyrinths where the confined air was so hot and suffocating as to
+cause her to pant and gasp for breath, sinking knee-deep in mud and
+ooze of slimy marshes, startled by sounds of she knew not what wild
+creatures. But the fearful apprehension that her captor, discovering
+her absence from the wigwam, would pursue and overtake her, stimulated
+her lagging energies.</p>
+
+<p>About noon, she came to the margin of a small lake. In the tops of the
+tall, overhanging trees were large birds, of black plumage and odd
+shape, with great, coarse, red throats. The water beneath was black,
+and thickly covered with broad, floating leaves. On the shores grew
+poisonous plants with brilliant blossoms and sickening scents. Here,
+weary and trembling, she sat down, and drawing from her dress-pocket
+the dried venison, ate a little. Then descending to the border of the
+pond, and scooping up some water in her hands, she eagerly drank.</p>
+
+<p>Now, recollecting that she did not see this lake while carried off by
+the Indian, the conviction that she had wandered from the path startled
+her. Frantic at the thought, on she went, looking sharply to descry
+some waymark that would set her right again. Walking and resting in
+turn, afternoon wore off, and evening twilight fell.</p>
+
+<p>The sun went down, and darkness brooded on the forest. Urging her weary
+limbs along in the awful gloom, slipping, stumbling, falling over
+moss-grown tree-trunks, scratched and clasped by remorseless branches,
+all at once she heard the howling of wolves, as if hundreds of them
+were assembled in grim concert. Then, in the direction of the howling,
+she saw a lurid light and dusky figures moving about.</p>
+
+<p>She was too well acquainted with frontier characteristics not to
+recognize in the scenes before her an Indian encampment; for she
+had heard her father tell that the coyotes, or prairie wolves, will
+surround a camp at nightfall, and at nine or ten o'clock commence their
+serenade chorus, and that the Indians will not kill the discordant
+voiced animal, regarding him as a watch-dog. For let any one approach
+the camp, and the wolf-music instantly ceases, and the Indians know
+that somebody is about. Then they keep away from their fires, and watch
+for the intruder.</p>
+
+<p>When the knowledge of her proximity to an Indian encampment burst upon
+her, Alice sank to the ground, overcome with conflicting emotions.
+If it was the same encampment that she passed with the Indian, then
+she had returned unconsciously on her own steps, and must still be
+near her captor's hut, and when morning dawned, he would certainly
+retake her. The conclusion was appalling. How ought she to act under
+the circumstances? How would it do to enter the encampment and claim
+protection? Might not some in the barbarous community, for the hope of
+generous reward, extend it, and restore her to her father?</p>
+
+<p>A faint hope sprang up in her heart. Softly gaining the summit of the
+mound she was on, she gazed earnestly at the encampment. Those swarthy
+forms, how hideous and terrifying! Turning, she fled into the covert
+of the woods like a bird chased by the cruel hunter, and toiled with
+the energy of a mortal fear to put as much space as was in her power
+between herself and those "habitations of cruelty."</p>
+
+<p>Sitting down at last, her strength all spent, she leaned for rest
+against a craggy oak.</p>
+
+<p>"I must not sit here but a moment," she said to herself.</p>
+
+<p>But a resistless drowsiness benumbing her sensibilities, with an
+ineffectual attempt to shake off the spell, she dropped into a deep
+sleep.</p>
+
+<p>A sharp report aroused her. Starting to her feet, she saw with wonder
+that the sun was up: she had slept till morning. And a second wonder—a
+few rods in advance was the river. With a cry of joy at the familiar
+sight,—to see which she had dared and endured so much,—she sprang
+forward, purposing to descend the bank, and if the stream at that point
+was not too deep, wade over.</p>
+
+<p>A warning buzz in her pathway brought her to a stand-still, for a few
+paces ahead, coiled ready to strike, was a large rattlesnake. She
+retreated backwards, the reptile darting out his forked, fiery tongue
+at her till assured of his own safety, then slowly uncoiled itself and
+glided away.</p>
+
+<p>Making a circuit, she began once more to go down the bank. A mat of
+dried rank sedges and osiers was before her. Stepping upon it, a score
+of snakes beneath the treacherous covering rattled and hissed, and with
+a shiver and a scream, she fled back again.</p>
+
+<p>A gun was now discharged in the distance across the river. Then she
+dimly discerned a soldier's uniform. Her heart gave a bound—it was her
+father's men looking for her. She was about to call to them, when a
+great flat hand was placed sternly and silently over her mouth.</p>
+
+<p>It was the Indian. Lightly throwing her over his shoulder, he bore her
+rapidly away. In vain, she struggled and tried to cry out. The iron
+grip relaxed not, and in sight of final escape, she was a captive once
+more.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Not long had the savage, with his victim, gone, when the fort soldiers
+appeared under the trees opposite.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure, captain, that it was a girl's voice. It was as genuine a
+scream as I ever heard," said one of the men.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard it," added another, "and something like a dress went
+fluttering over the bank yonder!"</p>
+
+<p>Instantly, the eager soldiery forded the stream, and penetrated every
+part of the adjacent wood. But no trace of human existence was found,
+save a bit of dried venison under the tree where Alice had reposed.</p>
+
+<p>Through the concealing bushes, the adventurous red-man carried the girl
+with the ease and swiftness of a panther, to a point low down on the
+stream. Here he pushed from its hiding-place a canoe, and tying his
+captive's mouth with tight folds of dirty cloth, he laid her in the
+boat, and paddled noiselessly along.</p>
+
+<p>Long and diligent was the search for the lost maiden. Prairie, forest,
+and river were scoured, and large rewards offered for her recovery, but
+without avail. Weary weeks, melancholy months, rolled round, bringing
+no news of fairy Alice.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_4">CHAPTER IV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE TRAGEDY ON THE RIVER.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"HUSBAND, ar'n't you coming to get some rest? We've had a long journey,
+and we've a great ways to go yet. And you know we land before morning.
+You will be all tired out; and I can't sleep, I worry so about you."</p>
+
+<p>It was a loving womanly voice that uttered this, and a pale, care-worn
+face it was that peered through the little aperture over the state-room
+door, the blue eyes glancing anxiously about for a glimpse of the
+person addressed.</p>
+
+<p>"Coming soon!" was the hearty response, though the tones sounded
+strangely, borne on the night air along the dimly-lighted steamer.
+"Wait till this steamboat passes."</p>
+
+<p>And Mr. Willard kept his solitary lookout, spell-bound by the magic
+of night, on the Mississippi. How varied and bewitching the scene!
+Ploughing the liquid element was the monster leviathan, rushing,
+thundering by, spouting fire, while star-like from the shore glimmered
+the lamps of village, and city, and farm-house. Is it strange that Mr.
+Willard lingered to gaze as if fascinated?</p>
+
+<p>He was an affectionate, kind-hearted man, but impulsive, excitable,
+and, when aroused, headstrong. He had inherited a small property from
+his father, which, with his daily earnings, provided a snug home for
+himself, wife, and three children, in a growing town in Maine.</p>
+
+<p>His "lot" joined the old homestead where his wife was born, and well
+contented was she to settle for life, as she supposed, by the side of
+her parents, and among the scenes of her childhood and youth. With
+reasonable frugality, her husband was able to maintain the family
+respectably, and a mile away was the school-house and the village
+church, so that the intellectual and religious training of the children
+need not be neglected.</p>
+
+<p>But Mr. Willard contracted the "western fever," and announced to his
+wife his determination to sell their property, and start for the cheap,
+rich lands of Minnesota. The announcement was to her as the tolling of
+a funeral knell. And with gentle reasoning, she sought to change his
+purpose.</p>
+
+<p>"We are happy here," she tearfully said, "and have met with no
+reverses. It is not necessary for us to go west, as is the case with
+many. If we were suffering for the comforts of life, or likely thus to
+suffer, I would not shrink from any change that promised an improvement
+in our circumstances."</p>
+
+<p>But the more he read, and thought, and argued, the stronger his wish
+to emigrate; and, with a foreboding heart, the wife prepared for the
+removal.</p>
+
+<p>The pleasant cottage, with its productive vegetable garden and smiling
+flower-beds, and the household effects, were sold. And the morning for
+the departure of the Willards witnessed a sad sight.</p>
+
+<p>The family had many friends who called to utter a last word to those
+who that day were to leave them, never, perhaps, to return. Mr. Willard
+and wife were both members of the church, and the pastor was there also
+to add his blessing.</p>
+
+<p>But when the aged father and mother came to say "good-by" to the
+favorite daughter and the petted grandchildren, the old man bracing
+himself tremblingly on his cane, while the tears flowed down his
+furrowed cheeks, Walter Willard's conscience smote him for causing so
+much sorrow. It was, however, too late to retreat, and the train soon
+bore them from view.</p>
+
+<p>The husband's ardent temperament quickly threw off depression. They
+were now really on the way to the Great West—the Eldorado of his day
+and night dreaming. Each hour the swift-winged cars were bringing him
+nearer the goal of his hopes. The thought of this speedily swallowed
+up parting regrets. How many acquaintances he made on the road!
+What delightful chats with those going, like himself, towards the
+setting sun! How companionable and confiding he became with his new
+associates!—Informing them of his history, his plans, his expectations,
+his means, his destination.</p>
+
+<p>"Husband, is it safe to let those men know how much money you carry
+with you?" the more prudent wife ventured to inquire.</p>
+
+<p>But the caution was soon forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>And now he was floating on the great river he had so longed to see. And
+as the late hours wore on, with "his soul in his eyes," he continued
+gazing at the ever-changing scenery.</p>
+
+<p>It was a densely inhabited hive—that boat. But Sleep had long since
+with velvet fingers closed the eyes of the jaded travellers. Not a
+passenger was up save the enthusiastic Mr. Willard.</p>
+
+<p>Not one? Who is that, past midnight, creeping stealthily by the berths
+of the hard-breathing sleepers? Why moves he so noiselessly? Sometimes
+he is motionless; then he skulks warily along: his manner, movements,
+attitudes, show him to be one whose deeds are more of the night than of
+the day.</p>
+
+<p>And see, another figure. The two meet; they whisper together with rapid
+and significant gestures. They part, and then reappear, approaching on
+either hand the lone emigrant looking unsuspectingly off over the water.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly they clutch him by the throat; his arms are pinioned and mouth
+gagged. Greedy fingers take his watch and money. There is a struggle,—a
+heavy body goes overboard,—a splash, a gurgle—and all is still. The
+prowlers separate, glide away, disappear.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard awoke as if struck by a blow.</p>
+
+<p>"Walter! Walter! Where are you?" she called. "Children, which of you
+will go and find father? Perhaps he has dropped asleep in another part
+of the boat."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll go for him," answered thirteen-year-old Georgie; and, rubbing
+open his eyes, he threaded the forsaken passages, repeating,—</p>
+
+<p>"Father! Father!"</p>
+
+<p>The lad approached the scene of the robbery just as the unhappy victim
+was precipitated into the stream. In the darkness, he saw a confused
+conflict, and the thrusting over the boat side of a dark body, and
+heard the dull plunge. But hastening to the spot, all was silence and
+vacancy.</p>
+
+<p>Had he been dreaming? Was it illusion? All at once, his heart stood
+still, for that form cast into the current, indistinctly outlined in
+the starlight, looked like his father!</p>
+
+<p>Overcome of terror, he hurried back to the state-room with
+horror-blanched cheeks, unable to tell what he had seen. Then the
+mother, hoping and fearing, clasping the son's hand, went forth to the
+search.</p>
+
+<p>One o'clock. Two o'clock. The porter knocks at the Willards'
+state-room. The steamboat bell gives notice of a "Landing."</p>
+
+<p>"Hurry!" says the porter to the lingering wife. "The boat stops only a
+minute!"</p>
+
+<p>"But where's my husband?" she asks, weeping, and calls distractedly,
+"Husband! Husband!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," the boy whispers, with white lips, "I saw two men throw
+father into the river."</p>
+
+<p>The boat grazes the rude pier. The plank is thrown out for the
+passengers. The baggage is thrown ashore.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurry! Ma'am, hurry!" reiterates the porter, seizing the arm of the
+bewildered woman, and pushing her over the narrow crossing, which is
+instantly withdrawn, and the steamer is off.</p>
+
+<p>But what of the mother and children left in the damp twilight on that
+strange shore? What of the husband and father?—For he comes not. What
+of the money he had with him? The avails of the neat New England home,
+with which he was to build up another home in the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>There stands the stricken group by their heaped up boxes and trunks, in
+fright and agony. How different it might have been had the ill-fated
+man considered his wife's happiness before adventuring west! Or if, on
+the road, he had preserved the reticence of the discreet traveller!</p>
+
+<p>And, O, what black deeds the darkness hides from every eye but One!</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_5">CHAPTER V.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE LITTLE HUNCHBACK.—AUNT ESTHER, THE IMMIGRANT.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"MADAM, can I assist you in any way? You seem to be a stranger, and in
+trouble."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard was naturally retiring, and withal distrustful of
+strangers. She glanced scrutinizingly at the speaker. His frank, open,
+manly face, instantly disarmed suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>"Fearing, from your conversation on the boat with the porter," he
+continued, "that a serious calamity had befallen you, I succeeded in
+getting off at this landing to aid you, if you need assistance."</p>
+
+<p>"O, sir," she wailed, "I know not what dreadful thing has happened. My
+husband disappeared in the night; and my little boy, here, says he saw
+two men throw him overboard. Can it be that my poor Walter is murdered,
+sir? It seems as if my heart would burst, I am so terrified and
+wretched!" And the ghastly face, and clasped hands, and piteous tones,
+might melt adamant. "Georgie, darling, tell the gentleman about it."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not necessary, madam; it would only distress you," answered the
+young man. "I overheard the story. It may not be so bad as he thinks.
+Perhaps an accident happened to your husband, and he will yet make his
+appearance. It is always well to look on the bright side, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"But what shall I do?" she inquired. "Mr. Willard was taking us to
+Minnesota. He had the money with him. What can be done to ascertain
+what has become of him, and if all is indeed well,—" and she spoke more
+cheerily,—"to let him know where we are. He'll be worried about us.
+And," she added, hesitatingly, "if he has been injured, I shall want to
+take care of him. Do—you—really—think—sir," and the words now faltered
+and dragged as if the horror-palsied tongue refused its office,
+"that—he—was—robbed—and 'thrown into the river?'"</p>
+
+<p>Her pleading eyes were fixed on his, as if she would read his inmost
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, you think so!" she cried, wringing her hands.</p>
+
+<p>Her listener turned away to hide his emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"You believe my Walter was murdered. My dear 'husband!' The 'father of
+these boys!' Cast into the river! Children, we are now alone! Alone
+in the far west! Without friends! Without home! Without money! And he
+murdered!"</p>
+
+<p>The bitter agony concentrated in accent, look, and attitude cannot be
+portrayed.</p>
+
+<p>"Woman," abruptly interposed the young man, "for your own sake, for
+your husband's sake, should he still survive, for your children's sake,
+be calm. This is no time to abandon yourself to grief and despair. God
+is alive. He will not forsake you. Rouse yourself for action. These
+boys look up to and depend in this hour wholly on you. For their sake,
+I repeat, be calm."</p>
+
+<p>This timely exhortation, uttered with magnetic force, was not without
+effect.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," she meditatively replied. "I must not selfishly yield
+to sorrow. Counsel me. What course ought I to pursue in these fearful
+circumstances?"</p>
+
+<p>A few rods up the shore stood a tavern. A servant lingered near.
+Calling him, they young man said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Take this lady's baggage to the house."</p>
+
+<p>And when he had seen it all safely conveyed there, he led the stricken
+group after.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said he, as they seated themselves in the "Ladies' Room," "you
+need, madam, to summon all your resolution to consider your position
+and duty as composedly as possible. Because of your family, you
+must even be heroic. A true mother will hold up her offspring when
+affliction comes, teaching them by her own sublime example how to meet
+the storm."</p>
+
+<p>"True, sir, true," remarked the lady, quietly weeping.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be wrong to disguise the painful fact that circumstances
+appear to indicate that your husband has been foully dealt with, that
+your boy's conclusions concerning his father may be correct. Scoundrels
+of the deepest dye take passage in the immigrant trains and on the
+Mississippi steamers for the purpose of finding out who has money or
+jewelry, and, when opportunity favors, of plundering them. Your husband
+may have made dangerous acquaintances on his journey, and paid the sad
+penalty. But, even if he was thrown into the river, he may have been
+picked up by some boat, or gained the shore. It was farther down stream
+that the affair happened,—if it did occur,—and we must make inquiries
+at various places, and see if any intelligence can be gained concerning
+him. I will with pleasure attend to this. Remain here till I report
+results. There's a down steamer's bell, now; keep up good courage,
+madam, till I return."</p>
+
+<p>And running to the rude pier, he sprang into the boat.</p>
+
+<p>And now that the young man has gone, let us notice more in detail the
+little company he has felt so much interest to serve.</p>
+
+<p>Besides Mrs. Willard, at a discreet remove from her, is her maiden
+sister, "aunt Esther." She is of light complexion and hair,—the
+latter very abundant,—natural; is somewhat stoutish; has a large,
+firmly-carried head, an ample forehead, and a fine face. Each article
+of her apparel, from neck-ribbon to gaiter-boot, fits nicely, showing
+her to be orderly and exact. She rarely speaks, but when she does, it
+is to the point. She makes no demonstrations towards any one—not even
+towards a baby. If obliged to notice such a morsel of humanity, it is
+in a tenderly stately style, without lullaby or petting.</p>
+
+<p>When Mr. Willard broached the subject of immigrating, she lifted
+her neatly-arched eyebrows in lofty surprise. And when at last she
+expressed her opinion, it was decidedly against the scheme.</p>
+
+<p>"If Mr. Willard wishes to banish himself to the world's end, he may do
+so. 'I' shall not stir an inch on such a wild-goose chase, and his wife
+is foolish if she does."</p>
+
+<p>But when the Willards started, without previously hinting her intention
+of doing so, she descended from her room clad in a tidy travelling
+suit, rode to the depot, had her trunk checked, and seated herself in
+the cars. She did not even bid adieu to her acquaintances; perhaps her
+lips were too firmly closed to open for so slight a civility. Her face
+was, however, unusually pale.</p>
+
+<p>"O, Esther," exclaimed Mrs. Willard, as the reticent maiden sank into
+the next seat, "are you to accompany us? How glad I am!"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not say so," was the unbending rejoinder. The maiden lady's
+ear-drops grew pendulous from some smothered emotion. "I shall go a
+little way, to see that you and the children are properly cared for.
+Men are so inefficient!"</p>
+
+<p>The boys, however, noticed that their single relative had "coupon"
+tickets in her reticule—though each was secretly torn off in succession
+for the conductor.</p>
+
+<p>"Little pitchers" have sharp eyes and wits as well as "big ears," and
+the lads drew a pleasing inference from what they saw. For odd and
+uncommunicative as was aunt Esther, they loved and respected her. She
+had done them too many cross-good turns for it to be otherwise, and
+they very well knew that her judgment was golden.</p>
+
+<p>"I bet aunt Esther is going all the way with us," gleefully said
+Georgie to his mother. "I peeped over her shoulder into her'
+carpet-bag, and she had a string of tickets a mile long."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, child," answered the mother; "she will overhear you. But I must
+think you exaggerate a trifle."</p>
+
+<p>"And then her trunk is big as all out doors."</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite," quietly said the mother.</p>
+
+<p>But the self-reliant, cool-headed, authoritative maiden lady, in the
+emergencies of the journey, was worth her weight in diamonds.</p>
+
+<p>When the hackman at Boston demanded, with oaths and threats, an
+exorbitant fare of Mr. Willard, the latter, to avoid a quarrel, would
+have acceded to the unjust charge had not aunt Esther, majestically
+confronting the bully, bade Mr. Willard put up his purse, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"I'll settle this bill, sir," tendering the astonished Jehu the legal
+amount. Eying her an instant, he pocketed the money without a syllable
+of protest.</p>
+
+<p>Farther on, a baggage-master would have collected three dollars and a
+half for his private benefit, had not aunt Esther come to the rescue.</p>
+
+<p>At Buffalo, the hackman who had engaged to take them directly to the
+waiting steamer, landed them instead at a hotel, saying the boat had
+gone. But while trunks and bandboxes were with markable rapidity being
+conveyed into the over-hospitable house, the urbane proprietor standing
+smiling on the steps, waiting to bow them in also, aunt Esther, leaning
+from the carriage, inquired by whose authority they were brought there.</p>
+
+<p>"Too late for the boat, to-night," answered the driver. "Step along,
+madam," taking hold of Mrs. Willard's arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," exclaimed aunt Esther, "you contracted to put us aboard the
+steamer in season. You shall do so, or pay the damage to us of our
+detention, or I'll report you to the police."</p>
+
+<p>Hackmen are quick at reading character—and landlords no less so. The
+twain whispered together, the baggage was ill-naturedly restored, the
+vehicle whizzed for the wharf, and they were aboard the boat a full
+hour before it sailed.</p>
+
+<p>You are now introduced to the "old maid."</p>
+
+<p>If we slight the boys, we shall offend the mother. Georgie you are
+slightly acquainted with. He is a bright, active lad, his leading
+weaknesses being a disposition to fret for the sake of a scene, and an
+inordinate love of peppermint and sugar in hot water—indulged in for
+his "stomach's sake and often infirmities," a very handy boy at almost
+anything.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand, the eldest, in his seventeenth year, manly, smart, and
+muscular, somewhat vain of his extreme age, and also of his handsome
+face and figure and personal prowess, slightly too fond of dress also.</p>
+
+<p>Between these is Frankie, "going on" to thirteen, nicknamed Little
+Hunchy, because of a spinal curvature with which he is deformed.</p>
+
+<p>Frankie is a character. When about five, he was playing on the ice,
+when a drunkard came reeling by, pelted with snowballs by rude boys,
+and, I am sorry to add, girls. Too much intoxicated to discriminate
+between the innocent and the guilty, seeing little Frankie, he seized
+him in his blind rage, and dashed him to the frozen ground, and
+staggered on.</p>
+
+<p>The child did not appear to be seriously hurt at the time, but a year
+afterwards, it was observed that his back was bent, and in spite of
+medical skill, intelligent nursing, and carefully adjusted gymnastics,
+the vertebræ kept pushing outwards. As is the case in such affections,
+the "sternum" (breast-bone) also curved outwards. This double crooking
+sadly interfered with his bodily development otherwise.</p>
+
+<p>Ten years after the cruel concussion, his legs and arms were singularly
+slender and feeble, his height much that of youth at his age, while the
+disproportionate humped back and chest gave him the appearance of "old
+head" and shoulders "on young" legs.</p>
+
+<p>Frankie's head was a study. Long from the frontal region to the
+lateral, and widening in its sweep; a prominent perceptive forehead;
+calm, reflective, dark-gray eyes; the upper lashes singularly long, and
+curling boldly upward; heavy eyebrows extending nearly to the ears;
+a picked snub-nose, the incomplete nostrils causing the end of the
+organ to set up the more decidedly; hair abnormally coarse, erect, and
+bristling, in a line from neck to forehead, imparting a belligerent
+aspect; face serious, depressed, sagacious, defiant. Such is a rough
+portrait of the deformed child-man.</p>
+
+<p>Child-man I say, for in stature and physical ability so almost
+infantile, but the surmounting so very, very old! Then his voice. Then
+his voice! You would expect from that massive, sage-like, impressive
+head, deep bass tones. On the contrary, from the perked-up, compressed
+chest issued marvellously thin, yet slightly harsh, piping sounds.</p>
+
+<p>A sad life had Frankie's been since rum laid its bloated, blasting
+hand upon him. Strangers saw him only to cry out, "What a deformity!"
+Neighbors exclaimed, "If he had been my child, I had rather he had
+died than live to be so unshapely." Wherever he went, he attracted
+attention, and few guarded, even in his presence, their thoughtlessly
+expressed commiseration. He had heard thousands of lips declare him a
+monstrosity—a being only to be exclaimed at and shocked by. Yet he was
+possessed of an exquisite delicacy of feeling, and was too sensitive,
+even had he remained well-formed.</p>
+
+<p>Consider his condition. He was little; the large looked down on him.
+He was weak; the strong could assail him. He was distorted; the
+compliments paid to the comely were condemnation to himself.</p>
+
+<p>At school he was unable to join in boyish sports, and could, therefore,
+contribute little to the general stock of amusement; and being so
+queerly made up, so different from his mates, like a speckled bird
+all the rest picked at him. Alas for the poor, the unfortunate, the
+deformed, in this superficial world!</p>
+
+<p>So, poor, unfortunate Frankie, as the years wore on, came to look on
+mankind as so many social foes. When a new comer opened his lips,
+Frankie expected him to make some stinging criticism on his bodily
+infirmities. He had experienced small consideration for his feelings,
+and he did not anticipate much. And as "self-preservation is the
+first law of nature," it became a habit to be always mentally on the
+defensive, ready to return glance for glance, or, it need be, word for
+word. Although, for the most part, he endured the criticisms of the
+rude with a sort of savage contempt.</p>
+
+<p>As a result of all this, Frankie seldom smiled, talked little,
+and as his reliable means of protection lay in his looks and oral
+remonstrances, his precociously mature face assumed more and more
+an antagonistic, forbidding, consequential expression, which
+inarticulately said to the starer, "Mind your business!" And to those
+tempted to undue familiarity, "Hands off, or take the consequences!"</p>
+
+<p>And when he rebuked impertinence, his countenance expressed terrible
+things—a method of defence harmless, it is true, yet often more
+effective than if, with less repelling power of physiognomy, he had
+possessed more executive ability.</p>
+
+<p>I alluded to the peculiar appearance of Frankie's hair. The effect
+of the emotions on the human hair is well-known. Excessive terror
+causes it to rise—to "stand on end," as the common phrase is. Grief
+or anxiety turns it white. Is it improbable, then, that the hair on
+Frankie's cranium grew stiffly perpendicular because of his life-long
+unhappiness? Disappointed, suspicious, resentful, incessantly
+irritable,—might not these feelings, so deep, perpetual, controlling,
+have changed the structural character of his hair? We propound the
+query for others to answer.</p>
+
+<p>Yet, let us repeat, Frankie was exquisitely sensitive and tenderly
+affectionate. He loved those he did love deeply, strongly, undyingly.
+His mother knew this. His brothers intuitively had glimpses of the
+fact, gruff as his manner was towards them, and boyishly inconsiderate
+as they too frequently were of his happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand and Georgie were blessed with an exuberance of animal life.
+They inherited a good constitution, and were sound in health. To run,
+climb, leap, wrestle, swim, were much easier than not to. Praised for
+their fine figures, by acquaintances, in the same breath that Frankie
+was pitied, it was natural that they appreciated their physical
+superiority to their unfortunate brother.</p>
+
+<p>With infinite longing, he would watch them at their games and their
+light tasks. O, were he only like them! And how familiar became their
+reiterated question, natural, yet triumphant,—</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you wish you could do this, Frankie?"—as they displayed before
+him their strength and agility!</p>
+
+<p>How Mrs. Willard wept one day, when, hearing some lady callers having
+in his hearing complimented Ferdie and Georgie, and pitied him for
+being distorted and dependent, after they left, the little hunchback,
+sad-eyed, pale, yet tearless, his shrill, minute voice tremulous, said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, do you wish I was dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, no, child," she replied; "what makes you ask such a question?"</p>
+
+<p>"Everybody pities you on my account," he answered, adding, with a pain
+too poignant for tears, "I don't see of what use I can ever be to you."</p>
+
+<p>But does a mother ever love a crippled or malformed child less than
+the more favored? Mrs. Willard pressed the dwarf to her heart, the big
+old-young head strained to her throbbing bosom, and exclaimed,—</p>
+
+<p>"Wish you dead, my darling Frankie? No; better they all die than you.
+You are the dearest child I have."</p>
+
+<p>From that moment Frankie never doubted her, but increasingly distrusted
+the carping world.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_6">CHAPTER VI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE IMMIGRANT WAGON.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"THERE he is!" cried Mrs. Willard; and she turned pale.</p>
+
+<p>It was early morning. A heavy mist enveloped the river. But her eager
+eyes, piercing the fog-curtain, recognized, in the foremost passenger
+descending from the steamer, the young man who had so nobly volunteered
+to search for her husband.</p>
+
+<p>The three days the stranger had been absent were weary, anxious days to
+her. Not a boat touched at the landing, even in the darkness, but she
+heard the signal bell—hopingly, forebodingly watching for tidings of
+her lost companion.</p>
+
+<p>But, impatient as she had been to hear from the young man, now that he
+had arrived, she trembled at his approach. Ah, how much, at some solemn
+crisis, is crowded into a brief interval! Was she a widow, and her sons
+without a father? A word now, and that awful question would be settled.</p>
+
+<p>The young man walked towards the hotel slowly and gravely. With womanly
+quickness, she saw that he came with an unwelcome message, else his
+step would be eager and light.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?" she whispered, inquiringly, as he entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said he,—and he paused, as if deliberating how to word what he
+had to communicate,—"I have learned nothing favorable or unfavorable.
+Nothing has been seen of Mr. Willard at either of the landings. Still
+he may have been rescued from the water, and carried to some obscure
+cabin among the bluffs; or possibly a steamer may have taken him
+aboard. I have, however, sent back to Dunleith, to have posters printed
+describing Mr. Willard, and calling for information concerning him.
+A copy will be put up in every conspicuous place, circulated on the
+steamers, and among the settlers along shore. I see no alternative but
+to await the effect of the handbills."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the whole family, entering the room, had clustered about
+their new friend, breathlessly listening.</p>
+
+<p>Slightly aside was aunt Esther, her face partially averted, her lips
+firmly knit together, and her countenance worried, yet resolute.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand leaned against the door-casing, in a pensive, thoughtful
+attitude, weighing each sentence freighted with so much significance.</p>
+
+<p>Georgie, his hand clasped in his mother's, gazed into her face, as if
+more troubled for her than aught else.</p>
+
+<p>The Hunchback had drawn a chair to the plain centre-table occupying the
+middle of the apartment, his sharp elbows resting on the stand, his
+great head propped on his weak little hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure, sir," said aunt Esther, breaking the terrible silence that
+had settled on them all, struck dumb as they were by the blow that had
+smitten the husband and father from their side,—"I am sure, sir, that
+we are greatly obliged." But she did not finish the acknowledgment; her
+words choked her, and simultaneously they all began to sob.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said the young man, addressing Mrs. Willard, "may I ask if you
+will deem it best to return east immediately?"</p>
+
+<p>"I could not," she faltered, "while my poor husband's fate is
+unsettled."</p>
+
+<p>"But," he gently suggested, "to board long at this hotel would be very
+expensive. You mentioned that Mr. Willard had the money with him. Will
+you be offended if I inquire what your condition is financially?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fortunately," was the reply, "I persuaded Mr. Willard, on reaching the
+boat, to let me take charge of a portion of the funds. Here is what he
+handed me." And she counted from her purse fifty-five dollars.</p>
+
+<p>"A sorry amount for a family," was the response. "Now, I have been
+revolving this subject, and have a plan to propose. You would scarcely
+wish to go back to New England at present; that is plain. And had you
+means, it would be imprudent to tarry here. There have been copious
+rains this season. The Mississippi, therefore, overflowed wide tracts
+of land. The freshet is now subsiding, leaving the submerged vegetation
+exposed to the sun. This will create sickness; and here, shut in among
+these bluffs, the air is, you have reason to know, intensely hot, so
+that the miasma is developed more rapidly, and acts with a deadlier
+influence on the system. Remain here two weeks, or perhaps even one,
+and some of you will be down with ague and fever, or some other bilious
+disease. Now, my idea is that you had better go off upon the healthful
+prairies, away from the miasma of the river, among the large-hearted
+prairie farmers, take up land, and set to work improving it while
+waiting to hear from your husband. How does this strike 'you?'" he
+inquired, turning to aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p>"This is my sister, Miss Esther Willard. She disapproved of our removal
+west, and only came out to accompany us on the road," explained Mrs.
+Willard.</p>
+
+<p>"Then she does not fancy the frontier?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Her opinion will not, therefore, be biased in favor of my plan. Miss
+Willard, have the kindness to express your views freely on the point."</p>
+
+<p>"How far, sir, would the family have to go to find good, unoccupied
+land?"</p>
+
+<p>"O, not a great ways, necessarily; but I would advise from sixty to
+eighty miles."</p>
+
+<p>"How would they get there?"</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt not a conveyance can be obtained."</p>
+
+<p>"Who would do the farming?"</p>
+
+<p>"These boys," returned the young man. "Two of them are active and
+strong; the other would be a safe companion and adviser. Farming on the
+fertile prairies, you must recollect, is vastly different from what it
+is in rocky, sterile New England."</p>
+
+<p>"What would land cost?"</p>
+
+<p>"There are," he replied, "two sorts subject to settlement. First,
+'school lands,' so called because reserved to be sold for school
+purposes. These, at some appointed time, will be offered for sale at
+public auction. This may not take place for years. Until then the
+squatter or occupant has the use of it free; and when it is disposed
+of, usually by courtesy of the neighboring settlers, he has the first
+chance at bidding. The other lands can be bought at one dollar and
+twenty-five cents per acre, a cabin and a few other improvements being
+requisite as proof that the preëmptor is an actual settler, and not a
+mere speculator."</p>
+
+<p>"What would the boys do for school and church privileges?"</p>
+
+<p>"O, their aunt could teach them for a while," he smilingly responded,
+"should she decide to share their fortunes till they get fairly
+started. But immigration is rapidly coming in. Educational and
+Christian advantages will soon be enjoyed, and railroads must shortly
+be built. Land, if well chosen,—and on the route I would mark out one
+could not select amiss,—can but rise in value. So that, while waiting
+to hear from Mr. Willard, instead of getting sick and consuming what
+little means the family possesses, they will gain in health and vigor,
+and perhaps attain a nice property. Now, what say you to this scheme,
+Miss Willard?"</p>
+
+<p>The maiden lady's calculating nose seemed to lengthen, the sympathetic
+ear-drops waxed tremulous, her features worked as if a tenacious
+prejudice and strongly repressed emotions were fighting against
+conviction. At length, she said,—</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you are correct, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And you will not forsake your sister in her trouble?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a painful struggle. Dear, orderly New England,—where
+neatness, thrift, and plenty reigned, where she was born and
+nurtured,—and forms of friends she might not again behold! She was
+thinking of all this, and putting it in contrast to the loneliness,
+toil, and deprivation of the wild prairie. Could she, for others' sake,
+give up the old associations and comforts for the new scenes? Crushing
+the rebellious regrets, she answered,—</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not leave the family."</p>
+
+<p>"And," pursued her interrogator, "how do the boys vote on this
+question?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm for the prairies," cried impulsive Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"So am I," added Ferdinand.</p>
+
+<p>"And Frankie?" inquired the young man.</p>
+
+<p>But little Hunchback looked grave and depressed, and sadly shook his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"What are your objections?" asked the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"I think the plan may be wise, but these boys never can carry it out.
+They haven't counted the cost," replied the dwarf. "A great deal of
+hard work will have to be done, and they don't like too much of it.
+They'll get discouraged in less than a week."</p>
+
+<p>"O, little Hunchy's blue!" interrupted Georgie. "I guess we'll do as
+much as he will."</p>
+
+<p>"True," replied the Hunchback, gloomily; "but I can do nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, all seem to regard the plan as a good one," said their adviser.
+"Next comes the matter of ways and means. Perhaps, however, it will
+give you more confidence in the project to learn that I am well
+acquainted with pioneer life. My name is Thomas Jones. My parents were
+originally from the east. They emigrated in consequence of my father's
+losses in business, and the persecutions of creditors. His difficulties
+unsettled his mind in a certain direction, and we led a roaming life in
+the wilderness, too often removing to get ahead pecuniarily. He got to
+be a famous hunter and marksman, and was cool and brave in danger. He
+removed at last to Spirit Lake, and was mortally wounded there while
+defending the settlers at the time of the Indian uprising. My sister
+Sarah, too, was killed, and Charley and little Bub only escaped by
+concealing themselves in a hollow tree.</p>
+
+<p>"Soldiers from a frontier fort came to the relief of the cabin so
+bravely defended by my dear father, and subsequently returned for
+Charley and Bub, who had taken possession of the forsaken dwelling,
+and defended it against a second attack of the Indians. After
+father's death, which occurred at the fort, my mother, having been
+well educated, became governess to the two children, Alice and Walter
+McElroy, of the commander of the fortress. Through the generosity
+of a friend, and the kindness of the good missionary at L—, I was
+subsequently sent east to study for the ministry, and am now on my way
+to spend vacation with my relatives and acquaintances of the frontier.
+Good-by, now, for a little while. This evening I will see you further
+concerning our plan."</p>
+
+<p>"What a splendid fellow that is!" exclaimed Ferdinand, gazing
+gratefully and admiringly out of the window after young Jones. "Wasn't
+it fortunate that he happened along just as he did?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Happened' along!" repeated his aunt, looking shocked. "Do you believe
+in 'chance?' God sent him. Who of the thousands we saw on the journey
+paid us any generous attention? Did they not each 'take care of number
+one'? And how remarkable that he, of all that crowd on the steamer,
+should be just where he could hear us speaking of our dreadful trouble!
+Boys, this is a providence. God's hand is in it, and this assurance
+leads me to think we shall get along on the frontier."</p>
+
+<p>"Does God order everything?" piped little Hunchie, crossly.</p>
+
+<p>"I know what you mean, Frankie," kindly replied his aunt. "There are
+laws which, if we break, we must suffer the penalty. If we carelessly
+expose our money, we may be robbed. We are free agents, and can choose
+good or evil. If a man chose to rob another, he can do it. We are
+not machines. But when we suffer for our own faults, or through the
+wickedness of others, God, in pity, often sends his servants to our
+assistance. And 'I' do not doubt he sent Thomas Jones."</p>
+
+<p>Ah, what a prop in adversity is faith in One who not only has a
+father's loving interest in his children, but who wisely and powerfully
+befriends them, causing "all things to work together for their good!"
+How much more rational and ennobling such trust than to suppose
+ourselves and the great universe to have "happened" into existence,
+an existence without forethought, intelligence, order, or end, to be
+whirled remorselessly about by blind and pitiless Fate!</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Esther's words sent a thrill of hope to Mrs. Willard's heart, and,
+sadly smiling, she remarked,—</p>
+
+<p>"O, if indeed the mighty God is watching over us, I must not despair."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"Ferdie, Frankie, Georgie, where are you? Come out here," shouted a
+cheerful voice in front of the tavern.</p>
+
+<p>The lads seized their caps, and hastened to see what was wanted.</p>
+
+<p>In a huge Pennsylvania wagon—"long enough," as they say in that state,
+"to reach from one mud-hole to another,"—sat the speaker, reins in
+hand. It was Thomas Jones. The boys started in surprise, and dolefully
+exclaimed,—</p>
+
+<p>"O, you are not going away—are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet," was the smiling reply. "How would you like to travel in a
+carriage of this sort? Ask your mother and aunt to step this way."</p>
+
+<p>As the two ladies approached, the young man dismounted, and said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Willard, how would you and your household fancy a trip into
+prairiedom in this establishment? Not very elegant, you perceive; but
+please glance in, and see how much room there is inside."</p>
+
+<p>And he gently constrained her to mount to the driver's seat.</p>
+
+<p>"It will accommodate you all, and goods enough almost to furnish a
+cabin. And there are the horses, not handsome, but serviceable. It will
+be delightful wandering over the prairies in this way! Believe me, you
+will enjoy it."</p>
+
+<p>"Whose team is it?" asked Mrs. Willard.</p>
+
+<p>"Yours, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"'Mine!'" she ejaculated.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother's!" echoed the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"The horses will stand. Let us go into the house, and I will explain.
+You see, madam, I was very much perplexed how to get you on your
+enterprise. Stage-coaching would eat up your means, and leave you
+distant from unpreëmpted land. As I was walking up the street, turning
+this subject over in my mind, before a shop-shanty was this team, and
+the owner was engaged in bargaining to buy out the store. All that
+stood in the way of a trade were the wagon and horses. The immigrant,
+if he went into trading, would not longer need it, and the shopkeeper
+did not wish it. Here, perhaps, is a providence, thought I; and
+stepping up, I inquired how little money would pay for the wagon and
+span.</p>
+
+<p>"'Wal, stranger,' answered the immigrant, 'bein' as I'm bound ter have
+this ere shop, I'll part with the hull concern dog cheap.'</p>
+
+<p>"'I'll consider it,' said I.</p>
+
+<p>"Returning, I entered the bar-room. I'm seldom in there, you are aware,
+madam. The room was filled with smoke and smokers. Walking straight to
+the bar, I said to the landlord, in a loud tone,—</p>
+
+<p>"'That's a hard case.'</p>
+
+<p>"'What?' he asked, still stirring toddy for a toper.</p>
+
+<p>"'Why, about that woman up stairs, whose husband was lost in the river.'</p>
+
+<p>"'I heard about that,' said he, indifferently.</p>
+
+<p>"'But,' I persisted, speaking louder, 'it's a "very" hard case.'</p>
+
+<p>"'What's the row, friend?' asked a lounger.</p>
+
+<p>"'I'll tell you,' said I. And I rehearsed the whole account, having the
+fixed attention of all present.</p>
+
+<p>"'Is she gwine back ter the east?' inquired a rough customer, knocking
+the ashes from his pipe.</p>
+
+<p>"'No; she thinks too much of her husband. She's bound to stay till she
+hears what has became of him.'</p>
+
+<p>"'That's the kind,' he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"'She ain't gwine ter board here on that on "that" onsartinty—is she?'
+he further inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"'No; she and her boys are too smart for that. They are going out on
+the prairies. But,' I added, 'the husband had most of the money with
+him; and how the women and boys can get there is what puzzles me.
+There's a good wagon and span for sale up here, and if I had the money—'</p>
+
+<p>"'Stranger,' broke in a burly fellow, pulling out a greasy wallet, 'I'm
+'most dead broke; but ef yer don't let me have a finger in that pie,
+I'll know the reason. Here, gentlemen,' he continued, passing round his
+jammed and ancient hat, 'put in yer shiners fer the women and the boys.'</p>
+
+<p>"The result is, the team belongs to Mrs. Willard, and if she don't
+use it, I don't know what will become of it. But come, Ferdie," he
+instantly added, "let us go and put up the horses; then I'll make
+suggestions concerning the route."</p>
+
+<p>It was late that night when the Willards and their young pioneer friend
+separated, for he had much advice to give, and numberless questions to
+answer. Besides, he was to leave by stage in the morning, and this was
+their parting interview. With pen and ink, he sketched their course
+geographically, and also presented them with a pocket map of the
+country. These, Ferdie took charge of.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by, Mr. Jones," cried the lads in a breath, as he left.</p>
+
+<p>"Boys," he replied, deeply moved, "my mother, brothers, and sisters
+always called me Tom. Don't 'mister' me again."</p>
+
+<p>"Tom, dear, dear Tom!" cried Georgie, throwing his arms around his
+neck; "I 'do' love you so!"</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_7">CHAPTER VII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>"BURR-OAK CIDER."</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>IT was a bright morning when Tom took stage from — Landing, on the
+Mississippi, for the frontier prairies.</p>
+
+<p>There was a full load aboard, albeit every public conveyance can
+always accommodate "one more." A merry company they were, too. All
+men—journeying from various quarters for various purposes—health,
+pleasure, to "locate," or to visit immigrant friends in their
+wilderness homes.</p>
+
+<p>Well may you imagine that the "unruly member" enjoyed a gala day
+in that crowded vehicle, for a stage-coach is a social institution
+anywhere, but especially so where the freedom of western manners bears
+sway.</p>
+
+<p>A "light-weighted," wiry, ever-at-motion Hoosier, with twinkling black
+eyes and a saucily upturned nose, started conversation by plying
+each in turn with personal questions, put with the familiarity of
+an intimate acquaintance, his interrogatories being always answered
+cordially, sometimes wittily. They could the less resent the liberties
+he took, since at the outset, in a few characteristic words, he
+sketched his own history, announcing himself as "a shoolmaster from
+Ingianny, going to Minnesoty to teach school, if he could get one; if
+not, to hire out farmin'."</p>
+
+<p>"What is 'your' name?" he began, directing his attention to a portly
+gentleman of forty-five, occupying the right hand corner of the front
+seat.</p>
+
+<p>"Hammond, Dr. Hammond," was replied, with frank good humor.</p>
+
+<p>"Where from?"</p>
+
+<p>"The wooden nutmeg and pine wood pumpkin seed state, erroneously called
+Connecticut in the geographies."</p>
+
+<p>"Got a family?"</p>
+
+<p>"Too young to marry."</p>
+
+<p>"Calc'late to settle in these parts?"</p>
+
+<p>"If 'twill pay."</p>
+
+<p>"Going to invest in land?"</p>
+
+<p>"May 'risk' a trifle where it's a 'sure' thing."</p>
+
+<p>Passing thus in regular order among the passengers, with an assurance,
+volubility, persistency, and ingenuity that kept the company in a
+roar, sometimes putting a new question before the response to the
+previous one was fairly out of the mouth, he reached the last person
+but one—a young man in hunter's garb, and carrying a rifle. He was of
+Scotch-American descent, hardy and opinionated; had been, he said, on
+the frontier five years; was recently from a hunting expedition on the
+Red River with friendly Indians. This experienced youth the "Ingianny"
+man bored with numberless inquiries concerning the climate, soil,
+productions, growth, and population of the country.</p>
+
+<p>"The settlers are from most all parts, I reckons."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered the hunter, naming different nationalities represented,
+ending with "Norwegians."</p>
+
+<p>"Norwegians! What sort of folks are they?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't fancy them, nor their heathenish jabber," was the narrow reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Are they peaceable?"</p>
+
+<p>"O, they never make any trouble, are generally hard-working and honest.
+But for one, I can't relish the idea of these 'foreigners' coming over
+here and getting the best land. And of all the foreigners, I despise
+the Norwegians most. They are different from anybody else. I can tell
+one as far as I can see."</p>
+
+<p>"And where are 'you' from?" asked our questioner of the remaining
+passenger—a man of thirty, of fine physiognomy and gentlemanly bearing.</p>
+
+<p>"From Norway," was the affable response.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are a Norwegian?" returned the astonished Hoosier.</p>
+
+<p>"I am," he pleasantly replied.</p>
+
+<p>An embarrassing silence fell on the party at this unexpected
+"dénouement," from the effects of which even the versatile and
+irrepressible "schoolmaster" could not rally, while the imprudent
+youth, whose eyes were so keen for Norwegians, looked chagrined and
+chopfallen enough at the sharp rebuke his prejudice and evil-speaking
+had received; for the comparison which the incident led us to make,
+between the young hunter and the well-bred stranger at his side, was
+not over-favorable for the former.</p>
+
+<p>"Big spring! Wud ayther iv the gintlemen like a taste uv the warther?"
+shouted the wide-awake Irish driver, as he reined in the horses, and,
+seizing a pail, hurried to a ravine a few rods off, followed by the
+passengers.</p>
+
+<p>The limpid water, cold and sweet, gushed from the earth in a powerful
+stream.</p>
+
+<p>"Magnificent!" ejaculated the doctor, swallowing great draughts.
+"Wouldn't take a thousand dollars for this spring, if it was on my
+place at home! Will you try some?" he added, rinsing his flask, and
+passing it, refilled, to Tom.</p>
+
+<p>Despite the slight flavor of whiskey that still clung to the
+drinking-vessel, Tom could but join in his enthusiasm. And as they
+resumed their ride, a number of accounts of remarkable springs were
+given by several.</p>
+
+<p>But Erin's dulcet tones again resounded, as he proclaimed,—</p>
+
+<p>"Those gintlemin as wish can git something to ate here."</p>
+
+<p>They were now in "the barrens." Stretching along a gentle ridge, in
+a singularly orderly way, presenting a striking resemblance to a New
+England orchard, were the "scrub" or "burr" oaks. Among the trees
+nearest the road stood a log house, over the door of which, on a rough
+oak board, was the inscription in red chalk, the letters staggering, as
+if formed by a drunken hand,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Burr-oak Cider.'"<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"Cider!" repeated the Norwegian, as they dismounted. "I thought that
+was manufactured from apples."</p>
+
+<p>"An' sure," interrupted the driver, slyly winking at the doctor,
+"they make it here without the fruit at all, at all, an' it's the
+'gin-i-wine,' an' no mistake."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>The plain meal of corn-cake, fried pork, eggs, and coffee innocent of
+sugar or milk, was despatched, and Tom had quite forgotten about the
+"cider." But on returning to the stage-coach, the smell of the doctor's
+breath, and the unnatural excitability that prevailed, led him to
+suspect that some "beverage" stronger than the poor coffee of the table
+had been patronized while he was walking beneath the oaks.</p>
+
+<p>A suspicion that became knowledge, when, an hour later, the doctor, in
+the glow of his feelings—perhaps I should say, stomach—drew his flask,
+filled with "burr-oak cider," "alias" whiskey, from his coat pocket,
+and sent it the rounds, all partaking except the Norwegian and Tom.
+When restored to its owner, he held it up to the light, shook it, and
+looking at its contents with a professional air, said,—</p>
+
+<p>"That is what I call one of God's good creatures!"</p>
+
+<p>"And yet," boldly replied Tom, "how many accidents, losses, quarrels,
+murders, deaths, what poverty, wretchedness, crime it causes! It is on
+this account that so many of the great and good stigmatize it as the
+'worst' of 'man's' creatures."</p>
+
+<p>"O, I mean rightly used," answered the physician, with a touch of
+condescension.</p>
+
+<p>"Used as it has been here, for a common drink?" inquired the young
+critic.</p>
+
+<p>"Boy," he replied, with doctorial dignity, "I contend that there is a
+principle, in whiskey, which, as a tonic, is invaluable."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask," politely interposed the Norwegian, "in which of the drugs
+employed in manufacturing and flavoring the article you find that
+principle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," returned the whiskey advocate, getting nettled, "need I state
+that I refer to pure old Bourbon!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, then, for reminding you," courteously responded the
+Norwegian, "that one seldom sees 'old' Bourbon, much less old Bourbon
+'pure.' And surely the liquor called 'burr-oak cider,' sold at that
+wretched loggery, cannot be of the kind or quality you mention."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides," broke in Tom, "when you prescribe a 'tonic,'—'cinchona,' for
+example,—you are careful about the size and frequency of the dose—are
+you not? Why, then, take the whiskey 'tonic' in such large quantities
+and so often? A tonic is to strengthen the body when weak; but those
+addicted to the 'Bourbon tonic' use it when weak or strong, and
+continue it till it beggars or destroys them. It would be mal-practice
+to administer a tonic to those already over-stimulated.</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose, doctor, one should weigh two hundred, his face and eyes
+were red, the blood too much in his brain. Would not an intelligent
+practitioner recognize such a person as apoplectic? And would not
+tonics be hurtful and dangerous to him, especially whiskey tonics?
+Hence, is not, after all, your defence of alcoholic drinks, on medical
+grounds, a pleasant little piece of professional strategy? Do you not
+really hold to them because they are agreeable to the taste?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are a little personal," rejoined the physician, heartily laughing;
+"and I don't know but you are about right. But it is not best to be
+social bigots. An occasional glass cheers, enlivens, disperses the
+blues, leads a man to feel at peace with all the world, and forget
+care, fatigue, and sorrow. It promotes good fellowship, arouses the
+intellect, and enlarges the heart. How dry and insipid are public
+dinners without wine! And on a journey what introduces strangers so
+gracefully, and quickly makes them acquainted!"</p>
+
+<p>"An eloquent eulogy!" observed the Norwegian. "But, doctor, I have
+read of a custom in France, before the revolution, that adhered more
+faithfully to fact.</p>
+
+<p>"When a great personage, a marshal of France, a prince, duke, or peer,
+passed through a city of Burgundy or Champagne, the corporation of
+the city waited on him, delivered an address, and presented him with
+four silver goblets, in which were four different wines. On the first
+goblet he read this inscription, 'monkey wine;' on the second, 'lion
+wine;' on the third, 'sheep wine;' on the fourth, 'swine wine.' These
+inscriptions expressed the four descending degrees of drunkenness:
+the first, that which enlivens; the second, that which irritates; the
+third, that which stupefies; the last, that which brutalizes."</p>
+
+<p>The physician, like one of Victor Hugo's characters, combined, with
+admirable art and in masterly proportions, the thirst of a guzzler
+with the discretion of a judge, and had preserved his mental equipoise
+notwithstanding the whiskey. But the nervous little Hoosier had by this
+time become unduly "elevated," and posturing as if about to fiddle,
+sawed away with one arm across the other, and struck into a dancing
+tune.</p>
+
+<p>"'Monkey' wine," Tom murmured, nudging the doctor's elbow. "The 'tonic'
+is taking hold."</p>
+
+<p>From imitating the violin, the "Ingianny schoolmaster" proceeded to
+describe incidents in his history which showed that he had seen more of
+life among rowdy Mississippi raftsmen than in the school-room.</p>
+
+<p>"The 'tonic' is introducing to us the raftsman," whispered Tom. "What
+can so 'quickly make strangers acquainted.'"</p>
+
+<p>The Hoosiers ended his stories with a coarse song.</p>
+
+<p>"'Swine' wine," exclaimed the Norwegian, in disgust.</p>
+
+<p>Erin, on before, broke out also in rude strains, alternated with
+swearing at, and furiously lashing, his better-behaved horses.</p>
+
+<p>"The 'tonic' has mounted to the driver's head," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"'Monkey,' 'lion,' and 'swine' wines," chimed in his ally from Norway.</p>
+
+<p>But the deepening ravines made their way uncomfortably rough, the
+wheels now sinking into heavy ruts, anon surmounting some jagged rise
+of ground, while the driving was reckless in the extreme. Tom shouted
+to the driver,—</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful, or you'll turn us over!"</p>
+
+<p>"O, be aisy, me by," he roared in return, whipping the horses anew.
+"Dennis O'Brien's been acrass the prairies before to-day. Get ape, ye
+bastes!"</p>
+
+<p>A moment more, and the stage canted threateningly, righted, then came
+down, Tom's side, with a crash, his face resting on a sharp object
+protruding through the intervening leather. He was too closely pinioned
+by the passengers over him to move, and lay helpless, expecting each
+instant the horses to run and drag him thus. But the animals, becoming
+disengaged from the whipple-trees as the coach went over, although
+spurred on to the moment of the casualty by the drunken Jehu, waited
+quietly by for orders, like good temperance beasts who had taken no
+"tonic."</p>
+
+<p>When the door of their prison-house was opened, the passengers emerged,
+a sadly jolted and bruised set, happily, however, without serious
+injury, only to the stage, which was pretty well "smashed," obliging
+them to "foot it" to their destination, a distance of two miles. The
+Norwegian and Tom, however, enlivened the walk by reminding the doctor
+that it was "one of God's good creatures" that, turning the driver's
+brain, upset the stage.</p>
+
+<p>"Admirable 'tonic'! Powerful 'good creature'!" ejaculated the
+Norwegian. "By all means, doctor, when again we travel together, bring
+some burr-oak cider aboard; it helps on a journey!"</p>
+
+<p>"How true the old proverb," suggested Tom, "'Wine is a mocker; strong
+drink is raging; whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Young man," said the doctor, as they entered the little frontier
+village, "to what part of the east do you belong, did you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"No part," frankly answered Tom, "I was brought up in a log cabin on
+the prairies, but have been east studying."</p>
+
+<p>"Medicine?"</p>
+
+<p>"In part, but mainly for the ministry."</p>
+
+<p>"So you were a boy-pioneer?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was."</p>
+
+<p>"And now you propose pioneering it in religion and reform? Let me tell
+you that you will find it a mighty sight harder battling vice and sin
+than fighting poverty and Indians. But you've the pluck for it. I wish
+you success. Good-by."</p>
+
+<p>As Tom left, the doctor muttered,—</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if 'he's' a sample of what pioneering it does for body and mind,
+pity that there were not fewer dwellings of luxury, and more cabins!
+But how that youngster walked into my arguments! Fact is, I had a sorry
+cause to defend. Drinking is poor business."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Jones," said the Hoosier, drawing him mysteriously aside, "if I
+should light on your neighborhood, and get a school there, perhaps
+you'd help me out, if I got in a hard spot. Now, 'rithmetic isn't a
+mite nat'ral to me. You see I've had no great chance for schoolin'.
+You'd give an old acquaintance a lift on the diffikilt sums, I s'pose?"</p>
+
+<p>But the Hibernian driver saved Tom the trouble of replying, by asking,
+in a business-like way, "the gintlemin" to be sure and ride with him on
+their return, or not in the opposition line.</p>
+
+<p>"And get upset again?" suggested Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"An' sure an' the accidint wud niver have occurred at all, at all, if
+it hadn't been fur the—"</p>
+
+<p>"Whiskey," added Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Faix, an' yer honor's right there," answered Erin.</p>
+
+<p>Tom scanned the countenance of the young Irishman. He had a clear blue
+eye, an interesting, intelligent face, and his brown hair curled in
+beautiful, clustering ringlets over a fair, open brow.</p>
+
+<p>"What a pity," observed Tom, "that a young man of your smartness should
+permit his head to be turned by the vile stuff! You'll marry one of
+these days, and be, perhaps, a drunken sot of a husband, and break your
+wife's heart, if you get the appetite fastened on you. Yet you might be
+a good and useful member of society."</p>
+
+<p>"An', indade, sir," exclaimed the warm-hearted Celt, touched by the
+frankness and sincerity of Tom's manner, "it's married I am now." And
+he dashed off a tear. "An' wut wud me angil uv a wife say had she seen
+me droonk to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where is she?" asked Tom, much interested.</p>
+
+<p>"She's in the ould country, sir; an' I'm getting the dollars together
+to bring her over—her an' the babe."</p>
+
+<p>"Steer clear of the whiskey, then," said Tom, "if you wish to get them
+here soon, and make them happy after they arrive."</p>
+
+<p>"All the angils bless yez, sir! The reverend clargy couldn't spake
+betther nor yez. An' Dennis O'Brien is no fool to kape ter the drink
+that's harrmed many an' many a wiser an' a betther than he. An' sure
+it's not to the credit of a docthor ter be a recommindin' it to the
+likes o' me."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_8">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>TOM'S RIDE CONTINUED.—THE CHIEF'S DAUGHTER.—SINGULAR ADVENTURE.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>FORTY miles north-east of the landing, where Tom parted from the
+Willards, was a wide belt of woods, through which, down in its dim
+depths, ran a foaming river. The irregular limestone bluffs forming its
+banks were wild and picturesque in the extreme. Few, save the Indian,
+and the hunter, and trapper, ever entered these labyrinths.</p>
+
+<p>On the stream, farther down, where the woods ended in rolling prairie,
+a young town had started, and using the water power, furnished lumber
+to villages less favored; for the settlers deemed themselves fortunate,
+if by going a score of miles, they could procure a load of boards to be
+used in building their cabins.</p>
+
+<p>At this place, the stage deposited Tom—the route continuing no farther.
+The young Scotch-American also stopped there, who, on learning Tom's
+destination, stated that his father's cabin was twelve miles distant
+on Tom's path, and, as he would return next day with horse and wagon,
+offered to take Tom and his trunk along for company.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall get here by two in the afternoon, to-morrow," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, to "stretch his limbs," Tom started alone, on a short
+exploring walk up the river, amusing himself on the way gathering
+botanical and entomological specimens, and noting the varieties of
+birds that flitted on the wing, or floated on the water.</p>
+
+<p>Absorbed in thoughts of the dear ones he was going to visit, and in
+what he saw, he had gone some distance into the woods, when, coming
+to a widening of the trail, he saw, quietly preceding him, an Indian
+girl, of from sixteen to eighteen years of age. She was walking slowly,
+apparently unaware that any one was near. Rumors of Indian hostilities
+were afloat, and this evidence that he was in the vicinity of an Indian
+encampment was anything but welcome.</p>
+
+<p>His first impulse was to turn about, and noiselessly retrace his steps.
+A second thought showed the folly of this, for he had been shouting to
+awaken the echoes, and singing, to express his enjoyment, and crashing
+the dry twigs, up to the very instant of the appearance of the tawny
+maiden. So, despite her seeming ignorance of his presence, he felt
+assured she was aware of it.</p>
+
+<p>Making, therefore, the best of his uncomfortable situation, he hurried
+to overtake the stranger. Approaching, he was struck with her exceeding
+beauty, while the ornaments upon her person proclaimed her a chief's
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p>Her form was symmetry itself; her jet black hair, elaborately dressed
+and braided, was long, silken, and glossy; her carriage was graceful
+and dignified; while row after row of many-hued beads encircled her
+neck and shoulders, and embroidered her moccasons. And such face and
+eyes! The former, delicately tinged, perfectly regular, interesting;
+the latter, soft, lustrous, shaded by long, dark lashes.</p>
+
+<p>In his boyhood, Tom had read, in some high-wrought romance he chanced
+to meet, an ideal sketch of an Indian maid; this prodigy of nature
+fully realized that glowing portraiture.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely, however, had he reached her side, when a short, dry cough,
+the insidious "coffin cough," so often heard in civilized dwellings,
+fell on his ear.</p>
+
+<p>"Indian girl sick?" he inquired, awkwardly striving to make himself
+understood.</p>
+
+<p>No answer was returned, nor did the movement of a muscle of the
+features, or a turn of the head, give token that she saw or heard him.
+Again she involuntarily coughed.</p>
+
+<p>Taking out a well-stocked medicine case, he drew forth a vial, and,
+displaying it to view, said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Indian girl sick; medicine, perhaps, make well!"</p>
+
+<p>Without a responsive glance or word, a little yellow hand was stretched
+out, the slender fingers glistening with rings. Pouring some medicated
+globules into the open palm, she gravely swallowed them, and continued
+her silent walk. Soon the cough softened a little, the irritation of
+the respiratory organs was soothed, and feeling that, possibly, on her
+favor his very life might depend, he sought, fruitlessly, to engage her
+in conversation.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, however, she disappeared down the side of the bluff. A
+profound silence, broken only by the rush of the stream and twitter of
+birds succeeded, yet that ambushed eyes watching every motion he could
+not doubt.</p>
+
+<p>Retracing his way with assumed carelessness, he had not gone far, when
+from the thickets leaped a band of yelling savages, naked to the waist,
+their hair flowing in wild disorder over their brawny shoulders. It
+was a startling onset; but understanding Indian character too well
+to manifest fear, he scrutinized his captors with a coolness that
+astonished himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Money! Money!" they shouted in rude English, thrusting their grimy
+paws from every side into his face.</p>
+
+<p>"No money!" he replied, shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p>Dancing, grinning, jeering, for a few exciting moments, they at length
+vanished in the woods.</p>
+
+<p>Feeling uneasy, and uncertain as to what the discovery he had made
+might forebode, he thought he would see if he could find their
+encampment. So, pushing his way through the bushes, and down the
+declivity, he discovered, hidden under the overhanging ledge, several
+Indian tents.</p>
+
+<p>Before one, tightly stretched from two stakes driven into the ground,
+was a deer's hide, the pelt of which an old hag was rubbing soft and
+smooth with a sharp-edged stone—a slow and laborious process.</p>
+
+<p>Just shooting into view from the other side of the river, and propelled
+by a squaw, was a canoe, laden with the limbs of trees for the fire;
+while in a lodge squatted the lazy "lords of the soil," playing games
+of chance, the paint on their faces showing that, if not on the
+war-path, they perhaps intended mischief to somebody.</p>
+
+<p>Feeling that in view of the Indians having recently left him
+unmolested, he might enter the camp without special danger, and as he
+wished, if possible, to ascertain their designs, he at once descended
+the ledge, and entered the tent. Seating himself, he watched their
+play. No notice was taken of him. One of the players, whose cruel leer,
+and the contortions of whose supple body, made him think of a human
+snake, struck into a savage song, swaying back and forth to keep time.</p>
+
+<p>Tom found it difficult to conceal his apprehensions, and the better
+to do so, in a frank, "at home" manner, he had just taken his turn in
+drinking from the dubious-looking pail of water that stood near, when
+the chief appeared, accompanied by his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Medicine for pappoose!" he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," Tom gladly replied, and, carefully taking out the powder, showed
+him what was a dose, making him comprehend that the remedy was to be
+taken three times daily, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"Make pappoose better!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good, good," answered the Indian, adding, "Good, white man, go home
+bimeby, quick! Indian no hurtee him."</p>
+
+<p>Taking the hint, Tom departed, reaching the little settlement, thankful
+at his easy escape. Did the gratitude of the Indian maid, operating
+through the love of the old chief for his strangely beautiful child,
+give him a safe return? Long did he ponder his strange adventure.</p>
+
+<p>It is an old adage, "All knowledge will come into use at some time."</p>
+
+<p>Tom's splendid constitution, thanks to the tug and toil of his varied
+experiences as a squatter's son, permitted him to study more and
+faster in a day than if he had been tenderly reared. Long deprivation
+of school privileges had also made him brain-hungry. As an inmate of
+an eminent physician's family, he had a taste awakened for anatomy,
+physiology, and the knowledge of diseases and their treatment.</p>
+
+<p>"Christ was physician of both soul and body; why should not I be?" he
+argued.</p>
+
+<p>Little did he think, however, as he waded through Diagnosis and the
+Materia Medica, and rode and talked with the knowledge-imparting
+doctor, that the first use he would have for the medicine case the
+physician had presented him at parting, would be to relieve an Indian
+girl, and thereby, perhaps, save his own life.</p>
+
+<p>He was aware that a frontier missionary must needs prescribe for
+the sick, or stand idly by and see them suffer; and from benevolent
+considerations, he had informed himself in medicine. He had begun to
+receive the reward, sure to accrue, sooner or later, to those who seek
+the good of others.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_9">CHAPTER IX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>"HOG'S BACK."—THE SOLITARY HORSEMAN.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>THE capacious immigrant wagon was packed over night, Mrs. Willard's,
+aunt Esther's, and the boys' trunks put in first, side by side, back of
+the second seat; for there were two seats—the driver's, then one behind
+that. On the trunks, mattresses were laid to recline on, if necessary,
+while riding, and to sleep on at night.</p>
+
+<p>Against the side of the canvas-top, hung in straps, handy for service,
+was Ferdinand's gun,—a Christmas present,—his name engraved on a brass
+plate screwed into the breech. Then came two sharp axes, a hammer,
+hatchet, and a small handsaw, a knife in a leather sheath, and a
+leather bag containing an assortment of nails of different sizes. These
+articles last enumerated were part of the original outfit of the wagon.</p>
+
+<p>Packed under the seats were cooking utensils, bags of grain for the
+horses, a sack of flour, and "bix box, little box, bandbox and bundle,"
+belonging to the women. Suspended at the back of the vehicle were two
+water-pails.</p>
+
+<p>The humble hamlet at which the Willards were tarrying, called a landing
+because steamers on their trips up and down the river touched there,
+was located in a gap in the limestone bluffs rising from the river's
+bank. Like a mighty wall, these huge bluffs extended along the shore,
+with here and there an opening, as if a giant hand had cut through to
+facilitate communication between the commerce of the Mississippi and
+the inland region.</p>
+
+<p>Rising on either hand, from the little port towered precipitous ledges,
+the opening narrowing as you left the water,—something as if you had
+started from the base of an irregularly acute angle,—and lessened in
+depth till, continuing to ascend, you emerge from the ravine, and stand
+on a level with the heights of the bluffs.</p>
+
+<p>It was morning twilight when the Willards were going up the ravine.
+Ferdinand, by right of seniority, elected himself driver, and holding
+the reins in his left hand,—he said that was the way "experienced"
+horsemen did,—and a massive whip in his right, walked with an
+authoritative air beside the team, to favor the horses. Frankie and
+the feminines rode, and Georgie ran eagerly on before, turning every
+few minutes to tell Ferdinand which was the way,—wholly "a work of
+supererogation," as the theologians crack their jawing jaws to say.</p>
+
+<p>The sun showed his round, red face—blushing to find himself so
+late—just as the white-topped wagon gained the summit.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah!" cried Georgie, tossing his cap high up in the air. "Why,
+mother, did you ever see anything so splendid!"</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand bellowed "whoa," in a gruff commanding tone to the horses.
+And his mother and aunt, accepting his invitation, got out to survey
+the scene.</p>
+
+<p>What a sight met their gaze! For miles and miles the great river wound
+along—a stream of molten gold, dotted with green islets, and spotted by
+steamers looking like monster water-birds.</p>
+
+<p>"Wonderful! Wonderful!" exclaimed Mrs. Willard. But soon she began to
+weep.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah!" cheered Georgie again. "How cool and beautiful it is here!"</p>
+
+<p>But Frankie, who had been viewing the river from the driver's seat,
+his large, old-young face peering solemnly around the wagon side,
+displeased at George's boisterousness, frowningly piped,—</p>
+
+<p>"Stop your noise, George!" Adding, authoritatively, "Ferdinand, it's
+time we were starting."</p>
+
+<p>At which the latter, as if accustomed to obey the dwarf, politely
+assisting his mother and aunt into the wagon, he and Georgie got in
+too, and the steeds were once more in motion.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I don't know which way to go," said Ferdinand, suddenly
+reining in the horses, and looking around in dismay. "I expected it
+would be smooth prairie. I am afraid we shall tip over."</p>
+
+<p>"The prospect is not very encouraging," replied Mrs. Willard, leaning
+on his shoulder the better to see. "We must have mistaken the path."</p>
+
+<p>The ground was broken into sharp ridges, extending outwards in
+irregularly parallel lines, the ridge they were upon being much the
+highest, and apparently too narrow to pass along in safety.</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you examine the paper Mr. Jones gave you for a guide?" asked
+Frankie, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand fumbled first in one pocket, then in another, for the chart.
+It was not there!</p>
+
+<p>"What 'shall' we do?" exclaimed his mother. "We cannot get on without
+that chart."</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand took everything from his pockets, and turned the latter
+inside out. An amusing medley of articles of all colors, kinds, shape,
+and uses came to light, but not Tom's sketch for their route.</p>
+
+<p>The little Hunchback's great sharp eyes were fixed reprovingly on his
+older brother's face during the fruitless search.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you'd lose the paper!" he piped. "You'd lose your head if it
+wasn't fastened on!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ill run back to the tavern, and see if it's there," said Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"You keep still!" commanded the Hunchback. "Drive on, Ferdinand."</p>
+
+<p>"Drive where?" retorted the latter.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you'd forget," said the dwarf. "Didn't Mr. Jones say that the
+land would be in ridges up here, and that in leaving the ravine by the
+main—the travelled path—we would find ourselves on the highest ridge,
+called, from its shape and position, 'Hog's Back'? And that we must
+ride straight ahead two miles on it? Go 'long now—not keep us waiting
+all day!"</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand had fallen into the habit of generally minding the dwarf, he
+had such a manner, and was so knowing. So he doubtingly chirruped to
+the horses.</p>
+
+<p>"Steady! Steady!" said the dwarf. "'Twon't answer to be careless."</p>
+
+<p>The caution was timely; for the ridge, rising in somewhat like the
+spine of the animal for it was named, was scarcely wider than the
+wagon, and steep and sloping.</p>
+
+<p>But our immigrants soon mastered their apprehensions, and journeyed
+over the queer road, pleasantly chatting.</p>
+
+<p>"Only think," said Georgie, "two women, three boys, two horses, and a
+big wagon, all on a hog's back. I should think he'd squeal!"</p>
+
+<p>"And the hog two miles long from snout to stern," added Ferdinand.</p>
+
+<p>"He hasn't a bristle, though!"</p>
+
+<p>"The grass is his bristles."</p>
+
+<p>"Steady, I tell you!" interrupted the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>Silence fell on the family, for the hog had his back pretty well up
+at this point—in resentment, perchance, to the lads' personalities.
+Shortly, however, the ridge slightly widened,—more pork, and less
+bone,—then they began to descend. And quickly there lay, outspread
+before their eyes, an immense expanse of land, as even to the sight as
+if art had made it so.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah!" burst from Georgie's lips.</p>
+
+<p>And Ferdinand stopped the span, and the women bent forward to feast on
+the sight.</p>
+
+<p>"Beautiful! Charming!" ejaculated Mrs. Willard, enthusiastically.</p>
+
+<p>"'Sweet fields arrayed in living green,'" quoted entranced aunt Esther,
+with an accent that carried the listener to a landscape eye of mortal
+had not seen.</p>
+
+<p>"What course shall I take now?" asked Ferdinand—an inquiry that
+transferred our travellers from realms of reverie back to matters of a
+practical nature.</p>
+
+<p>But who was to decide? Before them stretched an illimitable meadow,
+destitute of house, human resident, or road. Is it strange that,
+bewildered, there was no reply?</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf, however, was cool.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you'd forget," he reiterated, in thin, querulous tones.
+"At the termination of Hog Back Ridge lies Looking Glass Prairie," he
+repeated, word for word from Tom's directions.</p>
+
+<p>"Wonder why it's called so?" asked Georgie, looking relieved.</p>
+
+<p>"Because," explained the dwarf, testily, "a looking-glass is smooth.
+Now hold your tongue!"</p>
+
+<p>Then he continued,—</p>
+
+<p>"Three wagon tracks; take the middle one. Here it is," pointing with
+his shrivelled fore finger. "Start on!"</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it jolly!" cried irrepressible Georgie. "From off a hog's
+back, two miles long, we go down smash—horses, wagon, and all—on a
+looking-glass large enough to hang up on the sky. The hog didn't move
+nor grunt, and the mirror don't crack. I guess the glass must be thick."</p>
+
+<p>And now that it was level, Ferdinand treated the travellers to a trot.
+This suited Georgie. He boiled over with mirth and fun. Ferdinand, the
+driver, behaved with the dignity befitting his responsible trust. At
+his side was the dwarfed Hunchback, grave, reflective, curt.</p>
+
+<p>But Georgie was nowhere long at a time. Boy-like, he tried all
+attitudes, places, posts, and positions—racing by the horses, hanging
+on with the buckets, scrambling over aunt Esther to lie upon the beds,
+jerking the lines when Ferdinand was off his guard, starting up the
+steeds, abstracting goodies from his mother's reticule.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, the novelty of their situation wrought wonders in withdrawing
+the thoughts of the family—as Tom had foreseen—from their great sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>Tom was a "practical" philanthropist. Doubtless he had read in a
+certain old Book these words:</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Love not in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth."<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Many devout persons never saw that passage. Such impart excellent
+counsel to the starving, and recite Scripture to them, and then leave
+them to their fate—like a wealthy lady I knew who seeing a barefooted
+child of poverty bitterly weeping over a pitcher she had broken, for
+which accident she expected a beating on reaching her miserable home,
+the lady, in the excess of her goodness, stopped, and using the child's
+misfortune for an illustration, addressed her on the uncertainties and
+disappointments of earth, and then presented the expectant girl with—a
+few pennies to buy a new pitcher? No; a tract.</p>
+
+<p>When the saint in silks and diamonds glanced back at the recipient of
+her charity, what was her pious horror to see that printed page in the
+mud!</p>
+
+<p>We commend to these cheap philanthropists the story of the kind-hearted
+old gentleman in Maine, who, riding along in his carriage one hot day
+in July, saw a toad lying in the road, gasping with the heat. In the
+kindness of his soul, the elderly man (who was very fleshy) climbed
+down, moved the poor melting toad "into the shade of his carriage,"
+then complacently climbed up again, and "drove on."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," sputtered the Hunchback, "hadn't George better wait till the
+rest eat? He's helping himself to the doughnuts."</p>
+
+<p>"When are we going to eat?" asked Georgie, the words working their way
+out with much difficulty, because of the cramming.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall reach the halting-place pretty soon," answered the dwarf,
+"and then mother will get breakfast."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"There's the spring," said little Hunchback, breaking a marvellously
+long interval of silence. "We'll stop there."</p>
+
+<p>It was in a gentle ravine; for level as the prairie appeared at the
+outset, it had its depressions, as is the case with many persons who
+seem outwardly to be perfectly happy. This, however, was the first
+notable irregularity of the ground with which they had met since
+bidding adieu to the Hog's Back.</p>
+
+<p>And when Georgie saw it, he clapped his hands, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, the 'looking-glass' 'is' cracked, after all!" A misfortune
+that did not seem to lessen its value to the hungry immigrants, if
+we may judge by the interest they took in its utility on the present
+occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand, with George's lively aid, unhitched the horses, as Tom had
+advised, to rest them, and permit them to graze.</p>
+
+<p>"They are accustomed to it," said Tom, "and will not stray away."</p>
+
+<p>But one of the steeds made preparations to roll in the grass.</p>
+
+<p>"He'll break his harness all in pieces," cried aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p>And Georgie, glad of an excuse for "driving" the horse in some way,
+started him up, and began to remove the harness. Both horses were then
+relieved of the hard, heavy leather—their working dress; and much did
+they seem to appreciate their freedom. And they rolled and kicked to
+their hearts' content.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the immigrants had seated themselves on the soft turf,
+convenient to the spring. Mrs. Willard having spread a clean white
+cloth, on which were deposited sandwiches made of two slices of bread
+with ham between, a paper of cakes, and another of doughnuts. Then, on
+a piece of newspaper, she put some slices of cheese.</p>
+
+<p>"There are no plates, knives and forks, or spoons on our table," said
+she to the group. "But it is an old saying, and I dare say a true one,
+that fingers were made before forks."</p>
+
+<p>"I declare," said Georgie, "I never ate anything so nice before. Did
+you fry these doughnuts, auntie?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are from the same cooking that you disliked at the landing. It's
+the good air that makes the difference."</p>
+
+<p>Yes, the pure, bracing, prairie air, how appetizing!</p>
+
+<p>"I'm fairly ashamed of myself," remarked Ferdinand, who prided himself
+on gentility in eating. "I'm getting to be a regular glutton."</p>
+
+<p>And if certain young ladies east,—don't be alarmed; we shall not
+mention names,—who went into ecstasies over his foppish airs, had seen
+him suck the grease from his finger-tips, using his "handsome lips"
+for a napkin, after finishing his fifth sandwich, they would have
+exclaimed, horror-struck, "How vulgar!" And straightway composed their
+shattered nerves by a delicate lunch of pickled limes, slate pencils,
+"terra alba" candy, mince pie, and ice-cream.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image004" style="max-width: 25.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image004.jpg" alt="image004"></figure>
+<p class="t4">
+<b>INTRODUCTION OF SIMMONS.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>An hour fled swift-winged.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," said little Hunchy, "it's time to be stirring."</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand and Georgie went to catch the horses. But the animals, having
+little wish to forsake the grass and freedom for fasting and toil,
+refused to be captured.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't those boys know anything?" muttered the Hunchback. "Mother, call
+Georgie!"</p>
+
+<p>"G-e-o-r-g-i-e! G-e-o-r-g-i-e!" screamed Mrs. Willard, in ear-piercing
+treble.</p>
+
+<p>"You needn't call so loud," said Hunchback; "you could be heard for
+miles in this clear prairie air. Don't you see? That man heard you!"</p>
+
+<p>A long distance off, distinctly outlined against the sky, was a
+horseman. At Mrs. Willard's call, he turned his horse about, and was
+now coming towards them.</p>
+
+<p>"Make haste," said little Hunchback to Georgie. "Take one of the pails
+from the back of the wagon, put a few oats in it, and tell Ferdinand to
+toll the horses here as fast as he can."</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand coaxingly approached the refractory steeds, shaking the pail
+so that they might hear the grain rattle. Often had they been fed from
+that vessel, and, with a neigh, they came trotting after Ferdinand, as
+he retreated towards the vehicle.</p>
+
+<p>"Take off the other pail now," said little Hunchy, "and put oats in
+that, and let both horses have some; for if you deceive them, they
+won't come next time."</p>
+
+<p>And while the horses were eating, and the boys were harnessing them,
+the horseman drew slowly near. The beast he rode was an unusually
+fine one, but the man rode as if unaccustomed to the saddle. He was a
+heavily-built man, with a dark, bad eye, but an insinuating manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Anything to pay? Thought I heard a woman scream?" said he, reining up
+near the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," replied Ferdinand, frankly, "mother was calling Georgie."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," he ejaculated, coolly surveying party; "yer ain't journeying
+alone with these youngsters, marm?" addressing Mrs. Willard. "Where
+your man?"</p>
+
+<p>"Father, and the other gentlemen, are just behind," interposed little
+Hunchback, his great, grave eyes fixed ominously on the comer. "We
+don't need your help."</p>
+
+<p>The stranger looked the dwarf curiously over, the latter returning
+the scrutiny with a boldness and audacity oddly comporting with his
+diminutive stature. But the long, black eyebrows seemed to deepen
+in color, the forehead grew dark and threatening, his whole bearing
+hostile and defiant.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you? A human porcupine?" asked the traveller, riding
+contemptuously round little Hunchy.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf made no reply, but kept his magnetic eyes fastened on the man.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't make out what you are, man or boy," said the horseman,
+repeating his circuit; "but you don't fancy my company any more than I
+do yours. Well, good-by to ye all!" And off he paced.</p>
+
+<p>"O, how glad I am that he's gone!" gasped Mrs. Willard. "He's a
+monster, I know. I was frightened 'most to death."</p>
+
+<p>"Lucky he didn't touch little Hunchy," said a boyish voice from the
+wagon.</p>
+
+<p>They looked up. There was Georgie, on the driver's seat, with
+Ferdinand's gun.</p>
+
+<p>"I would have shot him dead, had he laid a finger on one of you," added
+he, waxing heroic, as he perceived himself now "the observed of all
+observers."</p>
+
+<p>"How would you have done it?" inquired Ferdinand.</p>
+
+<p>"With your gun," replied Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"But you couldn't; there is no cap on it!"</p>
+
+<p>"O, I didn't think of that," said Georgie, crestfallen.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>At noon, they camped again for dinner and to bait the horses, reaching
+at twilight, "Sun Prairie,"—a vast stretch of land, different from
+"Looking Glass Prairie," the surface being more undulating. Just over
+the line separating the two were a shallow stream and a clump of trees.
+Here it was decided to spend the night.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_10">CHAPTER X.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>A NIGHT ON THE PRAIRIE.—DANGER.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>THERE was no moon, but the blue vault above was brilliantly studded
+with stars. The little Hunchback lay on the mattress beside the wagon,
+his great thoughtful eyes turned skyward. At his back rested Ferdinand
+in deep sleep, while the regular breathing of his mother, aunt, and
+Georgie, who occupied the mattress in the wagon, assured him that he
+alone was awake.</p>
+
+<p>His bodily littleness had been to him, through all his days, one of
+his greatest trials. Dwarf! How he hated the word! To be small was to
+be despised. He never hinted, even to his mother, the intensity of
+grief and chagrin arising from his incomplete stature. Those physically
+active and vigorous, and of large frame, he regarded as so many
+reflections on his own feebleness and insignificance.</p>
+
+<p>And now, as his clear gaze, wonder-struck, searched the overarching
+depths, he felt of less importance than ever, and seemed to shrink to
+an atom. Those orbs, world on world, systems of worlds, universes of
+universes, what was he compared with them?</p>
+
+<p>Never had he witnessed such a spectacle; never swept with his aspiring
+gaze such star-gemmed spaces, undimmed, unobstructed, rolling, in
+infinite majesty, from horizon to horizon, the air-medium pure as
+crystal, not a veiling vapor, nor a disturbing zephyr's whisper. How
+very, very small he felt!</p>
+
+<p>Yet, somehow, this shrinking into nothingness did not wound his
+self-respect. He was not measuring himself with his fellow-man, but
+with the mighty heavens. And suddenly there came sweeping down to him
+the words of the ancient singer,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'When I consider the heavens, the work of Thy hands, the sun and the
+moon which Thou hast ordained, what is man, that Thou art mindful of
+him, and the son of man, that thou visitest him?'"<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf started up. Did a voice repeat that song? No, it was memory,
+he said to himself.</p>
+
+<p>As he pondered the words, they filled him—with profound
+self-abasement—with deep, unruffled, unresentful humility.</p>
+
+<p>"How great is God, the omnipotent, all-wise Creator and Upholder!"
+he said to himself. "Why should He deign to notice me—a mote in His
+limitless empire?"</p>
+
+<p>Just then there came floating to his ear the remainder of the royal
+hymn.</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Thou madest him a little lower than the angels. Thou crownedst him
+with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of Thy hands.'"<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>He raised himself again in increased surprise. Surely it was no
+illusion this time. Some tongue recited that passage. But solitude
+reigned from the bare prairie to the stars.</p>
+
+<p>"How my brain tricks me to-night!" he said. "What a strange spell is on
+me!"</p>
+
+<p>Then his mind was led to meditate upon the singularly-suggested
+language.</p>
+
+<p>"'Thou crownedst him.' Then the mighty Maker of the universe has
+exalted man," he soliloquized. "Has 'crowned' him—constituted him king,
+sovereign of creation."</p>
+
+<p>"And 'you,' dwarf," added the mysterious voice, "are therefore a king!"</p>
+
+<p>"Who is speaking these comforting words to me," asked the dwarf, gazing
+around. "How weak I am! It is my own mind."</p>
+
+<p>Yes, queer contradiction, they seemed foreign to himself, yet a part of
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"My head is hot," he ejaculated. "I'll go to sleep." And he closed his
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Set him over the works of Thy hands," whispered the voice. "The
+elephant is a towering mass of bone and muscle, yet man, king of
+nature, captures and governs the huge beast. Oxen are sturdy, but man
+yokes them. The horse is swift and strong, yet man puts bits in his
+mouth. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, nay, earth and ocean,
+man subdues to his own use."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," assented the still wakeful dwarf, "man is king of all things."</p>
+
+<p>"And how does he rule?" asked the viewless teacher. "By physical might?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I see," replied the dwarf, "it is through the mind—the soul."</p>
+
+<p>"And you are weak in body, deformed, and small in size; but are you
+not, nevertheless, a king? Assert your sovereignty, then; rule by the
+intellect with which God has crowned you."</p>
+
+<p>"That's it," said the dwarf, sitting up in bed, and resting his chin
+in his small, white hand. "It isn't the body that's monarch, but the
+brain. A dwarf may rule as well as a giant."</p>
+
+<p>Did an angel or spirit comfort the deformed child? Or were his rapt
+faculties elaborating ideas for his instruction? We do not pretend to
+decide. Can you?</p>
+
+<p>The angels brought "tidings of great joy" to the shepherds watching
+their flocks by night on the plains of Bethlehem. Perhaps one of the
+ministering host may have whispered to little Hunchback as he watched
+beneath the immigrant wagon on the star-lit prairie.</p>
+
+<p>One said anciently, "I am little and despised, yet the Lord thinketh
+upon me."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>A sound startled him from the light slumber into which he had sunken. A
+moment more, with a wild cry an Indian shot by on a pony.</p>
+
+<p>"What's wanted?" drowsily muttered Ferdinand, trying to rouse himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Ferdie," asked the mother, drawing aside the blanket that curtained
+the wagon-front, "what was that noise? It sounded like a yell. You are
+not in a nightmare—are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's all right, mother," said little Hunchback. "I'll take care of
+Ferdinand; go to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>And the vigilant little dwarf listened long and anxiously, fearing he
+knew not what. Then he stole cautiously out to where the savage passed.
+There he found a narrow, hard-trodden path. Creeping on hands and
+knees, he carefully examined it.</p>
+
+<p>"It is an old Indian trail," said he. "Only one pony been over
+it recently. There is no danger. Probably the savage was as much
+astonished at seeing our team as I was at seeing him."</p>
+
+<p>And his old-young face expressing entire confidence in this conclusion,
+he returned to the mattress, and dropped asleep.</p>
+
+<p>But a confused noise in the direction of the horses led him to rise
+again after softly tucking the blanket against Ferdie's back, and go
+and see what was the matter. He found that one of them, having been
+tied to a small oak, had walked round and round the sapling, till he
+had wound himself so closely as to endanger his neck in his frantic
+efforts to break away.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf, with considerable difficulty, disengaged the fractious
+animal, and leading it to the wagon, fastened the beast to a hind
+wheel. Then, after shortening the rope with which the other horse was
+tied,—for it was so long that the beast had its fore leg entangled in
+it,—he sat under an oak thinking.</p>
+
+<p>"Next time we camp out," he muttered, "I shall see that the horses are
+properly hitched, and that we are not near an Indian trail."</p>
+
+<p>A long while he remained meditating.</p>
+
+<p>"All is quiet. I guess I'll get another nap," said he at length.</p>
+
+<p>He crept quietly under the clothes, so as not to disturb Ferdie. He
+was now thoroughly weary and drowsy. He dropped into a deep sleep,
+from which he was startled by something cold creeping across his
+bare ankles. With lightning quickness, he knew that it was a snake.
+Perhaps it was harmless, perhaps it was deadly. By a strong effort at
+self-control, he lay motionless. Slowly, the slimy reptile worked its
+way along, attracted by the warmth, towards the middle of the bed. What
+an age it seemed till the serpent glided from his limb, and nestled
+between himself and Ferdie!</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf was now in terror lest Ferdie should awake. What could he
+do to rid them of their unwelcome bed-mate? He dared not stir, and he
+dreaded, most of all, that Ferdie would. After a while, Ferdie threw
+an arm out of bed. Instantly an angry buzz from the reptile was heard.
+It was a rattlesnake! Ferdie was quiet again, and the snake ceased its
+deadly warning.</p>
+
+<p>Working his big head cautiously round on his pillow, so that he might
+look in the direction of the rattling, the dwarf saw the snake. The
+blanket had become disarranged, leaving Ferdie's leg bare, and the
+venomous creature was lying near the limb, on the unturned covering.</p>
+
+<p>Should Ferdinand move, it was certain death. And that he would remain
+quiet long, the dwarf knew was not probable. With singular steadiness
+and dexterity, he began to withdraw his own thin limbs, and at the same
+time, gradually to raise himself so as to sit up. The snake's head was
+from him, which was in the hunchback's favor.</p>
+
+<p>Twice the serpent, irritated gently, shook its rattles. But so wary
+and adroit was the dwarf that his snakeship settled again to repose,
+till the Hunchback softly sat up, pillow in hand. The snake saw the
+movement, and turned upon his adversary. One point, however, had been
+gained, namely, to attract the attention of the reptile from Ferdie.</p>
+
+<p>"If I am bitten, it will not matter so much," thought the dwarf.
+"Mother couldn't spare Ferdie, he's so well and strong."</p>
+
+<p>The snake's head was erect, and the red, forked tongue played
+spitefully. He was preparing to spring upon the dwarf, when, with
+unerring celerity, the pillow descended on the snake, and Ferdie was
+thrust from the mattress.</p>
+
+<p>"What did you do that for?" demanded the elder brother.</p>
+
+<p>"There's a rattlesnake in the bed," shrilly piped the dwarf. "Here it
+is," he added, jumping aside, as the poison-fanged intruder wriggled
+out from beneath the pillow at the Hunchback.</p>
+
+<p>But Ferdie, seizing the whipstock, despatched it at a blow.</p>
+
+<p>"When we camp out again," observed the dwarf, "we must fix it so the
+snakes can't get into our bed."</p>
+
+<p>But streaks of light in the east heralded the advent of day.
+Immediately after, the sun peeped across the prairie, then shot up
+fully to view. Georgie said he seemed in a hurry. But our immigrants
+were a second time ahead of him, and again he grew red in the face; and
+no wonder, the lazy, lubberly fellow, to be lagging behind women and
+boys.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard and her sister were performing their toilet at the stream.
+Ferdie and Georgie had set about graining the horses, pouring about two
+quarts of meal into each pail, and stirring in water to moisten it.</p>
+
+<p>"I should think the oats would be better for them than this raw, cold
+hasty-pudding, without anything on it," said Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied Ferdie. "Tom said oats were more stimulating, but they
+wouldn't stand by like meal. Meal gives permanent strength."</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf now appeared with an axe on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, Ferdie," he said, "I want you to cut a few sticks. There, those
+are just the article," pointing to some forked limbs.</p>
+
+<p>These were driven into the ground a short distance apart, the crotchet
+ends up. Across them another stick was placed horizontally. Then an
+iron pot was brought from the wagon, and hung from the centre. This was
+partly filled with water from the brook, and a fire started under the
+kettle.</p>
+
+<p>When the water began to boil, aunt Esther dropped in potatoes; and
+Mrs. Willard sliced pork, and commenced frying it in a spider. Plates,
+knives and forks, and cups and saucers, were produced. A cloth was
+laid on the grass, and the little family were soon, with appreciative
+appetite, discussing the simple repast.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I never got up so much refreshed," observed Mrs. Willard,
+"as I did this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"That's because you didn't sleep in a close room," sagely remarked
+Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"I was afraid you'd catch cold," said aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p>"Folks that live in the open air are not subject to colds," replied the
+dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>But he did not allude to the Indian, and he had charged Ferdinand to
+say nothing about the rattlesnake.</p>
+
+<p>"It would only frighten the women," said he.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_11">CHAPTER XI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>A PIONEER BOY'S OPINION OF THE EAST.—DISAPPOINTMENT.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>WHAT a familiar aspect nature wore to Tom as he journeyed frontierward!
+Stonewalls, ledges, boulders, rocks, gravel, stumps, stunted corn,
+swarming, suffocating cities, "east." But here, broad rolling prairies,
+deep fertile soil, waving grasses, beckoning flowers. He hailed the
+contrast with a bounding pulse.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed to him as if he had not drawn a full breath since he left
+Minnesota. He had suffered for want of air and room, and been cramped,
+confined, fettered, by social artificialities.</p>
+
+<p>Now he was back to pure nature—to boyhood associations. He was happy.
+Expanding his chest, and thumping it with his friendly fist, he drank
+in the prairie air as if it were the elixir of life, and proudly swept
+the wide expanse with his admiring eye, as if to say,—</p>
+
+<p>"There's nothing like my dear, magnificent prairies, after all."</p>
+
+<p>With what vividness, too, did these scenes reproduce the early days of
+his eventful history: the long journeys in the immigrant wagon, the too
+frequent removals, the homely, smoky squatter's cabin, the murderous
+scenes of the massacre at Spirit Lake, the cruel tomahawking of his
+sister Sarah, Charley's romantic exploits, his father's brave, heroic
+death, his widowed mother's establishment at the frontier fort with
+the noble wife of the noble commander of the fortress, as governess of
+their two lovely children, Willie and Alice.</p>
+
+<p>Alice! With that name uprose before him a vision surpassingly good
+and fair, setting his feelings into a tumult altogether too "human"
+for a parson in embryo. He tried to rally his budding professional
+dignity, and banish the enchanting apparition. In vain. Adown the long
+stairs, through the echoing hall, warbling bird-like, bursting blithely
+into the apartment, stopping in confused surprise, he saw again the
+blonde-haired fairy, just as he did on his first visit at the fort.</p>
+
+<p>That image had never wholly forsaken him. And ever, when it stood
+freshly before his mind's eye, there was a glow at his heart of mingled
+worship and gratitude, the former for the sweetness, excellence, and
+beauty of the winning original; the latter that despite his plain garb
+and humble circumstances, she could listen to his story that day with
+such respect, and no apparent consciousness of the inequality of their
+condition.</p>
+
+<p>But what worldly imaginations for a candidate for the gospel ministry!
+And what was Alice to Tom?</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt," murmured Tom, endeavoring to shake off the spell, "she's
+forgotten me long since. Her father is a military man. Of course she
+has plenty of dashing young officers as admirers; she would not think
+of the squatter's son!"</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Tom's first visit was to L—, the village where lived the kind clergyman
+and the storekeeper who had enabled him to go east to study. What a
+pleasure to take these good friends by the hand!</p>
+
+<p>There, too, an inmate of the missionary's family was curly-pated Bub,
+the youngest of his brothers.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder," cogitated Tom, as he neared the town, "if Bub will know
+me; and if he is the same prankish little pet as ever. And if he still
+rehearses for the pulpit."</p>
+
+<p>For Bub's highest aspiration had been to preach. And that he had not
+altogether lost his taste for the sacred calling, Tom had received
+evidence of in the shape of a printed note that Bub had contrived
+clandestinely to slip within a letter to Tom from the missionary. It
+ran thus:—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DEER tom i AM, GOING 2 B A BIG MAN LIK U. i PREATH SUMTIMS. THE MISUARY
+SAYS I MAY PREATH FOR HIM, WHENN I DU. I, CEND AKIS. I STODY HARD. I
+AMM A SPLENN DAD SKOLLER.<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>The day was warm, and Tom was not surprised, as he drove up to the
+clergyman's cabin, to observe that the door was open. He thought it
+somewhat singular, however, that, notwithstanding the bustle attending
+their arrival and that the wagon in which he was brought was fully in
+sight from the house for quite a ways as it drew near, that no one
+looked out at the team. They dismounted, the horse was hitched, they
+approached the cabin. Silence and solitude seemed to dwell within.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear the family are away," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>Glancing in, Tom's eyes opened wide with astonishment. In a chair,
+his legs stretched out before him, a man's white cravat around his
+throat, its broad folds enveloping also the chin, a man's hat on his
+head, glasses astride his nose, eyes fixed on a ponderous volume, sat a
+fat-cheeked urchin.</p>
+
+<p>"Bub, you scamp," cried Tom, rushing and, regardless of ministerial
+proprieties and vestments, hugging the clerical imp, the missionary's
+hat rolling one way, and the Commentary, to show how "heavy" it was,
+falling with a slam to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Never were a couple of "theologues" more antic. If a Committee of
+Supply on the hunt for a candidate "suited to the large, wealthy, and
+fashionable congregation" at Upper-crustville, had stepped in just
+then, I doubt if either of the rollicking, rough-and-tumble young
+divines before them had been in demand. Why, only consider, Bub's
+cravat was actually tumbled, and so was Tom's hair.</p>
+
+<p>After a happy visit with the missionary and the grocer, the former
+took Tom in the storekeeper's carriage next morning, and they set out
+together for the fort.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>A cordial, affectionate, tender greeting awaited Tom from General and
+Mrs. McElroy, his brothers, and his mother. She, Tom noticed, had grown
+older; but her face was rounder and fairer, bespeaking good fare and
+contentment.</p>
+
+<p>"I conclude," said Mrs. McElroy, "that, charmed with eastern people and
+privileges, frontier life looks quite different to you from what it
+once did."</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," heartily replied Tom, "there is much that is admirable and
+grand in the older settled portions of our country. But if they have
+many things better than we, we are not without our compensations.
+Here society is natural, and neighbors are sympathizing and friendly;
+there caste distinctions prevail, you know not who lives next door,
+and fashion tyrannizes. There everything practicable is done for the
+culture of the mind; but the young are not developed physically, and
+taught to be self-reliant, as among the pioneers.</p>
+
+<p>"In religion, I prefer our simplicity. It seems to me little short of
+sacrilege for Christians to display so much pride of dress in the house
+of God as they do east. And worship is maintained at such extravagant
+expense that the poor are frequently debarred from the gospel, or are
+thrust into back seats, or banished to the galleries. Better our log
+cabin equality than such a condition of things.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall never lose the painful impression made on my mind by an
+incident that happened to me in one of these aristocratic churches.</p>
+
+<p>"The fame of the Rev. Dr. — led me one Sabbath to go and hear him. I
+arrived at his place of worship a little late. Entering the vestibule,
+I saw hanging before me two signs, on which were lettered, FREE SEATS
+ABOVE, an index finger pointing up stairs. Of course I inferred that
+there were no free seats below, and as I did not design hiring or
+buying a seat in God's house that day, I went 'above.'</p>
+
+<p>"In high, straight-backed, comfortless pews, a few of which were
+furnished with tattered and soiled cushions, was a collection of
+plainly-dressed people, with faces marked by care, poverty, and toil.
+An elderly woman, of feeble appearance and large frame, but saintly
+look, passed me her mutilated hymn book.</p>
+
+<p>"I glanced below. Every pew was constructed for comfort, if not
+luxury, and not more than one third of the sitting accommodations were
+occupied—whole slips in succession being entirely empty.</p>
+
+<p>"The Scripture Lesson was from St. James's Epistle, second chapter—'My
+brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of
+persons. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring,
+in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment,
+and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
+him, Sit thou here in a good place, and say to the poor, Stand thou
+there, or sit here under my footstool, are ye not then partial in
+yourselves?'</p>
+
+<p>"This withering rebuke was impressively read by the pastor, and I
+scanned the countenances of the audience to see what their effect would
+be. But neither minister nor hearer showed the least consciousness that
+the language applied to modern assemblages. Fresh from our uninvidious
+gatherings, where, though a person may be in rags,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'A man is a man for a' that and a' that,'<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"the spectacle was—well, I cannot command terms to do justice to my
+feelings. They were destined to be intensified, too, by an occurrence
+at the close of the service.</p>
+
+<p>"As I was descending the long, wide stone stairs leading from the
+gallery, an exclamation caused me to look back. The scream was uttered
+by the aged woman who passed me her book. Being old and weakly, she
+had tripped and pitched head foremost. Springing to break her fall,
+I caught her on my shoulder. Why the weight and the momentum did not
+send me headlong, I do not comprehend. But I sustained her sufficiently
+long for others to come to our assistance, and we helped her to the
+sidewalk. Her ghastly face and trembling limbs showed how great the
+fright and shock to her.</p>
+
+<p>"Was it not singular that I, a stranger from the far-distant prairies,
+chanced to be there to save the life of that aged saint?"</p>
+
+<p>"There are, however, devoted souls in those very churches—are there
+not?" asked his mother.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, many, dear mother. There are as earnest, unselfish, large-hearted
+Christians in the eastern cities as ever blessed any age. But while
+great numbers of professed disciples of the meek and lowly One attend
+church befrizzled and betrinketed as if at a theatre, thousands
+perish in the very shadow of Christian temples, as ignorant of Christ
+as the pagans; and multitudes lack the necessaries of life. These
+inconsistencies make infidels, on the one hand, who reject all that
+is sacred, and fanatics, on the other, who fly into all sorts of
+absurdities."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the missionary, "man, like the pendulum, goes to extremes.
+When I was east, disorderly classes of religionists arose who plunged
+into the wildest excesses. A very singular form of fanaticism obtained
+at one time, called the Shaking Power. It had a queer history. Shall I
+tell you about it? It will, I think, be quite entertaining."</p>
+
+<p>"O, yes; do let us hear about it," said the ladies.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+THE SHAKING POWER.<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"Some forty miles from my home," said the missionary, "in a populous
+town, a 'meeting' was sustained with fanatical furor, composed of
+a motley assemblage from various sects and orders, and holding
+sentiments the most discordant, if we except the, with them, essential
+point—railing at 'the churches.' Here, members excluded for grave
+faults from the fellowship of Christians, restless, self-exscinded
+spirits inflamed by fickle isms peculiar to themselves, and those who
+never belonged, or expected to belong, to an orderly organization of
+any kind, met to sympathize and act in wild religious freedom, where
+everybody could be teachers, and anything be taught. Of members of
+Christian churches, they were accustomed to speak as those who have
+the '"form" of godliness; but deny the "power" thereof;' meaning that
+these had system and decorum, and lacked those noisy and eccentric
+manifestations of zeal in worship which they themselves exhibited.</p>
+
+<p>"Religion with these zealots was almost wholly a 'meeting' affair, and
+to exhort or pray in public was preeminently 'taking up the cross;'
+and to know, on such occasions, what to do, and how to do it, they
+sought to 'move as they were moved upon by the Spirit.' In other words,
+act out such impulse as chanced to seize them, whether it were to
+perambulate the sanctuary in sight of the congregation, and then kneel
+in the aisle and pray, or make remarks from the pulpit stairs.</p>
+
+<p>"It mattered not how fantastic and foolish the impulse; it was to be
+unhesitatingly obeyed indeed, the more senseless and erratic, the
+greater proof to their minds of the Spirit's power and control. As to
+preaching, it could not be known beforehand if there would be any,
+or who would be the preacher—this being left for the decision of the
+Spirit after the people had assembled, and one was as liable to be
+called to fill that office for the time being as another. A heavy
+'cross,' indiscriminately imposed, was to go into the pulpit and speak
+and pray, so that in the course of an evening, a dozen or more, old and
+young, male and female, would attain that conspicuous post. And if any
+one, after 'ascending,' had to 'descend' without uttering a word, the
+boisterous shouts of 'Praise the Lord,' 'Glory to God,' showed that it
+was regarded as evidence of peculiar sanctity—the grace of humility had
+been tested, and had triumphed.</p>
+
+<p>"A feature of this fanaticism, which took the lead in exciting wonder
+and inspiring the credulous with awe, ultimately operated as a cure
+of the evil it was designed to foster. It was called 'the shaking'
+or 'trembling power,' and originated with a farmer, who, though not
+without natural cunning, was below his class in intelligence, and whose
+life up to that time had borne meagrely, if at all, the fruits of
+goodness. He would meekly say he was 'slow of speech,' and 'as he could
+not speak like the rest, they must let him bear the cross the Lord had
+put upon him,' which was to shake. This was the utility of his gift: he
+watched the countenances of those present, and, if any one 'neglected
+duty,' he professed to detect it by the involuntary tremblings that
+shook his frame—their violence being in proportion to the importance
+of the duty, and the length of disobedience. Sometimes he called on
+the delinquent to 'do his duty,'—a call which was considered divinely
+prompted, and was at once obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>"One evening our enthusiasts had met in a school-house. It was dark
+and drizzly without, and marvelously dull within—perchance the effects
+of the weather, or a stupid reaction, the sure sequence of spurious
+zeal. Silence reigned for a long time. At length a man advanced to the
+teacher's desk, and, in husky, monotonous tones, helped on the general
+lethargy. A protracted pause ensued, which was broken by a maiden lady
+suddenly springing to her feet and commencing an exhortation. Her
+faded and dirty linsey-woolsey dress, which she 'wore from principle,'
+fell straight and close about her form; her coarse black hair was
+unevenly cut short in the neck 'to shame pride,' while her wrinkled
+skin, nut-brown complexion, stumpy gums, and eyes wildly flashing as
+she paced the floor gesticulating violently, and with shrill voice
+denounced 'hypocrites and formal professors,' gave her a weird and
+haggish expression.</p>
+
+<p>"When her message was delivered, a dumpy man in semi-Quaker garb, who
+sat in a semi-recumbent posture gazing at the floor, remarked, without
+looking up, that he was no singer 'naturally,' that he did not it know
+one tune from another, but when the Spirit told him to sing, he must
+sing; and he gruffly chanted to extemporaneous music, composed as he
+went along, keeping time meanwhile with one foot,—</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+<br>
+"'The pure testimony put forth in the "Sperit"<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cuts like a sharp two-edged sword,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;And hypocrites now are sorely tormented,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because they're condemned by the Word;<br>
+&nbsp;<br>
+"'The pure testimony discovers the dross,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;While wicked professors make light of the cross,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;And Babylon trembles for fear of her loss.'<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"An embarrassing silence again occurring, some one prayed the Lord to
+'show them what it was that clogged the wheels of the meeting, and kept
+them from moving—' a prayer which seemed to them about to be answered,
+as a peculiar jarring of the floor and seats gave notice of the advent
+of the shaking power.</p>
+
+<p>"This curious phenomenon was of an intermittent type, affecting first
+the lower extremities, imparting a tremulousness just perceptible,
+extending slowly to the whole body, meanwhile increasing in strength.
+Then passing off, a few moments would elapse before a recurrence in the
+same manner, each fit being augmented in length and intensity.</p>
+
+<p>"The 'power' brother suffered one attack without speaking. While
+agitated by the second, he said oracularly, but retaining his seat,—</p>
+
+<p>"'If anybody here has a duty to do, he had better do it!'</p>
+
+<p>"'Amen! Amen!' fervently responded the brother-and-sisterhood, nodding
+approval, and exchanging relieved glances as they looked in the
+direction indicated. The candles burned dimly; but remote by himself,
+among some unoccupied seats, could be discerned the figure of a man
+wrapped in a cloak, his hat drawn over his eyes, his face resting on
+the desk before him.</p>
+
+<p>"The conclusion was, that it was some one bending under the weight of
+a too heavy cross; and the shaking power brother, after ineffectually
+rising and saying, 'If the brother yonder has a duty to do, I say he
+had better do it,' with apparent difficulty dragged his trembling frame
+across the room, and laid his hand authoritatively on the shoulder of
+the delinquent, when, lo! the cloak slipped to the floor—there was no
+one under it! It had chanced to be left in such a position as to look,
+in the uncertain light, as if filling its wonted office to the human
+form—hence the mistake.</p>
+
+<p>"Fanaticism is proverbially ingenious in turning its most palpable
+blunders into favoring arguments, but I never heard that this one was
+so used. The effect of the scene was irresistible. It dealt the shaking
+power a blow from which it did not recover, and the meeting dwindled
+in interest and numbers, many of the misguided attendants returning to
+their former religious indifference, and others, who had been honestly
+led astray, to happier spiritual associations."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"Mother," asked Tom, when alone with her, "where are the rest of the
+fort people?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is a very sweeping question," she replied; "I do not understand
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen the general, and his wife, and Willie," explained he,
+coloring, "but where is Alice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Tom, have you forgotten that she was lost?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Lost!'" repeated the son, with strong emphasis. "Why was I not
+informed of it? Lost! How? When?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wrote you the distressing intelligence; the letter must have
+miscarried."</p>
+
+<p>She then related the circumstances connected with her disappearance.
+When she had finished, Tom sat with drooping head, buried in thought.</p>
+
+<p>At last, starting as if awakened from sleep, he exclaimed, "Mother, I
+know what happened to Alice. She was carried off by the Indians, and I
+have seen her!"</p>
+
+<p>He then recited his adventure with the chief's daughter, ending by
+affirming that she and Alice were the same.</p>
+
+<p>"You are excited, my son," replied the mother, soothingly. "There are
+no points of resemblance. Alice had light hair, the Indian girl black;
+then consider how fair Alice was—too white to be mistaken for a savage.
+Besides, why did she not, by word or glance, make herself known?"</p>
+
+<p>These objections to his conjecture were unanswerable. Yet Tom was not
+convinced that he was wrong, and replied,—</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I shall hunt up Long Hair, and my visit shall be spent in
+seeking to unravel this mystery."</p>
+
+<p>And he left the room, pale, bowed, and resolute, as if a weight of
+sorrow and of duty had suddenly fallen upon him.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_12">CHAPTER XII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE DWARF'S DISCOVERY.—BRAIN OR BONE.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"I THINK we had better settle down somewhere," said the dwarf, "and not
+wander over the prairies forever. This is not just where I meant to
+stop; but Tom's chart was lost, and we must make the best of it."</p>
+
+<p>"But how do we know that the land here is not preëmpted?" inquired Mrs.
+Willard.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll venture that," replied the Hunchback; "we are in the region Tom
+said was not taken up. Besides, there are no signs of settlers."</p>
+
+<p>The two women put their heads out of the wagon, and looked around.</p>
+
+<p>"We certainly should not be troubled with neighbors in this solitude,"
+observed Mrs. Willard, dubiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor sigh 'for a lodge in some vast wilderness,'" suggested her sister.</p>
+
+<p>"But what 'should' we do in case of sickness?" forebodingly asked the
+former.</p>
+
+<p>"Take care of each other," replied the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we were all sick at once?"</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose the Man in the Moon should shoot us," gruffly grunted the
+dwarf. "We came out to get a farm, and we can't do it by remaining in
+the wagon all our lives, and conjuring difficulties. If we mean to do
+anything, let us begin, I say."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, boys, what do you think?" inquired the mother, of Ferdie and
+Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>But their courage was at low tide; and dispirited, they turned their
+faces aside without answering.</p>
+
+<p>"Arriving" west and "going" west they had found to be very different.</p>
+
+<p>Prospective pioneering and the reality were so unlike! They had not
+counted the cost in encouraging their father to immigrate, nor in
+accepting Tom's plan for them. Very romantic ideas had they entertained
+of life on the prairies. But now they were reduced to plain matters of
+fact.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry we ever left the east!" fretted Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"We can't help that now," replied his mother.</p>
+
+<p>"But how are we to get along in this miserable place?" asked Ferdinand.
+"No neighbors, no house to live in; nothing but land, land! How are we
+to live?"</p>
+
+<p>"By thought, contrivance, and work," said the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"O, yes, you'd do lots of work!" retorted Georgie. "If you peel your
+own potatoes, you'll do well."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do my part, if you will yours," piped the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you'll 'think.' Well, I prefer that part myself."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you," reiterated the dwarf, frowning, "I'll do my part if
+you'll do yours."</p>
+
+<p>"My sons," sadly interposed the mother, "you'll kill your mother if you
+quarrel. We have met with great trouble. We must love and help each
+other. And remember, children, it is through no fault of Frankie's
+that he is not as strong as the rest of us. But how beautifully he
+remembered the route! I am not sure, with his strong memory and time
+for thought, but that he will be as useful in making our new home as
+either of us."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," said little Hunchie, softened by her soothing speech, "you
+know that I was the last to give in my assent to Tom's plan. I knew
+Ferdinand and Georgie were too excited about the prairies to weigh the
+matter. But we are here, and I believe we shall succeed nicely after
+a while. It is in our favor that there are no settlers, for we can
+choose the best of the land. Tom says this whole region is destined to
+be thickly populated. And don't you recollect how crowded the cars and
+steamers were with people bound to Minnesota? We shall have neighbors
+soon enough. We must select our claim as wisely as we can while there
+is so fine a chance, and hasten to improve it, so that new comers may
+not get it from us."</p>
+
+<p>"Frankie is right," decided the mother. "Let us make a beginning. All
+is, if we can't get on farming, we shall have the claim to sell; and we
+can go back to the Mississippi, dispose of our team, and, if we wish,
+return to Maine."</p>
+
+<p>"So we can," chimed in Georgie, brightening. "But what's to be done
+first? I'm sure I don't know."</p>
+
+<p>"Select a site for a cabin," answered the dwarf, curtly. "Mother, you
+and aunt Esther get dinner, while we boys attend to this business.
+Unhitch the horses from the wagon, Ferdinand. You take one, and Georgie
+the other, and ride in opposite directions, and see what sort of a spot
+for a house you can choose. We ought to find a spring, if possible, as
+we shall not be able to dig a well, and river water isn't wholesome to
+drink. Tom said there is too much decaying vegetable matter in it."</p>
+
+<p>"We shan't ride, and we are going together," said Ferdinand. "Come,
+Georgie."</p>
+
+<p>And snatching aunt Esther's red shawl, and adjusting half to Georgie's
+shoulders and the remainder over his own, with arms around each other's
+waists, they sauntered off.</p>
+
+<p>"They'll learn that it isn't all play," said Frankie, gazing after the
+scarlet-robed boys.</p>
+
+<p>They had gone, perhaps, a half mile, when Ferdie suddenly slinging the
+shawl across his arm, the brothers ran, excitedly, different ways,
+describing a large circle. Then, waving their caps, they shouted,—</p>
+
+<p>"Drive over here! This is the place. Splendid for dinner, too!"</p>
+
+<p>So, the women and Frankie getting into the wagon, the latter guided the
+span there.</p>
+
+<p>"It's perfectly charming!" cried aunt Esther, with unwonted enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>They had reached a gentle swell of ground, at the foot of which was
+an oval-shaped lakelet, its turfy borders being as evenly curved as
+if done with the landscape gardener's tools, and the water was so
+translucent that the smallest object could be seen at the bottom. It
+was fed by boiling springs, several of which at either end were sending
+up fine white sand, while farther from the shore was still another, of
+great size and force. A mile and a half west was a fine grove.</p>
+
+<p>"Well done!" exclaimed Mrs. Willard, with maternal pride. "You have
+won credit to yourselves. We can erect our cabin on the top of the
+eminence, and it will command a splendid view. The lake will furnish
+an unfailing supply of sweet and healthful water. And when we open our
+farm, every inch of it will be in sight."</p>
+
+<p>"Now," cried Ferdie and Georgie in a breath, "we'll feed the horses,
+while mother cooks dinner."</p>
+
+<p>"You may leave the headstall on the off horse, Ferdie," said the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"What for? He can't eat with the bits in his mouth."</p>
+
+<p>"Guess I'll have a short ride," answered the Hunchback. "Lead him
+alongside the forward wheel, Ferdie. Now, fold this blanket, and strap
+it on his back." And springing from the wagon, the dwarf mounted the
+animal.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdie and Georgie clapped their hands and shouted, the odd-shaped
+rider cut so queer a figure.</p>
+
+<p>The slim, short legs and arms, and big head, the latter "beating time,"
+nodding and jerking with the motion of the horse, did indeed constitute
+a ludicrous picture.</p>
+
+<p>"How his head bobs!" said Georgie, laughing uncontrollably. "It'll snap
+off, I'm afraid."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, boys," interposed the mother, in an undertone. "You will hurt
+Frankie's feelings. It is a noble head, if it is large. 'Tisn't all
+bone, like many big-headed folks, and it's properly put together."
+Then, raising her voice, "Don't be gone long, Frankie, or I shall worry
+about you."</p>
+
+<p>The stout horse and small rider plodded slowly on, for the dwarf
+had never ridden a beast before, and his weighty top-piece toppled
+painfully when the animal trotted.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>He was away some time. The family became anxious concerning him, and
+Ferdie was on the point of taking the other horse, and riding to see if
+any accident had befallen him, when he emerged from the grove. On his
+arrival, he silently seated himself on the grass, and ate the bountiful
+portion his mother had reserved, while his brothers and aunt Esther
+discussed which way the projected cabin should set.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom said the door ought to be towards the south," remarked Ferdinand,
+"because it's the sunny and warm side."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we will have it so," answered aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Ferdinand, harness up," interrupted the dwarf, wiping his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"Harness up? Not by a jugful! We are going to build the cabin here,"
+cried Ferdie and Georgie at the top of their lungs. "Aren't we, mother?"</p>
+
+<p>"My son," said Mrs. Willard, laying her hand lovingly on the
+Hunchback's shoulder, "all of us deem this a delightful spot. Don't you
+think we had better build our new abode here?"</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we build it of?" asked he.</p>
+
+<p>"Of logs," tartly replied Ferdinand. "You didn't dream that we designed
+erecting a marble palace—did you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where will you get the logs?" persisted Hunchback.</p>
+
+<p>"There are a pair of sharp axes in the wagon, and a grove yonder,"
+returned Ferdinand, loftily.</p>
+
+<p>"How will you get the logs here?"</p>
+
+<p>"We suppose the span can draw them."</p>
+
+<p>"And after the logs are brought, are you and Georgie strong enough to
+lift the great green tree-trunks upon each other, till the walls of the
+cabin are constructed? It would require a company of men."</p>
+
+<p>As there was no reply to this, the Hunchback added,—</p>
+
+<p>"Hurry, and tackle in the horses, and drive to the grove."</p>
+
+<p>They were soon there.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said the dwarf, jumping out of the vehicle, "hitch the span;
+then all follow me."</p>
+
+<p>Striking a narrow path, which he pronounced a deer's trail, leading
+through the wood, there, on the other side of the grove, sheltered from
+the north winds, stood a snug cabin. It was unshingled, and without
+door or windows. There was, indeed, no aperture for the latter. A few
+loose boards composed the floor. Wide cracks yawned in the walls.
+Some rods farther on flowed the creek. Between it and the cabin was
+a copious spring of ice-cold water. Facing the dwelling was smooth
+prairie, and at a convenient distance was a small, unroofed shed, built
+of logs.</p>
+
+<p>"I had been considering the case," remarked the dwarf, "and saw that
+we could not, unassisted, build a cabin, and that we must, therefore,
+locate near some town where help could be procured. But, you know, land
+is high in such places. We can fix this up, and manage to live for the
+present."</p>
+
+<p>"What if the owners return and claim it?" asked prudent aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p>"No danger of that," affirmed the Hunchback. "See how dry the logs of
+the walls are, and there are no traces of footsteps. The cabin is very
+old, and has long been abandoned. Years ago, before immigration had
+penetrated so far, it was erected, no doubt, by the hunter and trapper.
+It is on Uncle Sam's land, and we may occupy it if we will."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard drew the young-old head to her, and pressing a kiss on the
+dwarf's lips, presently said,—</p>
+
+<p>"What should we do without our wise Frankie?"</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_13">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>A STRANGE VISITOR.—THE MAN IN THE CHIMNEY CORNER.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>THE cabin which the Willards had appropriated was built of massive
+logs, through which was an occasional loophole. For when the first
+pioneers took possession of the soil, the log houses were constructed
+so as to be fortresses upon occasion. Later comers, being less
+suspicious of their copper-colored neighbors, did not provide against
+hostilities which they expected not.</p>
+
+<p>But the walls of the cabin, beaten upon by sun and storm, had shrunken
+till wide seams let the prairie winds—accustomed to their own way,
+unchecked by obstacles—through and through the dilapidated structure,
+whistling as they went, to express their contempt for the architectural
+excrescence. The zephyr, just from touching with a respectful kiss the
+beautiful prairie flowers, would pucker up its lips and dart through
+the unsightly building with a "w-h-e-w!" as if ashamed of being seen in
+so poor an abode. And it must be confessed that a log house does not
+compare well with the blossoming verdure amid which it squats. Still,
+human beings, unlike wild flowers, must have a house over their heads,
+and the homely loggery has been the home of many a soul worth more than
+worlds.</p>
+
+<p>"I really believe," observed Mrs. Willard, next morning after their
+arrival at the cabin, "that I suffered more from the cold last night
+than I did sleeping in the wagon," and she shivered as she spoke. "I
+guess, boys, you will have to stop up the cracks in the walls, if you
+do not wish mother to get sick."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll set about it to-day," manfully answered Ferdinand, entering.</p>
+
+<p>"That's right," replied she, turning towards him with a pleased smile.
+"Why, what have you there, my son?"</p>
+
+<p>"Partridges," responded he, proudly swinging them into view. "Last
+night, after all were asleep, and everything was still, I heard a
+rumbling sound in the grove. So, going noiselessly out of doors, I
+listened. Soon it was repeated, and I knew that it was a partridge
+drumming on a log to call its mate. At daybreak I was out hunting.
+Guess we will have a nice dinner to-day," he added, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>"And we shall be indebted to your smartness for it," said aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, Ferdinand, if you and Georgie will get me some wood, and make
+a fire, we will have breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"And I," remarked aunt Esther, "will pick and dress the partridges."</p>
+
+<p>"Those fowl are worth much more than their value to us as food,"
+observed Mrs. Willard, with emotion, as the boys left. "Notice
+Ferdinand; how cheerfully he steps off with shouldered axe! His dear
+father bore the burden in the care of the family, and it is a new thing
+for the boys to do much for themselves or us.</p>
+
+<p>"But even the shooting of those birds has given Ferdinand a taste of
+the happiness of self-reliance. Perhaps this pioneering is destined
+to develop him into a useful man. Hear their axes! How enlivening the
+sound! I must run out and see how they manage."</p>
+
+<p>The grove in which was the cabin was principally of oak. Among the
+leafy trees stood here and there one killed by prairie fires. Two of
+these—they were not large—the boys were falling. The wood of the dead
+trees was sound, dry, and exceedingly hard, and the task of cutting
+them down, and chopping them into suitable lengths, was none too easy.</p>
+
+<p>"How bravely you get along!" exclaimed Mrs. Willard, quietly loading
+her arms with some or the smaller sticks.</p>
+
+<p>And, notwithstanding Ferdinand cried out, "Don't do that, mother!" she
+carried them into the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>But the boys quickly followed with lusty loads. Then they lugged in a
+huge backlog, and deposited it in the clay-stick-and-stone fireplace.
+More wood was added, and if the smoke did puff out into the room, ere
+long a merry fire was crackling, and tea-kettle and pot steaming.</p>
+
+<p>"Chinking," or stopping up the cracks in the sides of the loggery, was
+a slower and more laborious job than the lads anticipated. The manner
+of accomplishing this, is to hew pieces of wood sufficiently narrow on
+one edge to enter the crevices; then, striking on the broad or outer
+part, they are driven closely in and nailed.</p>
+
+<p>Oak being too hard to work, or even to secure, the nails often bending
+and breaking, the wood was so impervious, the boys chose poplar
+instead. This was soft and light, and proved just the thing. Several
+days elapsed, however, before the chinking had far advanced.</p>
+
+<p>Next came "mortaring" the chinking. This, in a new country, is usually
+done with clay. The moist, tenacious earth is thrown violently, by the
+hand, between the logs.</p>
+
+<p>"Jolly! I can do that," cried Georgie. "It will be like snowballing."</p>
+
+<p>But he was glad to cease from the attempt. Nor did Ferdinand succeed
+much better. For strange as it may appear to the uninitiated, this
+style of mortaring requires a powerful arm and no little physical
+endurance.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>One afternoon, as the brothers with lamed arms were ineffectually
+laboring at clay-balls, they heard behind them the snort of a horse.
+Turning, there sat a rider coolly watching, with an amused air, their
+endeavors.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not exactly used to that business," he remarked, dismounting.
+"Here, I'll show you how."</p>
+
+<p>And stripping off his coat, and rolling up his shirt-sleeves,
+displaying a massive arm, he scooped up the clay, and threw it with
+great precision and force.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, boys," he went on in a complimentary manner, "you are bright
+enough for 'most anything, but you haven't the muscle for this.
+Besides, it wants practice."</p>
+
+<p>And while they looked on, he continued mortaring and chatting, till
+quite a space was finished.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the sun was declining. Suddenly it slipped off the edge of
+the prairie, and dropped from view.</p>
+
+<p>For some time, the boys had been feeling uneasy. They saw the afternoon
+waning, and tea approaching, and then night. And the stranger—who was
+he? How he lingered—so keen and self-confident! Was he a fit person to
+invite into the cabin?</p>
+
+<p>The mother and aunt were not unaware of this presence, and the former
+delayed supper, hoping he would leave. The boys, too, though thankful,
+at the outset, for his efficient assistance, grew more and more uneasy
+at his tarrying. On their part, therefore, conversation was confined to
+monosyllables.</p>
+
+<p>But the volunteer worker in clay paid no heed to their reserve. Nor did
+he take any hints, however plain, about the lateness of the hour, or
+resent it when the dwarf, making his appearance, told him bluntly, and
+in a suspicious, domineering manner, that if he had far to travel, he
+had better start, as "they" couldn't keep him over night.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, 'tis a trifle late, youngster, as you remark," he mildly
+responded. "What a bright star that is low down there in the sky! I
+don't much wonder 'ef' you cud give the real name on't."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care about the star," retorted the Hunchback, wrathfully.</p>
+
+<p>"When did you state you immigrated from the east?" asked the strange
+caller, seating himself on an oak stick.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," whispered the Hunchback, reentering the house, "that man is
+determined to stay here. I tried to send him away, but he will not
+budge an inch. It's the very fellow who came to us on the prairie, when
+you called Georgie."</p>
+
+<p>"So I suspected," she replied, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall bar the door against him," said aunt Esther, firmly.
+"Frankie, you manage to sly the boys in, and we'll fasten the chap out."</p>
+
+<p>"But he'll steal the horses," suggested the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't think of that," she replied. "Mercy! He's heard every word!"
+she instantly exclaimed; for near the entrance was the subject of
+remark listening to their conversation.</p>
+
+<p>The demonstration he had thus received that "listeners never hear any
+good of themselves," did not, however, disturb his equanimity.</p>
+
+<p>Passing, uninvited, the forbidden threshold, he said, with unruffled
+audacity, holding up his begrimed hands,—</p>
+
+<p>"'Ef' you will have the kindness, madam, to obleege me with a dish of
+water to rense off this sile! I jist thought I'd give yer boys a lift
+mor-tarin.' Heavy work that fer youngsters like them!"</p>
+
+<p>The spinster, with stately dignity, poured water in a basin, and giving
+it to Georgie, he set it on a bench without the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>"A cloth, ma'am, 'ef' yer please, ter dry me on," he said, putting his
+face within the door.</p>
+
+<p>With freezing coldness, a towel was held towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank ye, ma'am," said he, rubbing his head dry. Then producing a
+pocket comb, he removed his hat, and turning his back on the women,
+proceeded to comb his hair, remarking,—</p>
+
+<p>"Don't mind me, ma'am; I see yer tea is waitin'. An' the youngsters, no
+doubt, are hungry as pigs."</p>
+
+<p>The Willards were, at this stage of affairs, convinced that they had
+met their match. On two trunks, arranged side by side, and covered with
+a cloth, waited the meal. What could they do?</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you will eat with us," said Mrs. Willard, faintly, in an
+accent intended to elicit a refusal.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't care ef I take a bite," brightly replied the repulsed guest. "I
+ain't a mite bashful among friends. Haven't tasted sich corn-dodgers
+for a month of Sundays. And that butter is a little the sweetest. May
+I ask, ma'am, ef it's yer own churnin'?" addressing the indignant
+spinster.</p>
+
+<p>"No!" she emphatically replied.</p>
+
+<p>"'Of' course not! Excuse me, ma'am. I might hev known from yer hands—so
+white an' delicate, that they'd never seen much 'tile.'"</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Esther haughtily folded her hands in her apron, and lifted her
+eyebrows scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Hands, ma'am," he calmly continued, "have a marster sight of meanin'
+to 'em. Here's one, for instance," laying his own on the table, "that
+was constructed for 'most anything—shootin', choppin', diggin', and, in
+circumstances of danger, say, fightin'. You see," said he, closing his
+fingers, "it's considerable of a fist, 'ef' I do say it."</p>
+
+<p>And a latent threat seemed to his excited auditors to pervade his tone.</p>
+
+<p>"A man that's got to 'knock' about the world has ter own a paw that can
+thread a needle or floor an elephant. But a lady,—" and here his voice
+was low and soft,—"who stays ter home, or goes to dances, or keeps
+school, don't need a power of bone an' sinew, no more'n she needs a
+man's thunderin' lungs. Show me a person's paw, male or female, an' ten
+ter one I ken tell jist what natur intended him fer.</p>
+
+<p>"An' now, ladies," he observed, rising, "'ef' it will be no offence,
+I'll jist take a whif, ter keep off the 'dis'pepsy."</p>
+
+<p>Then seating himself in a corner of the wide-mouthed fireplace, he drew
+some tobacco and a huge knife with a poniard-shaped blade from one
+pocket, then an oddly-carved pipe from another, and carefully cut up
+the weed, and filling the bowl, inserted the slender stem between his
+lips, and puffed in quiet.</p>
+
+<p>What a still group was that, that evening! By the flickering firelight,
+the Willards could see that the dark eye of their unknown, self-invited
+visitor followed all their movements, while the uncertain glow that
+fell on his features reflected no satisfactory insight into his true
+character. Contradictory elements predominated in the strongly-marked
+countenance, the expression of which was remarkably under the control
+of its proprietor.</p>
+
+<p>At one moment, Mrs. Willard would judge him to be a rough but honest
+specimen of the uncultured frontiersman; at the next, a shrewd villain
+who had assumed the pioneer manner and dialect for a bad purpose.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever the surmises of the cabinites, the mysterious stranger smoked
+silently on, pouring in irregular alternation the smoke out first in
+a dense volume direct, then from the right corner of his mouth; next,
+from the left, and lastly in two simultaneous jets from his nostrils.
+And all this in the easiest, at home style conceivable, as if he of the
+pipe was owner of the premises, and smoking in that particular place
+and method a household institution.</p>
+
+<p>Nine o'clock. Ten o'clock. He was still there. The boys stole out of
+doors, and engaged in earnest consultation, Georgie standing sentinel
+where he could report if the man left his seat.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall order him off," said Frankie.</p>
+
+<p>And with knit brow and threatening eye, approaching the intruder, he
+laid his puny hand upon the man's muscular knee, and said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Come, mister, be starting; we can't accommodate you here!"</p>
+
+<p>"Can't?" inquired the smoker, deliberately knocking the ashes from his
+pipe. "Let's see. Two rooms. One at the foot of the ladder, and one
+above. I'll jist peep inter the loft."</p>
+
+<p>And calmly crossing the apartment, and supporting himself upon the
+strips of wood nailed, in lieu of a real ladder, against the logs, he
+peered into the attic.</p>
+
+<p>"Good enough for a king," said he. "There are just six of us, countin'
+myself. I've known forty ter occupy one floor in a smaller cabin than
+this. No, youngster, you're not agwine ter set me afloat on the naked
+prairie at this 'on'reasonable hour. These ladies wouldn't permit sich
+barbarous proceedin', pervided 'I' was willin', which I am not. 'Twon't
+answer at the west to turn the cold shoulder on the benighted traveller
+that way. 'Ef' you're willin', ma'am," addressing Mrs. Willard, "I'll
+jist bring in my blanket, and roll myself up in it under the ruff!"</p>
+
+<p>"We are not prepared—" began she.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind apologies, ma'am. I kin sleep 'beautiful' so. All I wants
+is a board—ef it isn't the softest that ever was!"</p>
+
+<p>And fetching in a roll of blanketing, he tossed it upon the boards
+overhead, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"I'll jist take a peep inter the shed, an' see if there's a corner for
+my beast."</p>
+
+<p>And loosening his splendid steed from the sapling to which it had
+been haltered, the stranger led him to the little stable, followed by
+Ferdinand and Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, youngsters," said he, glancing in, "you don't turn yer critters
+in 'permiscuous'—do ye? It's a born mericle that they hadn't got ter
+kickin', and spilte one t'other afore now. We must fix some stalls ter
+keep them separate. Got an axe?"</p>
+
+<p>Georgie brought one.</p>
+
+<p>With singular handiness and celerity, he hewed some thick poles flatted
+at both ends, and with the strong nails from the wagon pouch, also
+carried to him by Georgie, he constructed three rude stalls for the
+horses, and tying his in the one farthest from the door, the brothers
+secured theirs in the remaining places.</p>
+
+<p>It had been aunt Esther's custom, before retiring, to read aloud a
+portion of Scripture, and then the family repeated in unison the
+Lord's Prayer. When the trio returned, after stating their habit, she
+opened her gilt-edged pocket Bible, and read the fourth Psalm. As she
+concluded the last verse,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only
+makest me dwell in safety—"<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"There's no book like that," remarked their guest; and falling to his
+knees, he listened devoutly as the divinely-given petitions ascended.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall sleep beautiful after that prayer," said he, as they arose;
+"it sounds natral."</p>
+
+<p>Whether he was sincere or not in what he said, it is certain that
+the afflicted and lonely household was soothed and uplifted by their
+simple, unaffected service. On the solitary prairie, far from human
+succor, their hearts instinctively turned for protection to the
+ever-present Being who neither slumbers nor sleeps. And the two women
+retired, serenely committing themselves to the loving care of the
+infinite Helper and Preserver.</p>
+
+<p>How much, however, their returning composure was due to the reverential
+deportment at prayers of their strange guest, I cannot decide. But Mrs.
+Willard whispered to her sister,—</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid we have been too suspicious of that man. Did you notice
+that he knelt with us?"</p>
+
+<p>But aunt Esther doubtingly shook her head.</p>
+
+<p>As for the boys, they did not ascend to their mattresses in the cabin
+garret, but camped beside their mother's bed, Ferdinand with an axe,
+and Georgie with the hatchet, while the dwarf sat in a dim corner,
+screened by trunks, with Ferdinand's gun ready loaded and capped. The
+three had resolved to watch till day. But soon the 'boarder' fell a
+snoring in so masterly and systematic a style, that Georgie drowsily
+whispered to Ferdie,—</p>
+
+<p>"Guess you won't hear the partridges drum to-night!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I hear one now," replied Ferdie; "he's on that man's nose!"</p>
+
+<p>And after a convulsive giggle, they both dropped asleep.</p>
+
+<p>But the Hunchback kept guard.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_14">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>SECOND IMPRESSIONS.—AUNT ESTHER AND THE PLOUGHMEN.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>THE Willards rested undisturbed, save that, semi-occasionally, a climax
+snore from the attic lodger caused momentary disquiet. But thunder does
+not kill, neither does snoring; and there is a frank outspokenness
+about the latter quite reassuring under certain circumstances.
+Certainly, so long as a man suspected of fell design so loudly
+proclaims his somnolence, so long you feel secure from harm at his
+hands. And Mr. Lodger blew bugle-blasts of peace till the glowing east
+announced the empire of darkness overthrown—for a few hours.</p>
+
+<p>With composed and serious mien, the wayfarer descended from the
+low-roofed chamber, and kind Mrs. Willard, as he bade her "good
+morning," marvelled that they had been such cowards.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said he, "I owe you an apology for my rudeness last evening.
+Here on the frontier the latch-string always hangs out, and the
+traveller is made welcome. You are not used to such unquestioning
+hospitality. I forgot to make allowance for the fact, and was irritated
+at your cold, New England ways.</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Simmons. I hail from New York, where I own a snug property.
+Am what is termed an old bachelor; not from choice, but never chanced
+to meet just the person I fancied. Took a notion to the frontier. Have
+spent a year or two riding round. Think I shall open a large farm,
+stock it, build a comfortable house, if I can find a woman of the right
+stamp to look after me and the establishment,—none of your flyaway
+butterflies, but a sensible, pious lady, in whom a man can depend for
+comfort and happiness.</p>
+
+<p>"There you have my story. And now I've been thinking, as your boys
+are young, and green in pioneering, and my horse is overdriven, that
+if they'll let the creature stand where he is in the shed, and cut a
+handful of grass for him, and give him water, just as if 'twas their
+own, I'll return the compliment with interest."</p>
+
+<p>The two women critically regarded their guest while he spoke. To how
+much better advantage he appeared by morning than by firelight! They
+began to feel annoyed at the offensive distrust of him. His "language,"
+too, how greatly improved! How much there is in one's manner!</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard did not at once reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Believe me, I will not obtrude on your quiet. I shall not be here much
+myself, but when on the ground will gladly aid the lads in getting
+settled. My experience ought to be of service to them, and as for
+remuneration for the care of self and beast, I'll see that you don't
+lose by the operation."</p>
+
+<p>The arrangement was entered into. Mr. Simmons, leaving his handsome
+horse, and crossing the prairie afoot, was lost to view.</p>
+
+<p>"I hate his looks," said the dwarf, "and hope he'll die or the Indians
+will capture him, so that he'll never show his face in our house again."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Frankie," exclaimed Mrs. Willard, reprovingly, "what a wicked
+wish! I am sure the more I see of Mr. Simmons, the better he appears.
+Doesn't he, Esther?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's hard to understand," replied the spinster.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>At twilight of the third day ensuing, Mr. Simmons returned.</p>
+
+<p>"Ferdie," said he, familiarly, "I have a capital idea for you boys. It
+is too late in the season, you know, to plant, but it is magnificent
+weather for haying. I'd like a little exercise at it myself. Suppose
+we spend several days working up the grass—untold acres wait for the
+scythe. It's easy making it in this dry Minnesota air, and these
+ceaseless breezes—cut and stack it the same hour almost. Why, your
+sons, Mrs. Willard, might put up tons of it; and in the fall and
+winter, the immigrants, flocking in too late to hay, would buy of you,
+and pay all you asked. They must have it for their cattle; don't you
+see? And I'd rather give the lads a lift at it than not."</p>
+
+<p>"A most excellent idea," said Mrs. Willard.</p>
+
+<p>"I've lugged a scythe ten miles on purpose," he continued. "Here it
+is." And he took it in from the side of the cabin, against which it
+leaned. "What say for a raid on the prairie grass to-morrow, boys?—If
+your mother will let me lunch on her nice corn-cake, and stretch my
+legs on a board in the attic."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," replied that lady, with warmth. "Ferdie, some haying-tools
+came with the wagon—did they not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, mother," he answered; "two rakes, a large and small hayfork, and
+one scythe."</p>
+
+<p>"How much will hay probably command next fall?" inquired the mother.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be low, of course, compared with eastern prices; but the grass
+here grows wild, and it makes into hay vastly easier and faster. Your
+boys will dispose of it readily at from five to ten dollars per ton,
+and they can stack two tons a day, easily."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the ticket," said Georgie, turning a summersault from the
+doorstep, where he sat listening. "We can pay for our claim that way.
+I'm in for it, for one. Hurrah for prairie hay!"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Simmons's suggestion was a good one, and commended itself even to
+calculating aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>And next morning betimes, the pleasant and familiar sound of the mower
+sharpening his scythe resounded on the proximate prairie.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Simmons, with amazing ease, yet with hurry, cut great smooth
+swaths. Ferdie improved as he practised, abiding by Mr. Simmons's
+example and instructions. Willie and Frankie handled the rakes.
+Soon gigantic hay-mounds dotted the shorn plain, the man day by day
+stimulating the energies of the boys by his own disinterested efforts,
+and by assuring them that all the profits were to be theirs.</p>
+
+<p>One noon, as they reclined eating their dinner, Mr. Simmons observed,—</p>
+
+<p>"Boys, I move we vary our work this afternoon. I'm getting tired of
+that dark attic. Besides, the roof is so low that I can't get into bed
+without thumping my head against the rafters. Let us cut some light
+logs, and build a little hut between here and the cabin for me to
+occupy nights, and to store the tools in, and save carrying them so
+far."</p>
+
+<p>So Fondle and Georgie fetched axes, and a miniature cabin arose, which,
+from that time forward, Mr. Simmons slept in.</p>
+
+<p>The haying went on prosperously, Mr. Simmons working with the boys, or
+omitting it, as he chose, but when in the field directing all that was
+done. He proved an efficient overseer.</p>
+
+<p>He now frequently called in at the Willard cabin for conversation with
+the ladies, his many thoughtful suggestions and apt offices causing
+them to depend somewhat on his aid. Towards Miss Esther, he became
+specially, but unostentatiously, attentive. And when, at times, he
+dwelt on the loneliness of his bleak bachelorhood, and pictured his
+idea of wifely qualifications, occasionally the blood would mount to
+her cheeks, as she fancied he had her in mind for the original.</p>
+
+<p>"I declare, I believe the old bach is dead in love with you, sis," Mrs.
+Willard would assert, after he had left.</p>
+
+<p>At which insinuation aunt Esther's ear-drops would indignantly vibrate,
+as she tossed her head, ejaculating, "What presumption!"</p>
+
+<p>There was, however, one kindness that Mr. Simmons did aunt Esther
+that extorted her appreciative notice. She had—as who has not?—one
+infirmity: she was vain of her clear complexion—a charm she feared she
+should lose in the gloomy, begrimed loggery.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be black as Egypt," she sighed one day, as the gallant "bach"
+entered. "It's as dark and smoky here as Tartarus!"</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after Mr. Simmons remarked,—</p>
+
+<p>"Ladies, I've been on a voyage of discovery, and have hit on a chance
+to buy a cooking-stove and some glass windows, cheap. Now, you could
+have an aperture cut for a window, and one fitted in very easily—Ferdie
+and I could do it, as to that. A temporary addition might also be
+built against the cabin, near the door, to put the stove in till cool
+weather."</p>
+
+<p>"What would they cost?" eagerly asked Mrs. Willard.</p>
+
+<p>"Not over eighteen dollars. The stove is second-hand."</p>
+
+<p>She did not answer, for she felt too poor to spare the money. But when
+her eyes were turned, aunt Esther followed the bachelor out of the
+cabin, and inquired, dignifiedly,—</p>
+
+<p>"When could the stove and windows be procured?"</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"The money is ready when they arrive," she said. "Come to me for it;
+but let it remain a secret between you and me."</p>
+
+<p>Immediately, to the astonishment of Mrs. Willard, the boys and the
+bachelor attacked the dwelling. They were chiselling, pounding,
+thumping, sawing, in a most unaccountable manner, the entire afternoon,
+till at length daylight streamed into the log house through a civilized
+glass window, and the tea-kettle sang a song of steam in a veritable
+stove.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, the dwarf was still sullen towards the benevolent Mr.
+Simmons. And aunt Esther, despite his clever compliments and kindnesses
+to the household, shook distrustingly, though less confidently, her
+well-poised head. But with Mrs. Willard, Ferdie, and Georgie, the
+bachelor was immensely popular.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"What is that?" exclaimed Mrs. Willard, a week later, as stentorian
+shouting smote her ear from the direction of the haystacks.</p>
+
+<p>Georgie hurried round the grove, and more quickly hurried back, his
+blue eyes wide with wonder, reporting that two men were there with a
+"tremenjous" big team, ploughing.</p>
+
+<p>"On our claim?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard and aunt Esther, with the three boys, went to see for
+themselves. Sure enough, in front of the hut in which considerate Mr.
+Simmons performed nocturnal music, was yoke on yoke of oxen, drawing a
+mammoth plough through the virgin sod. It was an animating spectacle.
+But why were they ploughing there? And by whose order?</p>
+
+<p>The lads hastened to ascertain.</p>
+
+<p>"It's another of Mr. Simmons's generous surprises," said confiding Mrs.
+Willard. "He's having that land broken up for the boys. He 'is' a good
+soul, there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mister," addressing the man of the whip, "who sent you to plough on
+our piece?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hey?" blurted the driver, beginning a new furrow.</p>
+
+<p>When he reached the end of it, Ferdie repeated the question.</p>
+
+<p>"Git out of the way," he roared, flourishing the cruel lash, "or you'll
+git this round yer legs!"</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand retreated in consternation, and repairing to his mother,
+stated the brutal reception he had met.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll inquire," said aunt Esther, her eyes flashing; "they'll not be
+impudent to me!"</p>
+
+<p>The correctness of this conclusion, however, appeared doubtful as she
+neared the ploughmen. Their vociferous "gee-haw"-ing and terrible oaths
+discovered a determination, like Jeff Davis, to be "let alone."</p>
+
+<p>But Miss Esther advanced, with undaunted intrepidity, directly in
+the path of the team, and there she stood immovable as a granite
+boulder. The cattle stopped, the men ceased swearing, at the unexpected
+interference.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said she to the teamster, "I wish to be informed by whose
+authority you are here."</p>
+
+<p>"Wall, I ruther suspects," returned the man, "it's by the authority of
+him as owns this strip o' land."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wall, miss, it's the person what occurpies that ere shanty, and forked
+up those ere stacks o' hay!"</p>
+
+<p>"O, you've made a mistake," she observed. "'We' built that hut, and
+made that hay."</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't no one else have a hand in it?"</p>
+
+<p>"A man who boarded with us helped—a Mr. Simmons."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know no Mr. Simmons; nor you nuther, as to that. But the
+individual what occurpies that shanty employed us to turn over this
+soil, and we're just a going to do it. Gee! Git up!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," interposed the lady, stepping to his side and laying her white
+hand on his bare, brown wrist, "'you' are a 'man,' and 'I' am a
+'woman,' and of course you are 'gentleman' enough to hear what I've got
+to say. Come this way a moment," she added, authoritatively.</p>
+
+<p>And ashamed to refuse, he followed her to the Willard cabin.</p>
+
+<p>"Here's where we live," said she. "Which has been the longest built,
+this house or that hut, in which the one who sent you here slept a few
+nights?"</p>
+
+<p>"This, in course," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Then what right had that fellow—our 'guest'—to call this land his, and
+send you to break it up?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you preëmpted, miss?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, miss, I'm hired to do this small job, an' I shell do it. Can't
+afford to lose the pay. All is, ye'll have ter be spry, or you'll have
+yer claim jumped—that's all!"</p>
+
+<p>"Jumped! I don't understand you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you're mighty green, then. It's done over and often. You see,
+the one what gits fust into the Land Office, and swears he's got a
+cabin, and some breaking on land what's unpaid for, gits it. Now,
+that's what this ere Mr. Shimmey—or whatsomdever's his name—is arter,
+'you' bet!" And her blunt informant turned to go.</p>
+
+<p>"One more question," said she. "You asserted that he owned that hay.
+What do you know about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing much," was the answer; "only that I heard this ere man engage
+it to Edmonds at three dollars a ton. Edmonds is buying up all he can
+lay paws on, to hold agin it gits higher!"</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_15">CHAPTER XV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>ONE SWALLOW DOES NOT MAKE A SUMMER.— TRIBULATIONS OF A FAT MAN.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"I SHALL ask him, as sure as he sets foot inside this cabin again." And
+aunt Esther's cheeks glowed.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose," said the dwarf, "that if he intends to jump our
+claim, he'd be fool enough to tell you beforehand?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall never believe that Mr. Simmons is tricky and dishonest,"
+affirmed the charitable Mrs. Willard. "Why, I have been much
+instructed, and benefited,—I hope I have a right to say,—by his
+excellent sentiments. If I am not deceived, he's a truly godly person.
+And I still think that he sent that breaking team here as a generous
+kindness to us. It was a surprise—he's so delicate about intruding
+himself. You are unreasonable towards him, Esther, while he worships
+the ground you tread on; and he is doing these kindnesses in order to
+overcome your prejudice, and get you to look with more favor on his
+suit."</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Esther grew pale with anger, but kept her firmly-set mouth closed.</p>
+
+<p>"And 'you,' Frankie, are much to blame for your aunt's coolness. You'd
+be suspicious of an angel; and you talked so hard against Mr. Simmons,
+that she has drank into your spirit. It is ungrateful, after all he's
+done to help us. I'm sure we 'need' help out here on the prairie."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you'll find out," hotly piped the Hunchback, "after he's got our
+splendid claim! But, mother," he added, after a moment's pause, "it
+isn't best for me, or aunt Esther, or any of us, to let him know we
+suspect him, for that would put him on his guard. And if he 'does' wish
+for the land, he would hurry and preëmpt it. We must treat him well,
+but 'watch'—'watch'—keeping our eyes open when he supposes they are
+shut."</p>
+
+<p>"That's it, Frankie," joined in aunt Esther; "we must conceal our
+suspicions, and unravel his schemes, if we can. But there he is, now!"</p>
+
+<p>And flustered Mrs. Willard became over-busy in her housework, and
+self-poised aunt Esther returned to her sewing.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you all do?" he inquired, in an accent of sincere interest, and
+not in the careless tone of a commonplace.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite well, I thank you," responded Mrs. Willard, intent on her baking.</p>
+
+<p>"Pleased to hear it. By the way, did some men call here to do a little
+breaking?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she answered, ceasing to mould the dough, and, regarding him
+with transparent anxiety, instantly added, "they said 'you' sent them."</p>
+
+<p>"Happy to learn that they were so prompt. You see, by turning over
+the sod that it may lay exposed to the weather and the frost, it will
+be nicely rotted by spring. Fortunately, I ran across that team while
+I was away; and as it is almost impossible to hire one for love or
+money,—especially for a small job,—there is so much prairie to be
+broken up. I persuaded the fellows to put in their plough for a little
+strip—only three acres. The boys will want a garden next season."</p>
+
+<p>Good Mrs. Willard's expressive countenance displayed the pleasure she
+felt at his vindication of himself; and to help him out, she said,
+notwithstanding the dwarf's admonitory frown,—</p>
+
+<p>"The boys thought it strange you told those men that this claim is
+yours."</p>
+
+<p>"So I did," he explained, lightly laughing. "You'll set that down as
+a fib, I'm afraid, and mark me out of your books. But they were full
+of work, and I was obliged to make out a strong plea to get them here
+at all, and of course I had to become personally responsible for the
+contract. Men don't care to do business with women, and these chaps
+knew nothing about Mrs. Willard and sister,—estimable ladies as they
+are, and abundantly able to pay."</p>
+
+<p>"How much is their bill?" tartly inquired aunt Esther, taking out her
+purse.</p>
+
+<p>"A mere trifle," replied Mr. Simmons "only twelve dollars. Another time
+will answer just as well. Ferdie and Willie, I wish to show you about
+the breaking."</p>
+
+<p>"There," said he, as they reached the three acres, "this spot lies low,
+and I chose it partly because, being moist, it will stand a drought,
+should there be one next summer. It's no harm to be sure of 'one' crop,
+at least. This will be your garden. You will have to fence it, to shut
+out stray cattle. And, by the by, I might spend a day or two helping in
+this, better than not, just now. Suppose we go at it this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"Agreed!" cried the lads, as enthusiastic now as condemnatory before.</p>
+
+<p>"If, now, Frankie was as smart and bright as his brothers," continued
+the bachelor, "it wouldn't take us long to get out the rails and lay
+them up. Pity he's so helpless and odd."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess dinner is about ready," said Ferdie; "Georgie, you run and
+see."</p>
+
+<p>The lad quickly reappeared to call them. And as the little family
+surrounded the rude table, Mrs. Willard hesitatingly said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Simmons, perhaps you would say grace before we eat."</p>
+
+<p>"If you desire, ma'am," he replied, and repeated a brief form of
+petition and thanksgiving, which so mellowed Mrs. Willard's sensitive
+heart that she fairly loaded her guest's plate with the choicest of the
+food, and was concerned that his vigorous "appetite was so poor."</p>
+
+<p>Their guest ate rapidly, and precipitately rising, excused himself,
+saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"Boys, I'll get things ready, and when you are through eating, we'll go
+to work."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard looked from the window after him till assured he was out
+of hearing, then gesticulating impressively with a fork, she said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Frankie and Esther, I trust you are satisfied. You have doubted
+and slandered a pious and true man."</p>
+
+<p>"Frankie," she interrupted herself to scream, "come back and finish
+your dinner!"</p>
+
+<p>But the dwarf disappeared behind a corner of the log stable.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"MR. SWALLER!"</p>
+
+<p>That fat worthy was venturing very carefully to "work his passage"
+from the immigrant wagon to "terra firma." And at the inopportune
+instant when the shrew's shrill and imperative summons pierced his
+ear, was mentally and physically contriving how to descend safely with
+a strapping girl of five under one arm, and elsewise, a nurse bottle,
+a basket of eggs, a flask of wine, a bandbox containing his wife's
+bonnet, and last, but not least, himself.</p>
+
+<p>"'Mr. Swaller!'"</p>
+
+<p>The rotund and encumbered gentleman alluded to was peculiarly situated.
+The horses were uneasy, the flies pertinacious, the ponderous wagon
+starting, just as he essayed, with one foot on the wheel, to make land.
+There was an awful and untimely lurch of the vehicle. The eggs slid in
+succession "to smash," and, stooping to catch them, his unwieldy legs
+became entangled, and, by a remarkable feat, considering his weight, he
+found himself on the ground, bandbox beneath him, child sitting on his
+nose, and milk running into his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The spectators to this extremely unique and striking "tableau" were the
+Willard household, and—Mrs. Swallow.</p>
+
+<p>The flustered and perspiring "Mr." Swallow gathered together his lower
+extremities, sat up, and gazed around, as well as cherub and milk would
+permit. The former, its unusually large mouth stretched miraculously,
+yelled "particular murder."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. 'Swaller!' When 'are' you going to bring that poor lamb into the
+cabin? There! You've stuck your thumb in its eye—put it out, of course,
+and no doctor to run for. On my Paris hat, too. I shall be a fright
+now. After all the pains I've taken to bring it all the way from the
+east, that's what I get for it. Don't put your foot into the rest of
+the eggs. You know I can't 'exist' without egg and wine. Broke the
+bottle, eh! Here, darling,—" to the child,—"come to me. What would
+you do if your poor sick mother was to die? Who'd care for you then,
+darling? To think that the 'last' born of my 'first' husband should
+be 'pitched' out of a wagon at the risk of its innocent life! There,
+'h-u-s-h,' sweet. Here's some more candy for you."</p>
+
+<p>And the stout, elderly lady tightly clasped the sugar-sucking angel,
+alternately lavishing kisses on its bedaubed mouth, and darting sharp
+sentences at her unfortunate "lord."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Swaller, I 'can't' go immigrating any more, and I 'won't.' Came
+to save my life? So you did. But I'd rather 'die' east than 'live'
+west. 'Creeping' along, like a sick snail, in a nasty emigrant wagon!
+Jolt, jolt; rumble, rumble; drag, drag. You're welcome to cure my
+lungs, but you 'shan't' do it on the prairies! Nothing but grass,
+grass, 'everlasting' grass, as if we were hosses, and not folks. I'm no
+better, and you can see it if you're a mind to."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Swallow listened to this sententious but rapidly-delivered harangue
+with a meekness and long-suffering worthy of commendation. It was
+evident he realized his position and responsibilities as a "'family'
+man." And though it was plain he was not indifferent to the speeches of
+his "better half," he bore the inflictions as if he comprehended that
+such was his duty. He was used, but not wholly hardened, to it.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Swallow, as she has already informed us, was an invalid—a martyr
+to real, or fancied, pulmonary difficulties. And the doctors, having
+long been harassed with her "complaints," and exhausted the Materia
+Medica in endeavoring to effect a cure, had rid themselves of their
+patient by recommending a change of climate. And Mr. Swallow, in
+accordance with medical suggestions and his wife's appeals, was
+journeying with her in Prairie-land.</p>
+
+<p>Recovering from his mishap, the dutiful husband hurried at once to load
+his arms with domestic goods, and to soothe the partner of his joys.
+When, as overburdened and panting he approached the cabin door where
+sat his afflicted spouse, "darling" suddenly sprang from her mother's
+embrace, and laying hold of his coat-tail, violently jerked upon it,
+spitefully kicking his shins the while with her patent copper toes.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Swaller, see how you've hurt that poor lamb's feelings—that's why
+she acts so. And no wonder—'pitching' her out of the wagon at the risk
+of breaking her innocent neck. Darling, come to your mother."</p>
+
+<p>But darling pulled the more desperately at the coat, Mr. Swallow
+straining to press ahead, when, lo, the garment parted, and "darling"
+was precipitated backward upon the ground, and Mr. Swallow forward into
+the cabin, a storm of toilet utensils, wearing apparel, food, a dish
+of molasses, and an umbrella and parasol, showering upon his loving
+helpmeet.</p>
+
+<p>"You've done it now, Mr. Swaller! Do you think my head is made of
+iron, that a stone pot won't crack it? I do believe you'll be the
+death of me, and 'that child,' yet. What would my 'first' husband
+say, if he knew how his 'last' born was treated! But I shan't and I
+won't go emigrating an inch further, lungs or no lungs. I'll die in
+a 'galloping' consumption before I'll 'creep' all over the earth in
+a frightful emigrant wagon. There are snakes here, too. You needn't
+tell me there ain't. 'You' saw one; and 'I' saw one. A nasty big
+'rattlesnake.' What if he'd stung that child with his horrid-sounding
+rattles.</p>
+
+<p>"Ma'am," addressing Mrs. Willard, "'can't' we stay here to-night?
+Yes, we can," answering her own question; "and to-morrer them hosses
+will turn tail about, and we'll jolt, jolt, creep, creep, drag, drag,
+back to the east—lungs or no lungs. They said 'twas a 'climate' here.
+Climate! It's blowed like a harricane for more'n a week. And it's
+thundered for a whole hour; and it'll keep on thundering for a month
+without stopping to breathe, for what I know. 'Climate!'"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Swallow, assisted by Ferdie and Willie, unharnessed and put up his
+span in the little stable, Ferdie hitching one of his outside, Mr.
+Simmons being, for a wonder, away.</p>
+
+<p>"O, you've put up the horses—have you, Mr. Swaller? Well, I hope you've
+'locked' them up, too. To think, such a valuable horse as you lost, all
+through your own carelessness, Mr. Swaller. Nothing else—don't tell me.
+That beast was stole 'right under' your 'nose,' and likely's not these
+will be. Then where shall we be. Have to trot around on foot. Pretty
+figure you'd cut—wouldn't you? Setting out to walk east, heavy as you
+are."</p>
+
+<p>The Willards welcomed the arrival of bed-time, in the hope that sleep
+would fetter the tongue of the 'twit'tering Swallow. She retired early,
+occupying Mrs. Willard's bed in the room below, while the Willards
+disposed themselves as best they could in the attic.</p>
+
+<p>But Mrs. Willard was startled from a refreshing nap by a distressed cry
+from the apartment beneath.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Swaller!" faintly.</p>
+
+<p>"'Mr. Swaller!'" louder.</p>
+
+<p>"MR. SWALLER!" angrily. Then desperately, "Mrs. Log-cabin-woman! 'Mrs.
+Log-cabin-woman!'"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard thrust her head through the opening in the attic floor, at
+the ladder-way, and asked,—</p>
+
+<p>"What's wanted?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Log-cabin-woman, won't you 'wake' up Mr. Swaller. I'm sick!"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard was amused and vexed. Comfortably in her hostess's bed lay
+the vixen visitress and offspring, while stretched on the trunk-table
+was the obese husband in shirt and pants, his head topped off with a
+yellow handkerchief, his abortive endeavors at snoring—consisting of a
+snort and a puff—attesting how happily oblivious he was to the agonies
+of his Eve.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said Mrs. Willard, "your husband must be very much fatigued;
+hadn't you better let him rest?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rest, when my head aches as if 'twould split? Wake him up, I say. I
+shall die if I don't have some ice-cold water to bathe it in."</p>
+
+<p>"If you would be quiet, perhaps the ache would cease," mildly suggested
+Mrs. Willard.</p>
+
+<p>"My poor lungs are so pressed—and he a trying to snore! And I so
+weak!—Mr. Swaller?" tenderly and inquiringly. "You 'won't' wake up,
+'hey?' We'll see, then," she vociferated, bounding to his side and
+smartly shaking him.</p>
+
+<p>"Wh-what's to pay?" he stuttered.</p>
+
+<p>"Pay? Its 'spring water' to pay, Mr. Swaller. There's the pail. Quick!
+I'm most gone!" and she retreated, gasping, to her couch.</p>
+
+<p>The model husband repaired to the spring, and, returning, bathed her
+forehead, till, tired of that service, she bade him stop, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"But you're not going to lie down again, Mr. Swaller; not a bit of
+it, after neglecting me so brutally. You shall 'watch' by me, and if
+I survive this horrible night, you shall take me east in the morning.
+Live among these western savages? That woman wouldn't lift her littlest
+finger to rouse you, though I was most dead—and you a snoring there!
+No; you 'can't' snore like a man; you're too fat. It's puff, snort;
+puff, snort; and that horrid 'western' female standing, sniggering,
+viewing the scene!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Swaller," patiently preserved the perpendicular till daybreak, his
+wife in timely interpositions saluting his drooping lids with,—</p>
+
+<p>"Not going to sleep—are you? You won't puff, snort, when I'm sick."</p>
+
+<p>As the swallows were migrating next day, Frankie, addressing the man,
+said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't your wife say you had a horse stolen from you?"</p>
+
+<p>"She did."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of a looking beast was it?"</p>
+
+<p>"A splendid large black horse, with a white spot in the forehead, and
+the scar of a flesh wound inside of the left hind leg, on the ham. I
+shall get posters printed describing the beast, and offering a liberal
+reward for its recovery."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_16">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>FRANKIE'S SECRET.—THE INVISIBLE PURSUER.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"AUNT ESTHER," whispered Frankie, "come out near the breaking pretty
+soon; I want to see you alone."</p>
+
+<p>The prudent spinster repaired thither without attracting notice.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what do you want, Frankie?" she inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"About this Mr. Simmons," he replied, coming directly to the point.
+"I believe he's a bad fellow, and will do us some mischief yet, if we
+don't get rid of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you found out anything?" she asked anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Enough to make me determined to find out more," said he. "Did you
+notice how suddenly he left off eating that day the Swallows called?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and I thought it strange."</p>
+
+<p>"So did I; but I know the reason. He's mighty quick to hear the least
+sound. He's like a cat watching for a mouse—only he acts sometimes as
+if he was the mouse, and was expecting the cat to catch him. He heard
+that woman's voice, and hurried to the stable. I followed without his
+seeing me. I'm on his track most of the time. He seems to know it, too;
+and how he glares at me when none of the family see! But he can't shake
+me off. Well, he hurried to saddle and bridle his horse, and ride away.
+You know he keeps his in the farther stall from the door. One of our
+horses happened to be in the way, and this Simmons kicked him terribly
+in the stomach, and swore like a pirate."</p>
+
+<p>"Right after asking a blessing at the table!" murmured aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the old hypocrite! I knew he did that to comb the wool over
+mother's eyes. Then hastening to mount, he drove to the other side of
+the grove, and waiting there till the Swallows had gone to bed,—the
+woman, saying she was sick, had us all retire early,—he drove like
+blazes across the prairie, the rain pouring down all the while like a
+deluge.</p>
+
+<p>"But after the Swallows had left, he came back, tied up his horse, and
+went to work fencing as peacefully, as if he had staid by, and wasn't
+drenched to the skin in the shower."</p>
+
+<p>"How queer!" ejaculated the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it queer, too," continued the dwarf, fixing his large eyes
+suggestively on hers, "that he's kept that splendid horse here so long?
+When he agreed for the boys to take charge of the animal, it was for
+only two or three days, and because, he stated, that the horse had been
+overdriven, and needed to recruit. But the creature is so ambitious and
+high, that Simmons will not allow him to be grained. He's in tip-top
+order. Yet his master never uses him to go out of sight of our cabin,
+but 'walks' to and from the places where he so often goes. What's all
+that for?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sure I can't tell," she answered, perplexed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, 'I' can," asserted her diminutive informant; "that's a stolen
+horse!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Stolen?'"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes!"</p>
+
+<p>"What makes you suspect that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Come with me, and I'll convince you," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>And the Hunchback, cautiously peering about to be certain no curious
+eyes observed their movements, led the way to the stable. Then,
+pointing between the legs to the animal's head, he asked,—</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see that white spot?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>Then turning a corner of the stable,—</p>
+
+<p>"And that scar on the inner side of the left hind leg? Look sharp."</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image005" style="max-width: 25.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image005.jpg" alt="image005"></figure>
+<p class="t4">
+<b>AUNT ESTHER AND FRANKIE.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Swallow told me that the horse that was stolen from him had those
+marks, and this animal in all other respects perfectly answers his
+description."</p>
+
+<p>"That accounts for his hurrying off in the shower," mused the lady.
+"What do you propose doing about it, Frankie?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, mother and those boys mustn't know what we think
+about it, for they'd ask him if 'twas so, and thus put him on his
+guard, and perhaps he'd murder us all. He has a savage disposition, and
+a man that will lie as he has, and pretend to be pious, and steal a
+horse, would kill you if you were in his path."</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Esther shuddered and turned pale.</p>
+
+<p>"We are completely at the mercy of this cold-blooded schemer," she
+exclaimed. "He'll get the land and everything from us; and even our
+lives are not secure."</p>
+
+<p>"We mustn't let him," interposed the dwarf, fiercely. "It's put upon me
+to foil this villain, and I will do it." And the piping voice rang out
+shrill as a fife.</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful!" remarked aunt Esther. "Some one may overhear you. Tell me
+what your plan is, and if I can assist in it," she added, resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>"He'll be here to-night—it's his time—I've studied his habits.
+To-morrow he'll leave again, for he only comes now to see if his horse
+is safe. Then I shall 'follow' him; yes," added the dwarf, his tones
+dropping to a hiss, and his eyes gleaming, "I'll track him to his
+haunts, as a hound would a panther, and the instant I get the proof I
+want, he'll be in the hands of an officer."</p>
+
+<p>"O, what if he should see you following?" she said, in terror.</p>
+
+<p>"He won't. Look, auntie!" And sinking into the grass, he piped, "I can
+hide at his very heels—almost."</p>
+
+<p>"But you are weakly, Frankie; he can travel faster and farther than
+you. You would not be able to keep him in sight."</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't?" exclaimed the Hunchback, rising, and looking her
+confidently in the face.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know you could?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I've tried," chuckled the dwarf. "I've tracked him mile after
+mile—been behind him—before him—at his right—at his left—sat down
+when he sat down—heard him talk to himself when he supposed only the
+prairie hens and the snakes heard him. O, how lazy he is!" And his face
+expressed intense disgust. "He walks lazy, and he works lazy. He 'can'
+be swifter and stronger than the swiftest and strongest man I ever saw?
+But he won't—only for a little while, to deceive folks. He managed to
+give those boys the heavy lifting, and the quick moving; but he talked
+so glib, and bossed them so well, that they thought he was doing his
+part. He don't expect to get his living by hurry or labor, but by
+trickery and fraud. I've hovered around the sneaking scamp till every
+crook and turn of his body is as plain to me beforehand as that the sun
+will rise and set. Ah, I'll fix him!"</p>
+
+<p>"I dread to have you follow this man," expostulated his aunt, "for if
+he 'should' discover you—"</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Esther," interrupted the dwarf, "look at me once more. Am I not
+ugly, misshapen? Can I run, leap, wrestle, or swing the axe and scythe?
+Doesn't every one wonder that I endure to live? If he throttles me,
+better me than the beautiful and the able-bodied. He cannot, however.
+But if I were too cowardly and selfish to risk it, who would? And who
+can imagine what mischief might fall on the family! It's 'put upon me'
+to do this, and I must."</p>
+
+<p>"How far would you be obliged to follow him?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Somewhere from twelve to eighteen miles—can't judge exactly."</p>
+
+<p>"Frankie, dear, I suppose I must trust you on this strange and perilous
+mission. It's hard, though," and the tears fell; "and you are so noble
+about it! I shall pray for you. Here's a little money," handing him a
+bill. "You may need it to get out a warrant, or secure the services
+of an officer,—I don't understand these matters,—or for your own
+expenses." And struggling to appear cheerful, she reentered the cabin.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Simmons, as Frankie predicted, tenanted his shanty that night,
+and on the succeeding fore-noon, after patting Georgie and praising
+Ferdie for their smartness and ability at fencing, hinting at the
+reward in store for them for acting as hostlers, and lamenting that
+little Frankie was such a burden to them, took his departure, swinging
+along at a masterly gate, till an ample space with was between himself
+and the Willards. Then, with indolent saunter, he moved at the other
+extreme of pedestrian locomotion.</p>
+
+<p>Behind him, in the distance, had he looked critically back with a
+magnifying glass, perhaps he would have detected a black speck moving
+after in the distance. It was the dwarf's cap in the prairie grass.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Simmons's well-developed figure stood distinctly outlined against
+the sky, but the pursuing pygmy was too near the earth to be easily
+discerned. The Hunchback's eyes were clear, determined, alert, though
+more than ever deep and thoughtful. His face expressed mingled
+satisfaction, wariness, and resentment. The unconsciously pursued
+instinctively hated his pursuer, and had he been aware of the latter's
+propinquity, how quickly he would have crushed him, with no hand to
+interpose!</p>
+
+<p>But the Hunchback, though bodily contemptible, compared with Mr.
+Simmons, had a "head,"—you need not be certified of that, were you to
+meet him,—and his physical minuteness was, under the circumstances, to
+his advantage. Blessed are short legs when one on the prairies must not
+be seen! With his singularly precocious intellect, sharpened by sorrow,
+and roused by the emergencies of his present undertaking, Mr. Simmons
+had in the despised dwarf no mean antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>What a scene! In front loomed Mr. Simmons's towering form; in the rear
+was the squat proportions of the pertinacious young Hunchback. And thus
+they proceeded for miles—the leader, in his careless indolence, barely
+putting one foot before the other, often stopping to gaze skyward, or
+at the various points of the compass, or to cast himself at length on
+the plain; the follower, steadily gaining on him, yet maintaining a
+discreet distance.</p>
+
+<p>Across Mr. Simmons's route there flowed a shallow creek. Here he was
+accustomed to solace himself with a smoke. Of this circumstance the
+little hunchback seemed aware, for striking into the luxuriant growths
+lining the banks of the stream, he curled himself up triumphantly
+within a few rods of his enemy. Evidently this was a feat he had before
+accomplished, and of which he was particularly proud.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Simmons rested, and the dwarf waited. An hour glided by, then
+another. Hunchback became impatient, he was so anxious to reach the end
+of his pursuit and face the villain, as he felt confident he was to do
+with the fist of justice—not his own fist that lacked knuckle. Why did
+the man "laze" so? The dwarf obtained information on this point by a
+method on which he did not reckon.</p>
+
+<p>"I see you, old boy!" said Simmons, suddenly resuming an upright
+position, and looking the direction of the lad.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf trembled. Had the cunning horse-stealer been cognizant of his
+pursuit, and permitted him to approach, that he might deal out summary
+vengeance? His impulse was to rise and defend himself to the last
+extremity—a forlorn extremity indeed, for him. Flee he could not with
+the least chance of escape.</p>
+
+<p>But something held him quiet. How fortunate!</p>
+
+<p>For Mr. Simmons, forming a tube of his hands, shouted as if to some one
+remote.</p>
+
+<p>"Ahoy, there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, ay!" was the response.</p>
+
+<p>And the Hunchback, assured that he had not been seen, noiselessly
+turned to ascertain who the last speaker was. The long strides of the
+new comer soon brought him to view—a rough, ill-visaged customer, with
+bushy whiskers, and carrying a gun. Approaching obliquely, his course
+lay directly across the Hunchback's hiding-place. Nor did the dwarf
+dare move, for Mr. Simmons stood overlooking his concealment, and the
+least motion or rustling might betray him. He had, however, escaped one
+danger by keeping still; this encouraged him not to precipitate his
+fate by useless action. The friendly sedges put their blossoming tops
+together to screen him; but already he lay exposed to the advancing
+foot of the stranger, when the latter, springing aside, exclaimed,—</p>
+
+<p>"A rattlesnake, old hoss, sure's you're alive!"</p>
+
+<p>And making a circuit to avoid the reptile, he avoided the Hunchback too.</p>
+
+<p>"Even a rattlesnake can do some good," thought the dwarf, breathing
+freer.</p>
+
+<p>"How 'are' yer, Grimes?" said the stranger. "Give us yer paw!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, 'Grimes!'" soliloquized the dwarf. "Then Simmons isn't his true
+name!"</p>
+
+<p>"And you, Scroggs? They haven't nabbed you yet, hey?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, nor you nuther. But jist you see here! Isn't that a purty toy?"</p>
+
+<p>The Hunchback, peering from his nest, saw that it was a gold watch and
+chain.</p>
+
+<p>"Took the critter from a cabin not more'n two hours ago. Door was
+open—walked in. Nobody there. This thing hanging agin the logs. Says I,
+'It's no place for jewelry, in a log cabin,' and having an affection
+for sich trash, jist tuck it 'long. Scare up any 'game' out here, old
+fellow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Slim picking, compared with better. 'Tain't like the Mississip,"
+replied Simmons. "Got a horse to sell, and some geese to pluck. Tell
+yer what, that animal is wuth five hundred dollars, if it's wuth a
+cent. Belonged to a rhinoceros in hat and boots—travelling for his
+lady's health. Isn't she a screamer? Took the horse off while she
+was trotting her man round doing family chores. Stabled him way off
+on the prairie, where he'll be safe from his 'former' owner till the
+excitement's over; then he's on the market. Don't fancy waitin' 'fore
+realizin'; but I gets free gratis. The boys take care of the animal
+because they love me like a father; they've put me up some hay,—that's
+already engaged—and have fenced 'my' breaking to help me jump 'their'
+claim—ha, ha, ha!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Ha, ha, ha!'" mocked the dwarf, in the grass, too angry to contain
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?" exclaimed Scroggs, turning around. "Did you hear that
+laugh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied his companion, "plain enough!"</p>
+
+<p>Rising, they gazed silently about them.</p>
+
+<p>"Wal, one thing's sartin," observed Scroggs, as they seated themselves
+again; "there's not a 'human' on 'this' prairie."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Grimes, you spoke on the boys; whar's the old uns?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wal, fust comes their dear mamma—the piousest shemale afloat—'twould
+do your gizzard good, old boss, to hear me pray over her cooking!"</p>
+
+<p>"You didn't try 'that' on!"</p>
+
+<p>"I did, though; but it didn't come a mite natural. I expected an
+invitation to say grace, as they call it, and having a minister in
+tow, I jist noticed how he went on, and repeated it word for word—shut
+eyes—clasped hands—went the whole figger."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha, ha!" they roared, slapping their sides.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha, ha!" shrilly echoed the irascible dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"There's that sound agin—it fairly chills me," said Scroggs. "What you
+s'pose it is, hoss?"</p>
+
+<p>"It must either be an echo or a bird, I judge," replied the other,
+deliberating.</p>
+
+<p>"Next is an old maid, aunt Esther, my 'sweetheart,' you
+understand—don't swaller soft soap as easy as the other. Then a
+miserable imitation of a human with a hunch back. Blast him—his eyes
+follow me everywhere. I'd 'strangle him' if I had a chance!"</p>
+
+<p>"Eny money there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not much show. Don't know, though, 'bout the old maid. She's
+close-mouthed as an oyster. That's what I'm courting her for—to find
+out."</p>
+
+<p>"You ain't mentioned the old man."</p>
+
+<p>"Haven't any. That weasel of a Hunchback told me, when I fust
+introduced myself to the interesting household, that they left 'him'
+behind. So they had, with a vengeance. The mother opened her innocent
+heart to me pretty free. He was robbed on the steamer, and thrown
+overboard."</p>
+
+<p>His comrade rose, and laying his freckled red hand on Grimes's
+shoulder, said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Who do you s'pose did that job?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twasn't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Me and Brooks. That's why I'm here. I'm doubtful if 'twas done
+thorough. His wife was a callin' to him, an' his brat was comin' to see
+whar he was, an' me an' Brooks clutched him in a hurry, and I relieved
+him of his valuables, and touched him up with the steel, and histed him
+out of the boat all at onst, as you may say. An' Brooks stands to it
+he saw him arterwards hugging a snag. Now, boss, 'ef' that's so, and
+he was helped off by some one, I wouldn't jist like to light upon him
+among folks. So I've taken to travelling on the prairies till it blows
+one way or t'other.</p>
+
+<p>"But ain't you going to jine our company? You're skittish, come to the
+scratch; a reg'lar born coward; but you're cute. There's 'leven of us.
+Has our headquarters on the river. Have a woman to cook, an' wash, an'
+spy for us; she's a buster—fight like a tiger—cry like a baby."</p>
+
+<p>"Where's your hiding-place?" asked Simmons.</p>
+
+<p>"'Bout three miles an' a half, 'bove Cole's whiskey shop. Cave under
+the bluff. Nobody can scent it. Small island just opposite—big tree
+on't—dead—struck by lightning."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the password?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whistle three times—so!" And he made the sounds. "Our fellars 'll be
+mighty glad to see yer. Shall go back soon myself—dry pickin' on the
+prairies."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I must start on," said Simmons.</p>
+
+<p>"So must I," answered Scroggs; "good-by, hoss." And the latter went his
+way, and the former his—accompanied by the vigilant and dewless dwarf.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_17">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>GRUBBING.—HONEST MR. GREY.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>PICTURE to yourself a man of fifty, of medium height, stoutly built,
+square shoulders, black hair and eyes, long, hooked, knowledgeable
+nose, solemn physiognomy, grave step—Mr. Grey, of Minnesota, reader!</p>
+
+<p>No more honest-looking face than his would you see among a thousand.
+And as for his eyes, a neighbor who had a theory on the subject, said
+she knew he was truthful from their shape; while his worn suit of
+black, of which its ancient swallow-tail was noticeable, had a sort of
+classical air tending to check any sense of the grotesque which might
+arise in the mind of the spectator.</p>
+
+<p>He has of late been "hired man" to Mr. Parsons, the missionary at L—.
+He first introduced himself to the clergyman in a way that touched his
+sympathies. He hailed from Pennsylvania, where, he stated, his wife and
+children still lived, and whom he was anxious to bring to his present
+location, because the fever and ague prevailed in that part of the
+state. He said he had made "a claim" on the adjacent prairie, and "put
+up" a shanty on it, designing to make such "improvements" as the law
+required, and then from his earnings—for he was poor—meet the expense
+of preëmption and removal. He gave a glowing account of his family,
+whom he seemed greatly to miss, and was anxious that his companion
+should be informed as to his situation, and the character and prospects
+of the locality he had chosen.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not used to writing," said he, "and I have called to ask if you
+will be so good as to write a line to my wife for me."</p>
+
+<p>After some further conversation, the letter was written, met his
+approval, and, in accordance with his direction, addressed to the
+absent partner of his fortunes, Mrs. Angelina P. Grey, Readfield, Pa.</p>
+
+<p>A few weeks passed, and he again made his appearance, full of trouble.
+No answer had been received to his affectionate epistle, and he was
+making little headway in his worldly affairs.</p>
+
+<p>"Young men get all the jobs," he complained. "People don't like to hire
+old men like me. They think I can't do much now; but I can keep up my
+end with the best of them."</p>
+
+<p>He then offered to engage himself to the missionary at a reasonable
+price, to do anything desired.</p>
+
+<p>There was one department of "new country" enterprise which those
+who lived in the "oak openings" found difficult enough. It was
+"grubbing".—I do not mean "getting one's grub," although this was not
+any too easy. The fires, which from time immemorial had swept the
+prairies, burned off each year the embryo trees. But the roots, being
+comparatively uninjured, continued to grow, forming near the surface
+of the ground, woody accumulations, round, gnarled, and tough, called
+grubs. These must be removed by the grubbing-hoe—an implement having a
+pick on one side to remove the soil, and an axe on the other to assault
+the roots.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Grey's application was well timed, for Mr. Parsons had set his
+heart on a garden near his cabin, had spoken for a "breaking team," and
+was tying to do impossibilities in the grubbing line, when the sedate
+Pennsylvanian came up the path.</p>
+
+<p>Taking up the hoe, which the minister had laid down, he said,
+pityingly,—</p>
+
+<p>"Now this is too hard for such as you."</p>
+
+<p>The fact was evident.</p>
+
+<p>"It's what you don't know how to do," he continued, "provided you had
+strength for it. Grubbing is as much of a trade as blacksmithing, and a
+mighty sight harder. Just see here," added he, removing the earth from
+a beheaded grub; "the plough can never get through 'that.' 'Tisn't cut
+off deep enough; for the twigs on top of them, if not cut off, show
+just where the grubs are, and the ploughman can keep clear of some of
+them."</p>
+
+<p>Which was all true.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me show you how to do it," he exclaimed, heartily.</p>
+
+<p>And suiting the action to the word, he extirpated, with surprising
+dexterity, grub after grub. Then leaning on the hoe-handle, and talking
+in a confidential tone, he said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I've cleared acres and acres of these 'ere. I was brought up to
+it, as I might say. When's the team comin' to tear up this bit of land?"</p>
+
+<p>"A week to-day," replied the missionary.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you can't get these grubs out by that time yourself. Suppose,
+then, you let me do it for you. I'll have the piece all ready, smooth
+as a picter, if I have to dig to the centre of the earth. Only I shall
+have to board with you meanwhile. I ain't a mite particular what I eat."</p>
+
+<p>Deferring the ploughing till a later day to give him ample
+time,—for the clergyman had heard that Mr. Grey was very slow; some
+called him lazy,—an unpardonable sin in the eyes of the energetic
+frontiersmen,—the good missionary set him at the task with the
+complacent feeling which one has when he helps himself and his neighbor
+at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>At night, on inspecting Mr. Grey's work, it proved satisfactory. And as
+urgent engagements called Mr. Parsons from home each day until after
+nightfall, the grubbing was left wholly to the workman. But always,
+when he hurriedly returned at noon, the missionary could see him
+lustily toiling.
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Once, however, entering the house at an unusual hour, his wife said,
+with a laugh,—</p>
+
+<p>"Do see Mr. Grey perform. I have watched him till I have cried,
+laughing."</p>
+
+<p>Stepping to the window, the preacher saw that Mr. Grey was indulging
+"the resistance which inactive matter makes to a change of state,"
+to his heart's content. A prolonged look at the sky northward, then
+a rest; then moderately spitting on the ground "once;" next an
+examination of the horizon eastward, followed by an inspection of the
+hoe from top to edge; another gaze into space; spitting again; at
+length the hoe is raised, but only to repose a while on the capacious
+shoulder. At last, more by gravitation than muscular force, an
+ineffectual blow is struck.</p>
+
+<p>With a ringing laugh, the wife declared that, with certain
+characteristic variations, the same movements had been enacted and
+reënacted throughout the entire morning.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor man," she kindly ejaculated, "let him favor his old frame. He has
+time enough to get the land ready. And," she added, "he seems to make
+good progress, after all. How clear the ground is behind him! Not a
+grub-sprout to be seen."</p>
+
+<p>One feature in the character of the hired man, which covered a
+multitude of infirmities, was his godly inclinations. He did not
+profess to be a Christian, but described Mrs. Grey as a model disciple,
+sighing because he was unlike her in this respect. When his day's work
+was done, he would take the large Bible, seat himself by the light,
+spread open the book reverently on his knees, and read, quite absorbed.
+No other reading could tempt him from that. At family devotions, he
+knelt devoutly. And carefully washed, shaved, and "dickied," he greeted
+the Sabbath and its services. His conversation was mostly on religious
+topics.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know," he contemplatively observed one day, "as I did right
+in not having my babies baptized, it would have been such a comfort to
+their mother." And a tear glistened in his honest eye.</p>
+
+<p>Listening to his domestic portraitures, the clergyman and wife soon
+felt quite acquainted with Mr. Grey's estimable spouse, and his
+well-trained Sophronia,—a successful school-teacher,—and certainly
+sympathized with him in the miscarriage of his first letter; and a
+second was despatched to Mrs. Angelina P. Grey, county as well as town
+being specified.</p>
+
+<p>At dinner, at tea, Mr. Grey would groan over grubbing. "It was the most
+'strainingest' business that ever a man did," he declared.</p>
+
+<p>How his back ached, his listeners could only imagine by his woful
+grimaces, and the expressive habit he had of pressing his hand upon
+that part of the body whenever he straightened up from a stooping
+posture. Even the famous liniment which a pitying hand furnished him
+gave only temporary relief.</p>
+
+<p>"It is because he gets so tired through the day," his gentle-minded
+critic would suggest, as his stentorian snoring set the baby crying in
+the room below, and spread panic among the rest of the youngsters.</p>
+
+<p>And the clergyman, with stately humor, said, "I must say that I have
+listened to many competitors in these unwelcome serenades, but never
+till now heard the leader of the world's nasal orchestra."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"I would like my pay for the grubbing," said Mr. Grey, as the
+missionary came in one evening.</p>
+
+<p>"Are the grubs all taken out?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Not one left," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"But I stumbled against some in crossing the lot."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered the workman, "there were a few small ones left in that
+corner, because they were of no account. The plough will go through
+them without trouble. When I work for a man, I wish to do by him just
+as I would do for myself. I could have spent time in cutting out every
+little stub, but it would be a needless expense to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said his employer, "I will slip down and see how things look."</p>
+
+<p>And holding the lantern close to the ground as he went, he found that
+not a grub had been disturbed in that part of the enclosure.</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?" he inquired; for the workman had followed.</p>
+
+<p>He replied, unabashed,—</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I would just knock off the twigs on this side, my back was
+so lame; but I shan't charge you anything for that, if you'll pay me
+for the rest of the field."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll examine the remainder first," rejoined the minister.</p>
+
+<p>And to his amazement, it was revealed that after the first day's labor,
+the whole had been gone over in the same deceptive manner!</p>
+
+<p>"Pay me for 'that,'" demanded Mr. Grey.</p>
+
+<p>"Pay me for your board," exclaimed the indignant clergyman, "and the
+damage you hove caused by breaking off the twigs and leaving the roots
+in the soil out of sight."</p>
+
+<p>The dishonest workman raised the ponderous hoe threateningly—for he
+had it with him. A sardonic smile played over his face, a murderous
+light gleamed from his eyes. He kept the weapon poised a moment, as if
+weighing the pros and cons, then put it down, and silently departed.</p>
+
+<p>The missionary felt that the man would have killed him, had he thought
+he could have done so safely to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after, an acquaintance accosted Mr. Parsons, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Grey worked for you a few weeks since, I believe. How did he do
+while in your employ?"</p>
+
+<p>Unsuspectingly stating what his conduct had been, the missionary was
+subpœnaed the next day, as witness in a case in law, in which, I think,
+Mr. Grey was plaintiff.</p>
+
+<p>The defendant had caused the minister to be summoned, he said, to
+"impeach" Mr. Grey. The county seat was some fifteen miles distant,
+and Mr. Parsons found that quite a number were going over on the
+same errand as himself, having also been defrauded by the crafty
+Pennsylvanian.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>A brisk ride behind the village store's fine span, across solitary
+stretches of rolling prairie, brought them to their destination, an
+unfinished story-and-a-half house, hidden by an irregular growth of
+native trees. It stood on a slight swell in the outskirts of the town,
+and had a pleasant, well-to-do air, with its thrifty surroundings of
+ploughed fields, grazing cattle, and domestic fowl. It was also the
+village tavern, as one might judge by the loungers.</p>
+
+<p>The court sat in the bar-room. As the company from L— entered, they
+were received with hostile demonstrations by the residents assembled,
+for Mr. Grey had taken up his abode in the place,—boarding at the
+tavern,—and having ingratiated himself in the esteem of the people,
+they supposed him a worthy and injured man. He did look prepossessing,
+Mr. Parsons thought, as, entering, he saw him parading the apartment,
+calm and neat. He was, however, a little disconcerted as one after
+another of his victims filed in. Such a meeting he had not anticipated.
+He had engaged shrewd counsel who seemed at the outset to have
+confidence in him.</p>
+
+<p>"I move," said a rowdy, full of fight, "that the services be opened
+with prayer," glancing defiantly at the missionary.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Grey's opponent, a swearing, loud-voiced boaster from New England,
+chose to conduct his own case. He soon got the justice enraged beyond
+self-control by his blunders, interruptions, and insults, as he
+raved around the room, law-book in hand, goading the court with his
+insolence. The lawyer evidently enjoyed this aspect of the case hugely.
+Confusion reigned.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, there was much private discussion, in which Mr. Grey's
+history was being rapidly unsealed. Seizing a good chance, the
+missionary got Mr. Grey's ear, told him that his character was
+well-known, and advised him to settle the matter with his adversary as
+soon as possible. He grew frightened. Popular feeling began to turn
+against him. The case suddenly closed, I can scarcely tell how—in some
+summary frontier way, however.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Grey's counsel, disgusted with him, and finding that he could get
+no fee, called for his horse, and, as the crowd stood watching his
+management of the high-spirited animal, he started for his distant
+home. Off dashed the advocate; but before he had got fairly under way,
+Mr. Grey, the picture of terror, ran frantically after, shouting, while
+the spectators cheered him on,—</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on! Hold on! Don't leave me! Take me in!" And catching hold of
+the back of the vehicle with a desperate grasp, as the astonished
+lawyer slackened his pace, he clambered in, and was soon out of sight.
+And that was the last they saw of Mr. Grey.</p>
+
+<p>I scarcely need say that there was no evidence that Mr. Grey was from
+Pennsylvania, that Mrs. Angelina P. Grey was other than a myth. He was,
+it was thought, an escaped jail-bird, his vices being, perhaps, the
+natural fruit of that parent sin—laziness.</p>
+
+<p>"And," said Mr. Parsons's right hand man, good Deacon Palmer, "St.
+Paul's rule that 'if any would not work, neither should he eat,' is
+wise and just in more senses than one. The sluggard is ever a covetous
+man; as Solomon says, 'He coveteth greedily all the day long;' and as
+'his hands refuse to labor,' and he is thereby brought to want, who
+so tempted to crime as he? The indolent man is by logical necessity
+a dangerous man, and I always give him a wide berth. You preachers,
+however, have so little practical knowledge of human nature, that
+though you preached 'total depravity' Sunday, next day a knave would
+make you think him an angel. You need to be taken in occasionally to
+reform this professional weakness."</p>
+
+<p>He added, after a moment's pause, "Many persons fling at the church
+because there are hypocrites in it, but Mr. Grey's case shows that
+there is now and then one 'out' of it."</p>
+
+<p>But when next the storekeeper and missionary met, the former, his
+coal-black eyes streaming lightning, and both arms in vigorous
+motion,—as was his manner when excited,—took the latter to task for
+advising Mr. Grey to close the case at the justice's.</p>
+
+<p>"He's a double-dyed rascal, parson; and we ought to have nabbed him
+when we had the chance. Why, sir, a squab-up morsel of humanity, with
+voice like an asthmatic chicken, and pipe-stem legs, tracked that chap
+more than fifteen miles afoot, to expose his wickedness and save his
+folks from the villain's claws."</p>
+
+<p>"Who did you say it was?"</p>
+
+<p>"A young hunchback. It appears that this deceiver gave his name in
+that settlement as Simmons, and representing himself as a well-to-do
+bachelor in search of a wife, tried to inveigle a respectable maiden
+lady into matrimony. He was designing also to jump a claim belonging
+to two lone women, and had secreted a stolen—but no matter about that
+now. It looks mightily as if this Grey, 'alias' Simmons, 'alias'
+Grimes,—another of his names,—was in league with a horde of Mississippi
+River cutthroats. He won't trouble people this way again very soon, I'm
+thinking—more's the pity. I'd like to help string him up!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did you learn the Hunchback's name?" asked the clergyman.</p>
+
+<p>"Willard," replied Mr. Cowles.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the Willard claim?"</p>
+
+<p>"Customers came in, and I forgot to find out. In fact, as the Hunchback
+promised to be on hand with his mother and aunt, in season for Grey's
+case, I expected then to be better informed about them. Why he didn't
+come, I can't decipher—'fraid something has happened to the brave
+little squatty. I meant to have helped him on his way back a piece, but
+he went away before I was aware."</p>
+
+<p>"I have wondered that I heard nothing from that family," said Mr.
+Parsons. "Tom Jones made their acquaintance at the Landing, and
+directed them near us. He particularly commended them to the sympathy
+and kind offices of the settlers here. I must look them up."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_18">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>JOHN TOWER'S TOWN.—A WEDDING TOUR.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"SIR," said the waiter at the Winneshick Hotel, in Decotah, putting
+his head in at the door of Mr. Parsons's, (the missionary) room, "a
+gentleman below wants to see you. Shall I show him up?"</p>
+
+<p>And in due time, a man about fifty, of fresh, florid face and stout
+figure, entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly unrolling a showily-drawn chart, on the margin of which was
+emblazoned "Prairie City," he remarked,—</p>
+
+<p>"Let me show you the new town, sir, which I am starting. We have got
+'the' location, sir," he continued, emphatically, swinging his chart
+into the light, "and we expect to make a wide-awake thorough-going
+thing of it, that will pay for the trouble; and where, if a man invests
+in a lot, he can be sure of realizing something worth while from the
+investment. Here, you see, is Main Street," running his finger down the
+centre. "This is our principal business avenue. Here are our largest
+stores, storehouses, warehouses, and the like, you understand, as have
+all great commercial centres.</p>
+
+<p>"Just here, sir, our steam-mills are going up. Not yet erected, you
+understand; but the companies are formed, and I have letters in my
+pocket stating that they will be on in the course of a week or two.
+Plenty of capital, you see; some of the stockholders old friends
+of mine, schoolmates, stirring men who know just how to put things
+through. Two railroads have been surveyed and staked out, which take or
+place on the way. One we are sure of, both are probable. You can see at
+a glance, sir, what the rise of land will be when these improvements
+are completed. Our town lies on the direct line from Dubuque to St.
+Paul. Nature intended a railroad should go there—the only possible
+route, indeed. Any one can see that who will take the trouble to
+examine the make of the land.</p>
+
+<p>"I lay this matter before you to give you a chance in the town. We
+want a minister, sir. I learn that you are one. I believe in the
+institutions of the gospel for a new place; calls in, you see, the best
+class of settlers, and makes them contented. Our well-to-do, reliable
+emigrants are generally brought up to be religious, and cannot do
+without schools and churches. I've watched this thing, and know that
+the coming of a clergyman into a young town is often the making of it;
+real estate always rises. And now, sir, what say you to casting your
+lot in with us? I'll give you an extra chance. Just say that you'll
+agree to put up a house, and I'll pledge myself to give you two of the
+best lots on the plat."</p>
+
+<p>There are few things more interesting than the springing up of a young
+town on the frontier. Like the embryo plant, it is very small at
+first—a few cabin homes—while all around are broad prairies and thick
+woods, where may be seen the fresh trail of the Indian. Persons whose
+days have been spent in some long-settled locality, where generations
+come and go, and things remain much the same, if told that yonder
+cabin, with its blacksmith shop near by, and log tavern, constitute
+the germ of a town, and lots were offered them for sale in that rough
+solitude, would laugh in your face.</p>
+
+<p>But a year passes, and, perhaps, how changed the scene! As if by
+enchantment, the cabins are gone, and framed houses, stores, mills,
+churches, occupy their places.</p>
+
+<p>Such a place was E—. When Mr. Parsons first happened there, he put up
+at the little, uncouth, log tavern, the only building in the place. The
+table was of picnic style, made of unplaned boards. In place of chairs
+was a bench of slabs and stakes. After dinner, he started out for a
+walk, to view the town, thinking he was in its suburbs. The proprietor
+joined him.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the town?" asked the guest.</p>
+
+<p>"This is it," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"But," said the missionary, "where are the people, and the buildings?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," replied the landlord, "it's true, when you see my cabin, you
+see all there is now. But let me tell you, it won't be a great while
+before the people are here, and the buildings too. You are going
+farther on the frontier; let me advise you to stop here, and put you up
+a house."</p>
+
+<p>The clergyman, at that period in his personal history, was
+unwesternized, and the forcibly uttered advocacy of this advice which
+followed, he listened to very much as he would to the exaggerations of
+the auctioneer. And turning on his heel, he left him to his day-dreams.</p>
+
+<p>In one year and a half from that time, however, having business that
+way, he returned. And there stood a conspicuous, well-grown town, in
+appearance, at least, ten years of age. Two handsome hotels, a stone
+school-house, stores, tasteful dwellings, streets well laid out, and
+alive with teams and the din of the business mart, filled him with
+pleased surprise. And as his Yankee friend—the proprietor—introduced
+him to the realization of his expectations, and told him he left
+Massachusetts overwhelmed with debt, when he saw the competency he had
+acquired since he put up his cabin tavern, the guest's views of him and
+his schemes underwent a sudden revolution.</p>
+
+<p>There was D—, also. A stage-load, one of whom was our clergyman, fresh
+from the Mississippi, stopped there one night. After tea, they walked
+out to see the "lay of the land," and in their stroll, many a sharp
+joke was cracked at the young town's expense.</p>
+
+<p>Along the margin of a small, shallow stream stood a few cottages and
+cabins, among which was one shanty-tavern; and these constituted the
+place. Speckled trout peeped out at them from shady nooks with a
+boldness unknown in waters where the angler's bait is often thrown.
+Flocks of quails piped in the long grass, and prairie hens ran
+fluttering in their path, guiding their helpless broods.</p>
+
+<p>A friend of his, a shrewd Vermont farmer who had two hundred dollars
+spare money, which he wished to invest to the best advantage, was
+besought, almost with tears, by one of the settlers, to take his
+cottage, eight acres of land, and improvements, for that sum, assuring
+him that he would realize something handsome for it; that he had
+confidence in the growth of the town, but was too homesick to remain.</p>
+
+<p>The Vermonter knowingly shook his head at the urgent offer, and passed
+on. He lived, however, to regret it, for in less than two years from
+that time, four acres of that land sold for eight thousand dollars.</p>
+
+<p>With these and similar instances in mind, the missionary was disposed
+to listen candidly to the representations of his caller, although he
+had heard of "paper towns."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>One day, some two years later, Mr. J—, a gray-haired man of sixty
+years, called on the missionary at L—, and taking him mysteriously
+aside, asked if he would come to N—, some five miles distant, and
+perform the marriage rite for him, the next day?</p>
+
+<p>He requested the affair to be kept a profound secret, I suppose from
+fear of a celebration of the event by certain young men who claimed the
+privilege of making night hideous with blowing tin horns, firing guns,
+and other discordances, whenever a bachelor or widower entered into
+matrimony.</p>
+
+<p>Keeping the secret, however, was no light task, for the devoted
+bridegroom had already advertised the condition of his affairs by his
+attentive courtship. And as he was seen to call at "the minister's"—an
+unwonted thing for him—he had, quite innocently, "let grimalkin out of
+the reticule." To save him from annoyance, it became necessary for the
+divine, if possible, to put the cat back again.</p>
+
+<p>He discovered this when he went to get a horse for the occasion. The
+young man who had the care of the stable filled also the office of
+village gossip, and as he curried the horse, asked, with an air oddly
+compounded of the deferential and impudent,—</p>
+
+<p>"Who's going to be married 'now,' Mr. Parsons?"</p>
+
+<p>The clergyman's silence did not disconcert him, and he added,—</p>
+
+<p>"'I' think old J—'s a little too old to marry again; but they do say
+he'll git a fust-rate wife, though. What do you think?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is Mr. J— going to be married?" asked the minister, parrying the
+attack.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know who knows if you don't!" he returned, laughing loudly.</p>
+
+<p>And then, leaving his horse tied at the halter ring, he entered the
+tavern,—it was the dinner hour,—and announced to the people at table
+that "the minister had come for a horse to go down and marry old J—."</p>
+
+<p>The news flew over the village like wildfire, and having a presentiment
+that, to make assurance doubly sure, the curious would watch to see if
+he went towards Mr. J—'s, the minister mounted and rode slowly through
+the town in the opposite direction. Skirting some heavy woods by a
+generous circuit, he had struck a road leading to Mr. J's, when, just
+in the fork, his attention was taken by two men engaged in putting up a
+guide-post, on which was neatly lettered, "Prairie City, 15 Miles"—the
+index hand pointing in the direction of his ride. One of the men turned
+to look at him. It was the proprietor of Prairie City who at once came
+forward, and was soon arguing again the claims of his town.</p>
+
+<p>"We are going ahead nicely," said he; "prospects never better. But we
+want a minister. Haven't found one yet. Just agree to put up a house
+among us, and you shall have two handsome lots, as I said before."</p>
+
+<p>Having little time for conversation, the clergyman left him, his
+parting words being eloquent in advocacy of his "city."</p>
+
+<p>The wedding was to be at the dwelling of the bride, a widow of fifty.</p>
+
+<p>Her snug cabin showed marks of the thorough housekeeper. Order was
+supreme, and she was its living embodiment. Each article of dress, from
+the starched dress-cap to the shoes she wore, fitted with exactness.
+And whether she sat, walked, talked, or was silent, she was prim and
+precise. A most estimable woman she was, too, and I scarcely wondered
+at the devotion of the bridegroom.</p>
+
+<p>Many years had passed since death took from him his loved companion,
+leading him at last, sad and lonely, to leave his desolate New England
+home, where every object reminded him of the departed, and seek to
+forget his bereavement amid the exciting scenes and vicissitudes of the
+frontier.</p>
+
+<p>He preëmpted a "one-hundred-and-sixty-acre" farm, well balanced in
+prairie and timber, fenced and ploughed and planted largely, fitted him
+up a cabin, read the eastern papers, smoked, chewed tobacco, lounged in
+the village store for society, grew careless in his personal habits,
+and very irritable. What was the matter? He missed the gentle presence
+of woman, and the solitude of his western home became more and more
+irksome.</p>
+
+<p>He was a mere man of the world, quick-tempered, and, of late, when
+angered, shockingly profane. He had not, by his presence in the place
+of prayer, manifested the least interest in the higher wants of the
+soul, and Mr. Parsons was glad to find the bride elect to be a lady
+of piety, and much weight of character—a circumstance in which the
+bridegroom took great pride, showing that, hard and irreligious as he
+seemed, her upright christianly qualities had much to do in influencing
+his choice.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, he evinced, on his part, a sincere sense of unworthiness for
+such an alliance, seeming to realize that morally was a great gulf
+between them; and there was nervous anxiety with him, lest, somehow,
+he should lose the prize. Ah, woman without goodness the wicked man
+shudders at as a monstrosity; woman with piety the profligate adores.</p>
+
+<p>The ceremony was to be in the early afternoon, and to be followed by
+the usual wedding repast. The missionary, however, had been in the
+room but a short time, when he saw that something was going wrong. The
+bridegroom looked anxious, and the family friends embarrassed. Mr. J—
+himself stated the cause. He had omitted to procure from the justice
+the legal right to be married. That officer lived miles away, and could
+not then be found. Mr. J— was unreconciled to a delay of the ceremony.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, let us step over the state line!" he exclaimed. "It's only
+three quarters of a mile; the law 'll let us be married there without
+any preliminaries. Many a couple has done that!"</p>
+
+<p>But the lady would consent to no irregularity. She would wait a
+week to be sure that every step was taken with due deliberation. So
+the bridegroom must needs make the best of the matter, and with a
+disconsolate face, helped dispose of the nice edibles that had been
+prepared for the wedding.</p>
+
+<p>"How shall I find my way to Prairie City?" said Mr. Parsons to one of
+the sons who had followed him to the gate, as he was leaving. "As I
+haven't had the pleasure of marrying anybody, I guess I'll ride over
+there and see the place. And there's a family named Willard somewhere
+in this region. Very likely they are over there—so much has been said
+about the town!"</p>
+
+<p>"Prairie City," slowly repeated the young man. "I don't know of any
+such place about here."</p>
+
+<p>"But I passed a guide-board to-day which said, 'Prairie City, fifteen
+miles,' and the hand pointed in this direction."</p>
+
+<p>"O," said he, "you mean Mr. Tower's town. Well, I've never been over
+there. It's off the main road. Follow that track round the woods
+yonder, and keep straight across the prairie, and it's about ten miles,
+I reckon; but you'll have to inquire."</p>
+
+<p>The road was a lonely one, leading away from the settlements, which
+were mostly contiguous to the timber land. Mr. Parsons's imagination
+enlivened the loneliness with pictures of the flourishing place to
+which he was going. He could almost see its magic growth, and hear
+the din of its busy population. And on, on he rode, until he began to
+wonder that the "city" did not come in sight, thinking he must have
+gone more than the distance specified.</p>
+
+<p>He was relieved at seeing a cabin near by to inquire. It stood alone
+in the vast solitude, with no living creature about, save a lame old
+skeleton horse, spiritlessly nibbling at the grass as he hobbled
+around. The building had recently been occupied; for what purpose, and
+by whom, in such a doleful place, it was hard to guess; but the inmates
+were away. So, driving on, again a cabin appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Prairie City?" he shouted to a man lounging in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>"No sich place about here, as I knows on," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there a man by the name of Tower living anywhere in this region?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tower, John Tower? Why, sir, you came by his cabin more'n three miles
+back."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't mean to say that the log house that stands all alone, out on
+the prairie there, is Mr. Tower's place! He told me he'd started a town
+there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Anything but 'started,' I reckon, stranger; but you ken see for
+yourself."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Parsons," cried a young man, hurrying through the hazel bushes to
+head off the missionary's horse, as he was returning to town, "so old
+J—'s married, after all—isn't he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said the clergyman. "I am not aware that he is married. When did
+the event occur?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, didn't you marry him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I call sharp, for a minister," said the man of the stable,
+as he took the clergyman's horse—"going way round them woods jest to
+throw folks off the track! But you married old J—, after all; I know
+that!"</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you see, says I to myself, says I, Mr. Parsons has gone that
+way jest for a blind. So I jest took a ride down to old J—'s to make
+observations. And sure enough, there you was, over to widow K—'s, the
+family dressed up in their Sunday best, ready for the wedding. Folks
+has got to get up afore day to git ahead of this child. I told 'em all
+that you've married the old widower."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have not married him!"</p>
+
+<p>"You haven't!" he replied, quite crestfallen. Then, rallying, added,
+"Well, I'm really glad on't. Why, there's his daughter, Mrs. L—, has
+worried herself sick about it. She don't approve of the old man's
+marrying; and I guess there's no love lost between 'em, they differ so
+on this matter. She's up to the town now, and I shouldn't wonder if she
+hails you, to know jest how the thing stands."</p>
+
+<p>He was right. As the missionary was passing a shop, Mrs. L— came out,
+and said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Parsons, some say you've been down to marry my father, and some
+say you have not. I tell them, if it is so, I know nothing about it,
+for father hasn't said a word to me. But I wish you would tell me, that
+I may know what to believe. Did you marry him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam, I did not."</p>
+
+<p>"There!" triumphantly cried Mrs. Cowles, the shopkeeper's wife, from
+the door. "I told you so! Didn't I sit by that window and watch to see
+which way the minister went? He didn't go towards old J—'s at all, but
+right towards Sallie Nason's, and he was seen on the road to her house.
+I don't object to folks marrying, but I don't see the use of being so
+sly about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you tell me," said Mr. Parsons to a friend, "anything about this
+Mr. Tower who says he is starting a town some fifteen miles from here?
+I see he has been putting up guide-boards of late. Has he capital for
+such an enterprise?"</p>
+
+<p>"You can judge," was the reply. "He called on me yesterday with an old
+silver watch, worth not more than five dollars, which he wished to sell
+or pawn, in order to get food for his family. I suppose he wanted you
+to say you would come to 'Prairie City?' Well, it would have sold lots
+to his eastern correspondents!"</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"Father," exclaimed Mr. Parsons's little boy, one delicious Sunday
+morning, two weeks after the incidents just narrated, "there's a large
+double wagon driving towards the house, filled with folks. I guess
+somebody's coming to get married!"</p>
+
+<p>True enough. On board seats placed across the huge open vehicle were
+Mr. J— and bride, with a goodly company in their best attire and
+very smiling faces. It was only an hour to service, and they had
+ridden through the main street of the village to the clergyman's
+house—sufficient evidence that Mr. J— had lost his fear of publicity,
+and now preferred an open to a clandestine marriage—a change due, no
+doubt, to the good sense of his excellent and dignified lady.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parsons took this as a happy omen, and after uniting them in the
+holy bonds, said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. J—, it is nearly time for meeting. Let me invite you and your
+friends to go with me to the house of prayer. It would be a fitting
+beginning to your married life—one I am sure that your estimable wife
+would approve. Is it not so, madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"O, yes," she replied, with a grateful look.</p>
+
+<p>"Besides," he added, "I am to preach on marriage this morning, and it
+will be a pleasant coincidence to have you as hearers, and having just
+made you one."</p>
+
+<p>He cheerfully assented, and the missionary spoke from the text,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb."<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Mr. J.— listened tearfully, and his wife, it was evident, lifted up her
+heart in silent prayer for a blessing on the word.</p>
+
+<p>I scarcely need add that the husband's anticipations of a "serenade"
+were not realized. His wife was too much respected, and the manly,
+decorous course pursued when the marriage was at last solemnized was a
+sufficient protection.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>But what is a wedding without a "wedding tour"? Happy Mr. J—, desiring
+to please his bride by omitting none of the proprieties of the event,
+invited her to accompany him to the Mississippi. With an eye to
+business as well as enjoyment, he used for the journey the capacious
+wagon in which he came to be married, as it would enable him to bring
+back groceries for the neighbors, and also passengers, and thus pay the
+expense of the trip, and perchance earn a penny besides.</p>
+
+<p>Twice sixty miles, over rolling, roadless prairies, broken at times by
+rough ravines; on seats of oaken boards laid across the wagon,—think of
+that for a bridal trip!</p>
+
+<p>Returning, several couple occupied seats behind the owner of the team
+and his bride. Now, there being no springs under the seats, when the
+going was "very" uneven, the jolting was violent and unsafe, obliging
+the lady passengers to cling to their lords or be shaken from the
+vehicle.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. J—, however, disapproving of such public freedom, and disdaining
+support, sat bolt upright and self-reliant. Hold on by her husband—not
+she!</p>
+
+<p>But "dignity of character" is not an infallible protection against
+accidents. By and by came a prodigious lurch. There was a flutter of
+white near the bridegroom, and stately Mrs. J— was sent flying through
+the air, and plumped down among the prairie grass like a downy pillow.</p>
+
+<p>Her husband did not turn to look at her, or inquire if she was injured,
+nor dismount to assist her in—he held her in too much awe. Silently,
+he reined in the horses, gazing meanwhile straight ahead into vacancy,
+till she had with her snowy kerchief smoothed her disordered apparel,
+and composedly ascended to her place. Then he dutifully drove on.</p>
+
+<p>Pain, however, will conquer both the masculine and feminine will,
+and overcome even a mistaken sense of propriety. The passengers were
+scarcely well out of the perilous ravines, and on the smooth prairie,
+when a groan issued from the bride's unwilling lips. The husband
+dutifully forbore to notice it. Another, then another, rising almost to
+a scream, broke forth. She had sprained an ankle, and the intense pain
+was too great to be borne.</p>
+
+<p>A mile at the left was a cabin. Driving there, the efficient settler's
+wife was busy binding a soothing and healing lotion on the foot, when
+voices of men in altercation arose outside.</p>
+
+<p>"Twas you that took it, you rascal; there was nobody else in our
+settlement mean enough to steal. Hand it over; quick, too!"</p>
+
+<p>The passengers rushed to the door in time to see old Mr. J— seize a
+man by the collar, and the latter, with a powerful blow of his fist,
+strike the gray-haired bridegroom to the ground, then with astonishing
+agility, bound away towards the ravines.</p>
+
+<p>It was Mr. Grey, "alias" Simmons, "alias" Grimes, on his way to the
+pirates' rendezvous.</p>
+
+<p>"If I had my rifle here, and my sight was what it once was, I'd put an
+'eend' to his villanies quick 's I'd bullet a panther," exclaimed the
+fuming bridegroom, with an oath, as he reached the cabin door.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't swear, husband," gently interposed his wife.</p>
+
+<p>And dropping his head for shame, he assisted her into the wagon, and
+resumed the journey home.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_19">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE WRONG CABIN.—THE COUPLE UNDER THE UMBRELLA.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"LITTLE HUNCHY" tracked Simmons, otherwise Grimes, to the town of L—,
+saw him enter the village store, come out from thence; pass northward
+along the main street, and, just over the village plat, disappear in
+a better-class log house—the home, he afterwards learned, of Rev. Mr.
+Parsons, the missionary.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf then went into the shop. On the counter, his shapely legs
+pendent therefrom, sat the proprietor. A number of men were grouped
+near by, smoking and discussing local politics. At the Hunchback's
+entrance, conversation gradually fell off, the loafers, with curious
+stare and rough humor, greeting the advent of the misshapen young
+stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, squatty, what will 'you' have?" asked the grocer.</p>
+
+<p>"That is not my name," said the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me," replied the dealer; "I was not aware you owned any other."</p>
+
+<p>"If that's not his 'name,' it's his 'natur,'" said a bysitter, with a
+wink at the company.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd thank you to speak when you're spoken to," retorted the Hunchback,
+losing his temper.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," ejaculated the other, offended in turn, "you're sassy as you're
+homely. If you wern't so small, now, I'd tweak your nose—if you had
+one—but you hain't!"</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," remarked the grocer, "we have no legal or moral right to
+insult the little fellow because he was spoilt in the making. And for
+my part, I like his grit; if he don't look out for himself, everybody
+will tread on him."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so," responded several.</p>
+
+<p>"What 'll you have?" he again interrogated.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," answered the dwarf. "I came in to rest a moment."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you look as if it wouldn't hurt you, to be sure. John, bring a
+chair from the other room for this crooked mortal!"</p>
+
+<p>The Hunchback seated himself, and gazed around. The color rushed to
+his sallow-pale cheeks. On the wall at the end of the apartment was a
+conspicuous poster, ornamented with the figures of a fiery charger and
+a man holding him by the bridle. And at the top of the handbill was
+printed, in bold type,—</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<br>
+FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD!<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>The circular commenced with, "Stolen from the subscriber," the
+description that followed of the purloined horse corresponding
+precisely to the one Mr. Simmons had left in the care of Ferdie and
+Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"Fifty dollars!" mentally echoed the dwarf. "If I can only get that for
+mother to buy land with!"</p>
+
+<p>With his excessive weariness, his confidence had ebbed somewhat. But
+the offered reward raised his spirits, and, embracing an opportunity,
+he warily questioned Mr. Cowles concerning Mr. Simmons. And finding
+that the shrewd trader sympathized in his idea of Mr. Simmons's
+character, he related all he knew of him.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Cowles was interested and excited.</p>
+
+<p>"'Mind' is the measure of the man," said he, emphasizing the first
+word, "as Dr. Watts expressed it; and you're a thundering illustration
+of the truth of the remark. How you followed the serpent! And, my lad,
+don't you fret; I'll see Edmonds about that hay, and if anybody gets
+the money for it, it shall be you."</p>
+
+<p>"You won't say anything so that it will get Simmons's ear?"</p>
+
+<p>"When you catch a weasel asleep," replied the grocer. "You'll pocket
+the fifty dollars for the horse—that's my opinion. Can you be here
+Thursday? Simmons has a case at court then, and we are preparing to
+deal out to him, on that occasion, his deserts. Bring along your mother
+or aunt, and the beast. Till then, I'll keep mum. Simmons, as you call
+him, is living on the missionary. I'll see that the fellow don't visit
+your diggings till after the trial—then he won't care to."</p>
+
+<p>Then, pushing the dwarf with warm-hearted familiarity before him into
+the housekeeping part of the establishment, he called out,—</p>
+
+<p>"Here, wife, give this big-soul-and-little-body a bite to eat, and a
+bed to-night for head and back—he won't need any for his legs."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>The dwarf turned his face towards home next day, lightened of a load
+of apprehension, care, and solicitude. Victory over the wiles of a
+heartless villain was assured. Instead of danger and pecuniary loss,
+he had secured protection from the threatening peril, and there was a
+strong probability that a nice sum would be realized for the family.</p>
+
+<p>These considerations imparted a helpful impulse to his weak limbs as he
+walked. Yet he was more conscious of the toilsomeness of the journey,
+now that he was alone, and the urgency of the extremity no longer
+existed. How much are the best of us creatures of circumstances!</p>
+
+<p>Lamed from yesterday's exertions, the hours dragged wofully, and
+he seemed to have made exceedingly poor progress, he thought, as
+certain "marked" spots did not appear. There, for example, was the
+creek crossing, where the two outlaws met,—surely he ought to have
+reached it,—yet it was not even discernible in the distance. He had no
+misgivings as to his ability to retrace the route. Had he not, coming,
+"studied" the face of the prairies for this very purpose? Moreover, he
+could guide his course by the wind and sun.</p>
+
+<p>But, somehow, the monotonous meadows were increasingly unfamiliar. And
+the creek, did it mockingly retire as he advanced? By and by, he paused
+in suspense. Then he glanced to note the position of the sun. But the
+heavens were covered with clouds. How absent-minded he had been! What
+about the wind? Ah, by that he "must" be right in the main. Perhaps
+he had veered a trifle,—enough to miss that jutting angle of the
+creek,—and he would strike the stream farther along.</p>
+
+<p>This conclusion settled his doubts; yet he urged his way with a nervous
+eagerness that betrayed anxiety to behold the proof of the correctness
+of his reasoning.</p>
+
+<p>But the coveted creek did not cheer his strained sight. Travel as
+confidently and energetically as he might, the babbling brook broke not
+on his longing vision.</p>
+
+<p>Soon, however, there was abundance of water. But it descended from
+above. Patter, patter, came the pioneer drops. Then the air was a
+liquid sea. How it poured—torrent joined to torrent! Had the upper
+ocean fallen through? Now heaven's artillery, discharged by electric
+fire, roared, and rumbled, and rolled, as if cannon balls of mountain
+weight were propelled around the aerial pavement. And how the
+chain-lightning flashes zigzagged!</p>
+
+<p>Heroic dwarf, however, nursed a stubborn will. Panting, drenched, the
+water running in streams through his soaked cap over his face, into his
+bosom and back,—an animated mote of mortality on a watery waste,—he
+fought the elements, sure, soon, of shelter.</p>
+
+<p>But the creek, where could it be? Perhaps he had waded some shallow
+ford unconsciously, the plains were so submerged. Ah, yes, it is
+even so. Joy! There's the cabin light! Thrice welcome, beaming
+taper, lighting the weary wanderer home! But how queerly the storm
+transfigures objects! Those trees do not resemble the straight growths
+of the Willard grove. And the dwelling, what is the matter with it?</p>
+
+<p>"Ferdie! Georgie!" he piped, pressing towards the homely yet loved
+domicile. "Mother! Aunt Esther!"</p>
+
+<p>No answer. But how could he hope his feeble tones would be heard in
+such a wild tumult?</p>
+
+<p>"What a flash!" he exclaimed, stopping aghast. "And such a report?"</p>
+
+<p>He fairly reeled with the shock. Simultaneously with the mighty crash,
+a giant tree burst into flame. The red bolt had smitten it. In the
+light of the lurid glare, he looked to see if the dear cabin was
+unharmed.</p>
+
+<p>He started as if a second bolt had smitten him. A wretched loggery,
+unknown to him, stood there. He had lost his way. The demonstration
+almost paralyzed him, so unexpected and appalling.</p>
+
+<p>"But," thought he, rallying, "how much better off I am than if I had
+found no dwelling, and been obliged to spend the night on the bare
+prairie! Besides, no doubt the occupants of the hovel will in the
+morning direct me how to find the right course."</p>
+
+<p>And with rekindled hope, he knocked at the rude door. Hearing a reply
+within, the words of which he did not distinguish, taking it for
+granted to be an invitation to enter, he passed within.</p>
+
+<p>It was one of the wretchedest of structures—low, half-roofed, every
+way uncomfortable and unsightly. The one confined room was furnished
+with two "wildcat" bedsteads, on which were ragged and dirty beds,
+a foreign-looking trunk, a box, and two stout stools. The shanty
+was inhabited by an old Norwegian couple, haggard, thriftless, and
+filthy—poor specimens of their people.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf addressed them a question, but they did not understand his
+tongue. He tried to inform them by words and signs that he had lost
+his way, but did not succeed. This was another unanticipated dilemma.
+Cold, cross, tired, hungry, and baffled, he grew irritated because they
+could not speak English—ignorant, unaccommodating pair! He attempted
+conversation once more, and failed. How dull they were! He saw the mote
+in their eye, just as you and I do in our neighbors', forgetful that
+the same splinter was in his own—that he couldn't talk in Norwegian,
+their mother language. Had he been able, the chasm would have been
+bridged by a syllable.</p>
+
+<p>The wrinkled housewife, however, pointed to the bed opposite the door,
+to indicate that he could remain till morning. This instantly disarmed
+the dwarf's foolish resentment, and he was in pantomime endeavoring
+to express his thanks for her hospitality, when stentorian shouting
+outside was heard.</p>
+
+<p>The Hunchback opened the door, and there sat a smiling-faced man on a
+restless, wide-awake horse. From the rider's broad-brimmed hat streams
+were falling, but his manner was anything but "under the weather."</p>
+
+<p>"O, yes, I am wherry vet," said he, jollily, as the dwarf invited him
+in, informing him that he would have to fasten his horse to the house,
+as there was no shed.</p>
+
+<p>The German did as suggested, then, entering the room, drew off his
+boots, emptied the water from them, wrung out his hose, and hung them
+on the bedstead to dry.</p>
+
+<p>"Did not know the road," he explained; "but I ride on, and I vas
+bother, but I tink to myself, my horse has fine instink, and I let him
+go. Phrarie beautiful—wide—flower—fine grass; phrarie hens fly—so many
+birds sing, sing, sing, feel as if I could stay dere. I get down to let
+my horse eat dat fine grass. Vell, it 'muse me vherry mootch, and I
+forget dat it cloud up, till I feel de rain; and den I say to my horse,
+'Now ve hurry,' and I ride, ride. But it get quite dark, an' it rain
+all de time; but de clouds vas so beautiful, vid de lightning, and de
+thunder roll so grand!</p>
+
+<p>"Den I see de little house: 'Vhery nice people dere,' I say to my
+horse; but it 'muse me vherry mootch; so I go to sleep," nodding
+towards the bed, "till daylight, ven I shall have joy to see de sun
+rise. If de storm not come to make me vet, I vas not see de lightning!"</p>
+
+<p>So the dwarf and the tempest-admiring traveller went to bed together,
+and, unheeding the uproar without, and the neighing of the hapless
+horse, quickly fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"Vat ish dat?" inquired the German, starting up.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf was already aroused.</p>
+
+<p>Water was washing down upon them with a "consistent" copiousness that
+promised to convert their couch into a mud-hole, for the roof was
+"shingled" with "sods."</p>
+
+<p>By the tallow candle, which during their nap had been lighted and stuck
+in a potato, and placed on the box, the dwarf saw the aged Norwegians
+sitting side by side on the trunk, holding a huge umbrella over their
+heads.</p>
+
+<p>Made wise by experience, they had in season forsaken their
+mud-and-water bed for their novel shelter—an expedient to which they
+were so accustomed, that their placid "of course" aspect set the
+Hunchback to laughing.</p>
+
+<p>But the German lifted the door from its hinges, and tying it to the
+rafters lengthwise over the bed to keep off the rain, turned in again.</p>
+
+<p>The repose of the travellers was, however, destined to another
+interruption. The waters collecting on the door began at last to drip
+from its sides, and as it was narrower than the couch beneath, a sudden
+splashing drove its occupants out, no more to return.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Next morning, as the German was departing, the dwarf begged the
+privilege of riding with him until they came to some cabin at which to
+inquire their course.</p>
+
+<p>"It 'muse me vherry mootch, but that rascal horse jump up and kick up
+behind. No, you goes your vay, I goes mine; you valk. O, yes, phrarie
+looks better in fine weather!" And he was away.</p>
+
+<p>The Hunchback was deserted, but through no unfriendliness. And not once
+had the German, by look or hint, conveyed any allusion to the dwarf's
+physical appearance. The latter could forgive him almost anything
+because of that.</p>
+
+<p>The Hunchback sat on the wooden step, endeavoring to decide what to do.</p>
+
+<p>"I will," he finally resolved, "go back as nearly as possible the way I
+came. Perhaps I can find the village from which I started, and then I
+shall be all right."</p>
+
+<p>But the ancient woman had boiled her kettle and steeped tea in the open
+air, several rods from the dwelling. She now brought in the tea-pot,
+placed three cups and saucers, a plate of corn-bread and of butter, on
+the box, and beckoned the dwarf to partake.</p>
+
+<p>As he concluded his meal, taking a large cake, he inquired by signs
+if he might have it, to which an affirmative answer was returned. And
+stowing it in his capacious pocket, he commenced to retrace his steps
+towards L—.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_20">CHAPTER XX.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE CIRCLE IN THE LODGE.—WAKAN'.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>IN this wayward world, it is easier to lose the right path than to
+recover it. Indeed, each subsequent step is apt to lead the wanderer
+more widely astray. This is true in creed and deed, intellectually,
+morally.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf found it true, also, geographically. Theoretically, it was
+a simple thing for him to preserve a sufficiently straight line from
+the Norwegian log shanty, and thus return on his own path. And the end
+would be the grocer's shop at L—. Such was the Hunchback's logic. But
+the logical conclusion and the practical result do not always tally.</p>
+
+<p>"The proof of the pudding is in the eating," and not in the formula.
+Nor even in the eating, permit us to add, but in the digesting. Please
+write that on the fly-leaf of your cook-book, madam, and your children,
+saved from many a cruel colic, shall "rise up and call you blessed."</p>
+
+<p>All that weary day, our hero breasted the billowy blossoms of the
+prairie solitudes. At the onset, his deep, large orbs, clear,
+penetrating, reflective, were undaunted, for his faith in his course
+was unwavering. Behind was the sod-thatched roof, in the blue canopy
+glowed the sun, and the wind steady: with these guide-posts, what cause
+to fear? The music of the birds resounded in his heart—he was not
+distrustful of them,—blithe and beautiful though they were,—as he was
+of his fellows. This toil, though wearing, was for his precious kindred
+in the home-cabin. To them, too, he was the courier of good news, which
+he longed to tell.</p>
+
+<p>Alas, that our brightest anticipations are so often illusions! Sad was
+it for the limp-limbed dwarf to find at last the awful fear haunting
+him that he was again lost.</p>
+
+<p>Behold how bravely he battles with the horrid misgiving, and with his
+fearful fate. Level with the waving grass of the upper land, his big
+head moves slowly forward, as you may see the spent swimmer striking
+for the dimly discerned shore. Will he gain it? If not, too well he
+comprehends the fatal alternative. And the little Hunchback, should he
+not touch a familiar trail, or meet timely aid, would not the naked
+prairie, glorious as it was in its living verdure, be as fatal to him
+as ocean depths to the sinking mariner?</p>
+
+<p>Till evening twilight, he was alone on that wide sea of
+vegetation—walking, resting, hoping, fearing, despairing, searching the
+remotest horizon for cabin or traveller. In vain. The west grew golden.
+The stars came out. The moon hung its silver crescent. The night-birds
+flitted. The wolves barked. Chilled, faint, and at last frightened,
+the dwarf tottered on, or, sitting on the cold, damp earth, nodded and
+watched by turns.</p>
+
+<p>Lost and benighted on the uninhabited prairie, what utter helplessness
+and desolateness are in those words! The forest shuts your gaze in
+a narrow circle. You hope that just through yonder vista is the old
+cart-path, or the well-known pasture. But the prairie, swept by your
+sight from sky to sky, gives ocular evidence that indeed you are lost.</p>
+
+<p>Statisticians say that at about two or three o'clock in the night more
+deaths occur than at any other of the twenty-four hours, the sun has
+so long been absent then, and the accumulated chills and vapors are so
+powerful in their action on the enfeebled system.</p>
+
+<p>The blood circulated inadequately in the little Hunchback's shrunken
+extremities. His respiration was also weak, as his weak voice betrayed,
+and the small vitality he possessed, drawn upon too exhaustively by
+the over-mastering brain, yielded readily to the cold night air. He
+shivered as with an ague. And later, neuralgic pains tortured face,
+arms, and legs. Glad was he when the beams of day warmed his aching
+frame.</p>
+
+<p>The Hunchback journeyed that day for the most part in irregular
+circles, having not the least conception of his whereabouts. Late,
+however, in the afternoon, he descried trees ahead. Any change was
+welcome to him after the discouraging sameness of the wild wastes, and
+with reviving hope, he sought to mend his pace.</p>
+
+<p>But a half dozen miles' view on level land, and in a transparent
+atmosphere, agreeably deceives the eye. The distance "holds out"
+"Quaker measure," come to walk it—especially if you are already
+overtired. And evening had far advanced when the wanderer neared the
+forest. Then, to his consternation, a line of light burst upon his
+gaze—he was in close proximity to an Indian encampment.</p>
+
+<p>Here was an unforeseen difficulty. To retreat far enough from the place
+to escape the keen-eared, sharp-sighted, swift-footed savages, in his
+used-up condition, was impossible. He had terribly overtasked his
+powers of endurance, and positively "could" not journey farther. To go
+forward was capture, and he dared not contemplate what else. What could
+he do?</p>
+
+<p>Lying in the grass, long he pondered the perplexing question. He had
+subsisted, since leaving the Norwegians, on the corn-cake his haggish
+hostess gave him at parting, and he was now half famished. There were
+a few figs in his pocket that he had got at the grocer's, and had
+treasured for his much-loved mother. He ate those.</p>
+
+<p>The osiers at the wood's edge betokened the presence of water. Crawling
+there, he drank great draughts from the gurgling brooklet, and softly
+bathed his hot and fevered forehead.</p>
+
+<p>Refreshed by the food, and drink, and bath, he could think more
+collectedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see," he soliloquized. "I can't find my way home, or to the
+village. That's settled. If I attempt it, I shall die on the prairies,
+for I should have nothing to eat, nor perhaps a drop of water to
+quench my thirst. So to go back is death. And the savages can only
+kill me. But it is better that it be me than Ferdie or Georgie. I'm so
+ugly-formed, and they are so handsome and strong!"</p>
+
+<p>But the big, sad eyes swam in tears, and he pressed his hand to his
+jutting brow as if the thought-pain was there.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it will be best not to wait here and let them capture me; it
+might anger them worse. I will deliver myself into their hands, and
+appeal to their pity—if they have any," he added, shaking his head
+negatively. "But I can't do it yet. I'll delay as long as I can; after
+all, life is sweet even to me, deformed and despised as I am."</p>
+
+<p>And he glanced shudderingly at the ruddy gleam, and the dusky figures
+moving to and fro.</p>
+
+<p>"Wonder if every Indian is a demon?" he asked himself, weighing
+his chance of being murdered at a blow, or tortured. And the
+blood-congealing accounts he had heard and read of the barbarities
+perpetrated by redmen came trooping to his mind with heightened
+vividness.</p>
+
+<p>"The Bible declares, however, that God made of one blood all the
+nations," he recalled. "'One' blood;' that means, I suppose, that they
+are naturally alike in the main. If this is so, Indians differ in
+disposition, like other people." His face brightened at this idea.</p>
+
+<p>But his countenance fell as he added,—</p>
+
+<p>"Yet there are those who denounce the Bible as untrue. If these are
+correct, then I can't depend on the Indians resembling the whites. They
+may every one be perfectly fiendish. But whether the Bible is God's
+book or not," he continued, "I wish these savages went according to its
+rules. Some state the heathen better not be Christianized; but I guess
+if such folks were where I am,—" and again, he shrinkingly surveyed the
+flaming lights,—"they'd be very willing to have these savages converted.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose, now, they obeyed the Scriptures; how would I fare among
+them? There's the commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill.' I wish they'd
+mind that! 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself;' they wouldn't
+burn me if that was in their hearts. The beatitude also, 'Blessed are
+the merciful;' wouldn't it be nice if that governed them? And, too,
+Christ's words, 'Love your enemies.' Well, I've no doubt but that they
+consider the whites their enemies, and no wonder, when their splendid
+hunting-grounds are taken from them."</p>
+
+<p>How clearly and actively the intellect works in some dire crisis, when
+its owner crouches at the foot of impending doom! Thus does reason
+assert its superiority over nature and brute terror. The phenomenon is
+not unusual, and therefore the more instructive. The soul cannot be
+trodden into inactivity by material agents.</p>
+
+<p>And there lay the dwarf, despicable externally, puny, panting,
+physically powerless; but thinking, reasoning, remembering precepts,
+discussing, in the sanctuary of his own spirit, the mightiest
+questions, conscious all the while, O, so profoundly, that but a brief
+moment and his fate was fixed for weal or woe.</p>
+
+<p>But the dwarf's cogitations were instantly arrested, as a mournful
+human howl floated out from the encampment on the calm evening air.
+With that sound also the light was suddenly extinguished. How wild,
+weird, awful the wailing. Better the cry of the gray wolf than that!
+What did it mean? He had read Indian history, and it occurred to him
+that a barbarous ceremony was being celebrated.</p>
+
+<p>The din would favor his approach; so he cautiously crept along, a
+thorny thicket relieving him of his cap, which he did not try to
+recover; for what need had he of it, when so soon to be tomahawked?</p>
+
+<p>The redskins were assembled in a large lodge, from which a smothered
+light issued through various crevices. In the centre was a smouldering
+fire, from which the dying smoke arose to find its way out at the
+cracks.</p>
+
+<p>Should he move still nearer? He could hear his heart thump against his
+contorted ribs; would some quick-eared savage hear it too? He waited a
+moment, that the throbbing might lessen.</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Esther said she'd pray for me," came to memory just then.
+"Perhaps," he thought, "she's doing so now. God, who made these
+Indians, can hear prayer, and hold these Indians from harming me, if
+He sees best;" and strengthened by trust in the Infinite Defender, he
+crept close to the capacious wigwam.</p>
+
+<p>Frankie, since that memorable first night on the prairie, when the
+"stars" enlightened him, had been under a controlling persuasion that
+on him depended important interests connected with the experiment of
+the family in immigrating. The loss of his father, too, had thrown
+on him a sense of responsibility that otherwise he could not have
+experienced.</p>
+
+<p>When he undertook any difficult duty, like that, for instance,
+concerning the outlaw Simmons, he uttered a presentiment in affirming
+as to his aunt, "It's put upon me to do it." This whisper within had
+sustained him while tracking the trackless prairies; and now, in the
+shadow of the savage lodge, he had not entirely lost its inspiration,
+nor forgotten prayer.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf peeped through a crevice at the strange scene. The lodge was
+packed with savages of all ages and both sexes, sitting cross-legged in
+a variety of attitudes and postures, each with a blanket drawn over the
+head, singing in unison in a low key, the dirge-like notes rising and
+falling in guttural monotony.</p>
+
+<p>"They are mourning for their dead," he concluded; "now is my
+opportunity. Better discover myself to them when thus engaged, than
+when them revengeful feelings are stirred."</p>
+
+<p>And after mentally preparing a short speech declarative of
+friendliness, and claiming their protection, he passed into the wigwam.
+His ingress was not at once perceived, such was the din, and so
+absorbed the performers. But when it was, the issue was as remarkable
+as unexpected. With a terrified yell, the nearest copper-face scrambled
+from the lodge, his companions, men, women, and children, tumbling
+after.</p>
+
+<p>If, as the dwarf had conjectured, he had stumbled upon an Indian
+powwow, and by the dismal ceremony the soul of a dead brave was being
+wafted across the dark waters into the Indian's Paradise, what the
+influence the dwarf's entrance must have been on said spirit, I can
+scarcely trust myself to contemplate. With what an inglorious flop the
+defunct warrior must have dropped earthward when the survivors dropped
+their vocal discordances! And as the powwow was not resumed, of course
+the tawny decease did not go to hunt the brown deer, with silver bow
+and arrows like darts of summer lightning, in the blue forests of the
+happy hunting-ground.</p>
+
+<p>But the dwarf was not wholly right in his conjecture concerning the
+nature of their convocation. They were not singing a dead brave into
+the Indian Paradise, but were invoking the spirits of the departed. The
+Dakotas are "spiritualists"—as we call those among us of the same faith
+and practice.</p>
+
+<p>One of their sacred performances is the noted jugglery of rope-tying. A
+lodge is cleared of everything in it, and one of their copper-colored
+"mediums" produces ropes and thongs, requesting some of the stronger
+savages to tie him tightly. This is usually done by disinterested
+parties who state that they have tied the arms, elbows, and feet
+so tightly as to break the skin, and then bound the feet and hands
+together, and wound up the whole body in knots and twists of the most
+formidable kind. The person thus secured is left in the empty lodge by
+himself, and the door secured from without. No one is allowed to touch
+or go near the lodge, and the Indian, thus bound, remains alone singing
+for a few minutes, when he cries out, the door is opened, and he walks
+forth free.</p>
+
+<p>These Indians also believe that some possess the power to call up
+and converse with departed spirits. They often make feasts to the
+spirits, and seek from them information concerning deceased relatives
+and acquaintances. They assemble in the lodge, smoke, put out the
+fire, wrap their heads in their blankets, and sing, till the spirits
+make for them a picture; and many queer tales are told by them of the
+occurrences at their "sittings."</p>
+
+<p>The cause of the abrupt ending of the savage "circle" the dwarf partly
+divined. The painted barbarians were dealing, as they believed,
+with the dead, and his coming into such a ceremony had created a
+superstitious panic—something as if when you, imaginative reader, were
+consulting Planchette, a veritable ghost should glide into the parlor.</p>
+
+<p>"They are afraid I'm a 'spiritual manifestation,'" thought the dwarf;
+and he resolved to favor the error.</p>
+
+<p>Altogether, their mistake was not so singular, when the circumstances
+are considered.</p>
+
+<p>"Ignorance" is "not" "the mother of devotion," but delusion. The
+sleight-of-hand tricks of dexterous impostors easily impose on the
+untaught and the credulous, and natural phenomena are readily construed
+to be the works of supernatural agents.</p>
+
+<p>Now, the great object of Dakota worship is the "TA'-KOO WAKAN'," the
+"supernatural," the "mysterious." The "wakan'" includes all mystery,
+secret power, divinity. And to the untutored savage, all around is to
+him "wakan'." Without the illuminations of revelation and science,
+he understands little. Forests, streams, lakes, prairies, hills,
+rain, thunder, lightning, sickness, life, death, are to him, in all
+respects, awful mysteries. Sun, moon, and stars are gods and goddesses.
+Multitudes of questions arise in his dark mind, simple to us, to him
+unanswerable; and with his hand on his mouth, he exclaims with awe,
+"'Wakan'! A-tay, on'-she-ma-da!'" "Mystery! Father, have mercy upon me!"</p>
+
+<p>To his apprehensions, heaven and earth are peopled with invisible
+demons, monsters of hate and evil, to propitiate whom he waves his
+pipe, tortures his flesh, offers sacrifices, and by silly and horrid
+rites invokes. "Wakan'"—mystery, dead, slavish, whimsical, unearthly
+mystery, wraps him in fear from childhood to death.</p>
+
+<p>Probably these Indians had never seen a hunchback till the dwarf
+disturbed their devotions. And—we will not disguise it—he was a "lusus
+naturæ," though I doubt if the Dakotas understand what that means. His
+prodigious chest and back, baby legs, thin, dangling arms, large, long
+face, cadaverous, and—by reason of years of gloom, dejection, and ill
+temper affecting the liver—biliously yellow, a deeper shade being laid
+on by prairie exposures, his immense head out of all harmony with his
+height, surmounted by the wonderful "ridge" of coarse hair, which, when
+he was angered or deeply excited, seemed to stand more stiffly—picture
+such an apparition stealing in on a group of "wild" savages, in their
+own haunts, far from civilized neighbors, while engaged at their
+midnight orgies, connected with ghostly and demon consultations. And
+not the most alert of the assembled copper-faces had seen a trail or
+heard a footfall. Moreover, their unearthly-shaped visitor called
+voluntarily. He was not dragged there a protesting prisoner. He came
+unarmed. His expression grave, resolute, intelligent, his eyes large,
+spiritual, piercing—looking as if able to read their inmost thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>How perfectly his advent, looks, bearing, time of his ingress, chimed
+in with their superstitions and the character of their ceremonies. Ah,
+he was "wakan'!"</p>
+
+<p>The curiosity of the copper-faces, however, brought them back again
+peeping through the cracks, crawling cautiously a few paces into the
+lodge, grunting, calling out, yelling, drawing nearer and nearer.</p>
+
+<p>In vain did the discreet dwarf preserve a majestic silence, and glance
+ineffable things. His power rapidly waned. He went heavenward as a
+rocket, in their estimation, and he came down liked a stick. Morning
+found them wholly undeceived—he "was" flesh and blood, for they had
+pinched him. So do ghostly mysteries fade before a matter-of-fact
+handling.</p>
+
+<p>His make-up, however, amused them exceedingly. And his voice
+contributed no little to the entertainment. To this mood, even when
+degenerating to ridicule, the dwarf was, for a wonder, submissive; for,
+he reasoned, while I make fun for them, they will not be likely to
+scalp me.</p>
+
+<p>A savage might be seen "on all fours" squealing like a pig, to imitate
+his voice; another, rolling himself into a heap, would act the
+hedge-hog, to caricature his bristles; a third squat like a tortoise,
+to take off his hunched back.</p>
+
+<p>"Hands off!" the dwarf would pipe, when his hair was pulled.</p>
+
+<p>"Look out, I tell you," as an Indian boy tried to trip him.</p>
+
+<p>"Take care, there," as a squaw stuck a thorn in his arm.</p>
+
+<p>His thin tones and puerile strength, contrasted with his ominous scowls
+and commanding head, excited roars of laughter.</p>
+
+<p>But harmless mirth was fast changing to offensive and dangerous
+treatment. A tomahawk thrown at his head was narrowly dodged, and
+the Hunchback, beset by the clamorous crowd, saw that his risks were
+fearfully increasing, when from a fine large tent there looked forth a
+beautiful Indian girl. And instantly after, an aged chief came to him,
+and dispersing the savages, led him to his wigwam.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf, overcome by the unexpected interposition, would have fallen
+at the feet of the chief's daughter, and poured forth his gratitude,
+and begged her to complete the kindness by sending him to the white
+settlements. But she appeared now scarcely aware of his presence, and
+her silence compelled his.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_21">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>AUNT ESTHER'S TROUBLE.—THE LAMP IN THE WINDOW.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>AUNT ESTHER was troubled. Evening was falling, and the dwarf had not
+returned. A score of times had she peered anxiously from the cabin
+window, a score of times donned sun-bonnet with assumed carelessness,
+and repaired to the gentle eminence beyond the stable, and shading her
+eyes with her neat hand, scanned the landscape.</p>
+
+<p>She had hoped he would not have so far to go but that he would be back
+by dark, at the farthest. She blamed herself bitterly for consenting to
+so ventursome a project. What if Simmons should chance to detect the
+pursuit, the dwarf fall sick, or be torn by prowling beasts, or get
+lost! The last thought sent a deathly pallor to her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>And now the family were wondering at his absence. How would they regard
+her when it transpired that she was secretly a party to it?</p>
+
+<p>A clandestine enterprise, even when entirely defensible, indeed
+praiseworthy, if it lacks success, is apt to react against those
+concerned in it. That aunt Esther's motives were every way what
+they should be, in fitting off the dwarf, is entirely apparent. But
+would Mrs. Willard appreciate them?—Especially if the dwarf met with
+misfortune in his singular and hazardous undertaking? And a woman will
+rarely excuse it if not counted in, in a secret where her husband or
+children are involved.</p>
+
+<p>True, it was necessary—or appeared so—that the confiding Mrs. Willard
+should remain ignorant of the proceedings against Mr. Simmons; for if
+she were informed, she would most certainly inform him and what then? A
+knave would have them at his fingers' ends. Nevertheless, Mrs. Willard
+could not see this, for she trusted Mr. Simmons. What defence, then,
+could poor aunt Esther offer, should the lad miscarry in his schemes?</p>
+
+<p>"Where can Frankie be!" the mother repeated.</p>
+
+<p>The exclamation set aunt Esther trembling.</p>
+
+<p>Supper was eaten, the dishes washed,—save the absent one's unsoiled
+plate and cup,—the candle lighted, and no Frankie.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Esther, unable to bear the tumult in her own breast, walked about
+on the moon-lit grass, longing, O, so much, that the distorted, though
+ever dear form of the Hunchback would appear, and she be spared the
+pain of telling his mother the cause of his tarrying.</p>
+
+<p>But there was no alternative, and ever resolute in duty, she went in,
+and laying her hand in her sister's, she said,—</p>
+
+<p>"I must tell you all. Frankie, I fear, will not be here to-night—he
+mentioned that he 'might' not when he went away."</p>
+
+<p>"Went away!" repeated Mrs. Willard, dropping the sock she was darning.
+"Went away! Where?"</p>
+
+<p>She related all the circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>"You and Frankie are both crazy!" exclaimed the mother, deeply
+agitated. "That poor, weak, wee thing following a person of Mr.
+Simmons's strength across the pathless prairies! You've lost your wits,
+Esther! And keeping it hidden from his mother, too! It's wicked for a
+child not to confide in its mother. He had no right to leave, and not
+let me know it. You have encouraged him to deceive the best friend and
+the safest counsellor he has in the world; and what will come of it God
+alone can foresee. How could you be so foolish and cruel, Esther?"</p>
+
+<p>Esther sobbed as the mother wept.</p>
+
+<p>What could she say? She intended it nobly, heroically, at serious
+cost to her own affections. She deemed it a resistless necessity. But
+now that Frankie did not return, and while witnessing the parent's
+grief, and listening to her arguments and accusations, so sharp-edged,
+touching, and vehement, she forgot the real reasons for her partnership
+in the affair, and came to view herself as heartless, weak, and sinful
+in the extreme.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, she was instinctively aware that this new sorrow had unsealed
+anew that other; and that the bereaved wife and mother now mourned a
+double loss.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willard arose, lighted a second candle, and placed it in the
+window. And that night, aunt Esther saw her frequently rise and trim it
+that the blaze might be steady and strong. And each succeeding night,
+the flame of that friendly lamp, kept bright by the vigilant watcher,
+shone on the velvet grass, and gleamed far over the unbeaten waste.</p>
+
+<p>"He may come home, belated," said she.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>When Frank had been gone four days, there was one evening, a welcome
+arrival at the Willard cabin. A clerical-looking gentleman rode up, and
+introduced himself as Mr. Parsons, the missionary at L—. He apologized
+for calling at that hour, by mentioning that young Jones had informed
+him about the family, and desired that their whereabouts might be
+ascertained; but he had had some difficulty in finding them.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, he said, he had a little errand to do for Mr. Cowles, on
+behalf of a Mr. Swallow.</p>
+
+<p>"It appears," explained the missionary, "that the latter had a horse
+stolen from him, and our storekeeper, having reasons to suspect that
+the missing animal is about your premises, has commissioned me, if I
+find the beast, to take him along with me."</p>
+
+<p>Then drawing Mr. Swallow's advertisement from his pocket, he read it
+aloud.</p>
+
+<p>"Why," cried Georgie, in amazement, "Mr. Simmons's horse is exactly
+like that!"</p>
+
+<p>Ferdie ran to the stable, and with marvellous quickness rode the horse
+to the door, and the Willards, with their reverend caller, carefully
+compared the animal with the printed description. The clergyman was
+satisfied that it was the stolen horse.</p>
+
+<p>"What is your opinion, ladies? And yours, my lads?"</p>
+
+<p>"It must be the one," gasped astonished Mrs. Willard.</p>
+
+<p>"It is, and no mistake," echoed the brothers.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Swallow has authorized Mr. Cowles to pay the person recovering
+the animal," observed the minister, "the amount offered as reward. The
+money is in my charge. Where is the lad who brought the information to
+Mr. Cowles?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean Frankie?" eagerly asked aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p>"He was somewhat deformed, the grocer said, but he didn't learn his
+name."</p>
+
+<p>"It is—it is Frankie. Can you tell me, sir, where he is?" cried the
+mother.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he not here?" counting the bills into Mrs. Willard's hand. "He left
+our village next day, promising to bring the horse on Thursday. And as
+he did not come, and Mr. Swallow was in a hurry to reclaim the animal,
+I hunted you up, as you perceive."</p>
+
+<p>"Then Frankie has perished on the prairies," exclaimed the mother,
+sinking into a seat, faint and trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"My good woman," gently exhorted the minister, "do not too hastily
+abandon hope. Persons frequently go astray on the prairies, and long
+afterwards return alive and well. Some out of the way cabin may have
+given shelter to your boy. I will rouse the settlers, and diligent
+search shall be instituted.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, if you can stow me away in a corner—no matter where—till
+morning, I will not try to go home in the darkness."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parson's visit was timely and comforting.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot infer," said he to Mrs. Willard, "that your Frankie is
+hopelessly lost. It was an eminently worthy and courageous deed that
+he left you to accomplish, and I have lived long enough to know that a
+kind Providence is intimately concerned in the interests of such heroic
+and self-denying persons. And his bodily infirmity would serve to
+attract to him the special care of God. How is it with yourself, madam?
+Is your 'afflicted' son less dear than the two well-formed boys before
+me? Do not the weakness and deformity of the other elicit from you a
+peculiar tenderness? And is Frankie's heavenly Parent less loving and
+considerate than you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Frankie was very brave and disinterested in undertaking such an
+enterprise," observed aunt Esther.</p>
+
+<p>"Nobly so," answered the minister, "and that fact gives me a pleasing
+assurance of his ultimate success. When the young engage in such
+services, they usually come out splendidly."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you do such things when you were a boy?" asked Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not live on the prairie then," he smilingly replied, "and
+therefore had no occasion, like your brother, to chase a scoundrel
+across one. I dwelt in a crowded city, and had no call to such a
+peculiar mission."</p>
+
+<p>At this point, Mrs. Willard handed a Bible to her visitor, and reading
+a cheerful Psalm of trust, he knelt down, and fervently prayed for the
+little household, not forgetting the two mysteriously missing members.
+His words were like "apples of old in pictures of silver" to the
+afflicted household.</p>
+
+<p>And as Mrs. Willard bade him good night, her radiant face reflected her
+inward peace.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_22">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>AN INDIAN LOVER.—THE MAGIC MOCCASONS.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>IF the dwarf wondered, at first, why the Indian maiden persuaded her
+father to deliver him from the savage rabble, a week's tarrying in the
+chief's wigwam did not solve the problem. The tawny miss was far from
+being as amiable as her interposition might lead him to expect. She
+certainly did not interfere to save him because of his personal beauty,
+for now that he was sheltered by the same tent, from her invincible
+stolidity of countenance, he would suppose she was totally unaware of
+his presence, except when she ordered him to some menial service. Then
+her broken English was short, harsh, and domineering.</p>
+
+<p>"White boy, bring water!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pale-face, get wood!"</p>
+
+<p>It grated on the Hunchback's self-respect to be thus addressed by the
+feminine Sioux, but "hard words break no bones" he remembered, while
+tomahawks crushed the skull; and how speedily that blood-shedding
+hatchet would cleave his cranium, should he rebel, he could easily
+calculate. Over-sensitiveness to the remarks of others, leading to a
+morbid irritability of temper, was the dwarf's "besetting sin." He
+was taking lessons in self-control, now, with a Dakotah girl for his
+teacher. But we all have to submit to the pruning-knife sooner or later.</p>
+
+<p>"She wanted me for her slave," the meditative prisoner concluded;
+"that's why she didn't let the savages kill me."</p>
+
+<p>It puzzled him, however, that while she ordered him about insultingly,
+his tasks were not more burdensome.</p>
+
+<p>But one thing amused him. One afternoon, a young brave stalked into the
+chief's tent, and casting down a freshly-shot deer, went grave-faced
+away. His coming was so frequent and peculiar, that the observant
+captive saw that an Indian courtship was in progress.</p>
+
+<p>The tawny maiden, however, deigned not to notice her suitor. Evidently,
+he was not in favor with her; but her unrelenting coldness only added
+fuel to his ardor, and for hours he would lie on the grass chanting, in
+minor key, his love-song, promising her abundance of game to eat—the
+highest good of the hunter's life.</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+<br>
+"Cling fast to me, and you'll ever have a plenty,<br>
+&nbsp;Cling fast to me, and you'll ever have a plenty,<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 13.5em;">Cling fast to me."</span><br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Heartless heathen! How often she heard this ditty, droned over and
+over again, as if she heard not; even though accompanied by the
+"cho'-tan-ka," or flute, made of sumac, in the best style of savage
+art, decorated with ribbon streamers, yellow and red paint, the carved
+likeness of a horse, and a brass thimble for a mouth-piece.</p>
+
+<p>Some evenings after the dwarf's discovery of this affair, as the
+undiscouraged redskin was pouring forth his unrequited passion, the
+Hunchback was ordered to the spring. It struck him that the maiden had
+a double purpose in despatching him among the bushes. So, concealed by
+the shrubbery, he stopped to look back, and he saw the tawny beauty
+glide from out the door, and chant a brief response to the pleading
+lover who instantly stood at her side.</p>
+
+<p>"Had she changed her mind, and was now confessing it!" thought the
+dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>A moment more, and fear superseded curiosity. She had been unusually
+tyrannical through the day, and now her conversation seemed to be
+concerning him, for she pointed in his direction. Was she devoting
+him to the knife of the Warrior? But the latter disappeared in the
+darkness, and the thankful dwarf returned to the wigwam.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Next day, the dwarf endured much from the tongue of the Indian girl.
+All the epithets expressive of the hatred of her race towards the
+pale-faces descended on his head. What a prospect, should his captor's
+dislike continue to increase! Worn with sad forebodings, that night he
+fell into a dreamful slumber, from which he was awakened by a gentle
+touch. The chief's daughter, bending over him, made signs for him to be
+silent, and led him to the forest. Then handing him a pair of moccasons
+for his feet, she said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Indian girl send pale-face home. Pale-face no lose
+moccasons—'understand?' When he gets to his people, pale-face look in
+moccason; no forget?" She spoke low and impressively, and before he
+could utter a syllable, glided towards the chief's tent.</p>
+
+<p>The round yellow moon hung above the trees. By its shimmering beams,
+he saw a dusky form. It was the Indian beau who silently started off,
+followed by the astonished dwarf. Travelling slowly, they came to a
+small stream. Pushing a canoe from the bushes that lined the bank, the
+savage motioned him to lie down in it, and then paddled swiftly away.
+The succeeding fore-noon, after threading the woods on the opposite
+shore, they struck an Indian trail. Pointing to it, his guide said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Go in that; don't leave; find white cabin," and left him.</p>
+
+<p>Freedom, how sweet to all! Home, however homely, how dear!</p>
+
+<p>Did you ever trace an Indian trail, worn by the feet of the Indian
+pony? The narrow path, clear cut, goes straight to its destination—you
+cannot well miss it. Observed you what choice spots it led to, just
+where a tent should be pitched, or a cabin stand? And thus it comes
+about that the white man, pluming himself on his superior judgment in
+selecting so eligible a site for his wilderness home, finds, after
+all, that he has chosen second-hand; the uncultivated child of nature
+kindled his wigwam fire just there.</p>
+
+<p>No danger that on this journey the little Hunchback would go astray,
+for he trod a well-defined path, conducting him by the sweetest springs
+to the lands of the settlers.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>That night, he slept in the rude shanty of a pioneer, and by twelve the
+day succeeding,—still retaining the trail,—reached a cultivated field
+in the alluvial river-bottom. Climbing the rail-fence, and crossing the
+enclosed lot, he struck the trail again.</p>
+
+<p>It ran parallel with a lessening creek tributary to a river, near
+which he saw a log house, and higher up on the bank, a neat cottage in
+process of erection. The cabin door was open. At the opposite extremity
+of the room stood a woman before a small looking-glass, arranging her
+toilet, her wealth of glossy-black hair hanging to her waist.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said he, entering, in his eagerness, without knocking, "can
+you tell me—"</p>
+
+<p>Not waiting to hear his question, she dashed past him, screaming,—</p>
+
+<p>"Husband! Husband! The Hunchback's here!"</p>
+
+<p>At which, an athletic, pleasant-faced man rushed in, and seeing the
+dwarf, vociferated,—</p>
+
+<p>"Why, where did you rain from? Where 've you been? The whole country
+has been scoured to find you. There's a gathering to-day at the
+missionary's, to decide what else to do about it. I must carry you
+right there."</p>
+
+<p>And putting his head out of the door, he shouted,—</p>
+
+<p>"William! The Hunchback's come. Clap the horse into the buggy quick as
+you can. I'll help you."</p>
+
+<p>And hurrying out, the two hustled the horse into harness, and the dwarf
+was whirling towards the minister's.</p>
+
+<p>"How far is it?" inquired the Hunchback.</p>
+
+<p>"Only a short piece—you must have crossed the parson's ten-acre lot in
+getting to my cabin."</p>
+
+<p>"What are they doing at the missionary's?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Tom Jones—we call him Tom, 'cause he was brought up about here,
+as you may say—is there. The settlers had about given over the hunt
+for you. But Tom has brought with him an Indian,—a great friend to
+the Joneses,—and they set this afternoon to state where each one had
+searched, and then the Indian—he's a hound on a scent—is to try. But
+here's the house."</p>
+
+<p>And hitching his horse among the trees, out of sight of the cabin,
+saying, with a humorous twinkle in his honest dark eye, "We must be
+careful not to scare the folks—you just wait outside a minute," he
+entered the dwelling without ceremony, and in an unnecessarily loud
+voice said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Tom, there's a gentleman at the door that wants to speak to you."</p>
+
+<p>The surprise of Tom when he saw who was there, and the joy of the
+company, cannot be described. They made the air resound with their
+lusty cheers, and the firing of their guns gave notice to the settlers
+around of the gladsome event, bringing even the women and children
+to see and hear for themselves. And the dwarf, overwhelmed with
+gratulations, learned that even a dwarf need not be despised.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian, however, retained, amid the universal rejoicing, the
+immobility of feature characteristic of his race. But for his bright,
+gleaming eye, you would pronounce him immovably indifferent. When the
+excitement had measurably died away, pointing to the Hunchback's feet,
+he said to Tom, in low, earnest tones,—</p>
+
+<p>"What for white boy wear moccason?"</p>
+
+<p>Tom saw that Long Hair detected something significant in his discovery,
+and he quietly beckoned the dwarf and the Indian into the missionary's
+attic study.</p>
+
+<p>"Long Hair thinks it strange that you wear moccasons," remarked Tom,
+when they were by themselves; "how does it happen?"</p>
+
+<p>"The Indian girl gave them to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"No; Indian pappoose no give pale-face moccason," contradicted Long
+Hair.</p>
+
+<p>"He means," interpreted Tom, "that it would be unlike an Indian to do
+so."</p>
+
+<p>"But she did," warmly asserted the Hunchback.</p>
+
+<p>"Long Hair want see moccason," said the Indian.</p>
+
+<p>"He wishes you to take them off, that he may examine them," explained
+Tom.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf complied, passing each in turn to the Indian.</p>
+
+<p>"What dat?" he asked, secretly calling Tom's attention to an object
+smoothly secured within one of them.</p>
+
+<p>The inspection sent the blood with magical suddenness into Tom's face,
+and moved him so deeply that the dwarf was alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" he inquired, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>Tom did not reply, but after whispering aside to Long Hair, asked,—</p>
+
+<p>"How long were you in the canoe?"</p>
+
+<p>"All night," answered the Hunchback.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you go up or down stream?"</p>
+
+<p>"Down."</p>
+
+<p>"And kept the trail all the way?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," grunted the Indian. "Long Hair know!"</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_23">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>FOREBODINGS.—SHINGLING THE CABIN.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"MOTHER, you'll have to see to those boys," said the dwarf,
+querulously. "They wouldn't accomplish anything if I didn't drive them
+to it."</p>
+
+<p>"He's fine at bossing," retorted Ferdie, "and that's about all he is
+good for. Georgie and I work from morning till night. We don't sit
+round directing other folks—do we, Georgie?"</p>
+
+<p>"But Frankie likes that. Wonder if he intends to follow it for a
+business," chimed in Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, there's the roof needs shingling; and the stove must be moved
+into the house. The weather is growing cool, and winter 'll be here
+before we are half ready for it," continued the Hunchback, unheeding
+their taunts.</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't much winter in this climate," affirmed Ferdie, "and we
+have plenty of time to prepare for it."</p>
+
+<p>"Where 'd you get your information?" sharply questioned the Hunchback.</p>
+
+<p>"All the settlers say so."</p>
+
+<p>"But they are new comers, like ourselves. Mother, look here." And the
+dwarf took down a school atlas, and pointing with his immature finger,
+said, "You see we are in the same latitude as Burlington, Vermont,
+where the winter is very severe."</p>
+
+<p>"It's warmer west than east," urged Ferdie.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," replied the Hunchback, "you can risk it if you wish, but you'll
+be sorry for it when everything freezes up. Mother, hadn't these
+youngsters better get ready in season?"</p>
+
+<p>"Youngsters! Wonder what you nickname yourself—oldster?" returned
+Ferdie. "One would think, to hear you talk, that you were Methuselah,
+and I your youngest great-great-great-grandson, and that Georgie and I
+were too lazy to pick our teeth after dinner, while you was a miracle
+of industry, by whom the whole labor of the country is performed."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, Ferdinand," gently interposed the mother. "Frankie is worrying
+lest we shall not be comfortable. He is not fitted for hard work. And
+I agree with him that it is wiser to be early ready for winter than to
+trust to having a mild season. And as there's only you two to depend
+upon, it is the more necessary to take time by the forelock, as the old
+saying is."</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like to see the shingles, before I'm required to nail them on,"
+said Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall have to buy them," answered the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"How far is it to the lumber-dealer's?" asked Georgie, donning his cap
+with a comical grimace, and starting for the door.</p>
+
+<p>"A Mr. Gregory, near L—, has them. He makes them by hand, and, as it is
+a slow process, it will be necessary to go over and engage them ahead.
+If you and Ferdie will put the horses in the wagon, I'll ride there
+with you."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>In front of a wretched loggery, open to wind and rain, sat the settler,
+a stump of a black pipe in his mouth, leisurely manufacturing shingles.</p>
+
+<p>An oak tree, straight-grained as can be had, is selected, cut down, and
+with "cross-cut" sawed into segments shingle length. The huge blocks
+are then split into smaller ones, and these in turn into thin parts,
+with a heavy steel instrument cleaver-shaped. This last operation is
+termed "riving out."</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf inquired the price of the rough oaken shingles, and when he
+could have some.</p>
+
+<p>"When mought you be wantin' on 'em?" inquired the man.</p>
+
+<p>"Soon as possible," answered the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't your ruff kivered?" asked the manufacturer.</p>
+
+<p>"Only boarded," said the Hunchback.</p>
+
+<p>"No pertick'ler hurry, then, youngster, if it's boarded, as you say."</p>
+
+<p>"We want them in two weeks, without fail," returned the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, jist ride over. Perhaps I ken 'comadate you to enough to begin
+on."</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you tighten and shingle your own house?" asked Georgie,
+gazing at the leaky structure.</p>
+
+<p>"No need on't sich weather as this."</p>
+
+<p>"But how do you manage when it storms?"</p>
+
+<p>"Couldn't 'tend to it when it rains, no way you ken fix it."</p>
+
+<p>So the easy frontiersman did not repair his shanty in pleasant weather,
+because then it was not necessary, and in foul, he preferred not to
+work in the wet.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you use in your cabin—fireplace or stove?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Stove," promptly answered Georgie.</p>
+
+<p>"Mebbe you don't want to trade for some funnel? Got some to spare."</p>
+
+<p>"Old woman!" he bawled, entering the loggery and climbing into the
+partly-floored attic. "Here, take this as I pass it."</p>
+
+<p>The wife extended her arms as directed, and a shower of ashes and soot
+saluted her head.</p>
+
+<p>"Wall, if that wan't a miss-go!" exclaimed the husband. "Brush it off,
+Roxanna!"</p>
+
+<p>Georgie giggled outright as she rubbed her blackened face with her wet,
+greasy apron.</p>
+
+<p>"My wife don't look like a beauty just now," remarked her lord, "but
+I've seen the time when she'd dance the cow-tillion with the best on
+'em."</p>
+
+<p>"What are these four lengths worth?" inquired the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"They might be wuth more, and they might be wuth less. Give us fifty
+cents, and we'll consider it a bargain."</p>
+
+<p>"Put them in the wagon, Georgie," said the Hunchback, handing the man
+the money.</p>
+
+<p>"An' now, youngster, seein' you're flush, 'spose you take a turn round
+the cabin, an' see if there's anything there wuth dickerin' for."</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf smiled; for piled against the building were a number of
+bundles of shingles.</p>
+
+<p>"Them's engaged, but the man hasn't come for 'em accordin' to
+agreement. Told him he'd have to be on hand to the minute. They are
+yours if you've got the cash; if not, the next person that has gits
+'em, whomsomedever he be."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll take them," replied the Hunchback.</p>
+
+<p>And the seller, tossing them on his brawny shoulders, piled them in the
+wagon, and the lads left.</p>
+
+<p>"But what is the matter?" suddenly asked Georgie. "You look dreadful
+sick."</p>
+
+<p>"Not much," answered the dwarf, his contracted brow, pallid cheeks, and
+feeble utterance refuting his words.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, there is, too!"</p>
+
+<p>"Please stop the team, and let me rest a moment," said the Hunchback;
+"the motion hurts so."</p>
+
+<p>Georgie checked the horses, and, alarmed, watched Frankie, who,
+moaning, curled himself down on the leathern cushion.</p>
+
+<p>"Georgie," said he at last, fixing his deep, sad gaze on his brother's
+frightened face, and articulating with difficulty, "promise me you
+won't tell mother of this."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, she ought to know if you're sick, so that she may get you well."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Georgie; it would worry her. And you know how she grieves now. It
+isn't anything she can help."</p>
+
+<p>"But where do you feel badly?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will not mention it to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," was the hesitating answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor to Ferdie or aunt Esther?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"It's all up and down my back. It seems, sometimes, as if I should
+screech right out, every bone in my spine is so hot and raw. And here,"
+placing his brother's hand against the "false" or "short" ribs, "it
+hurts me there when I breathe. My stomach, too, is awful weak."</p>
+
+<p>"You ought not to come over here, to-day," said Georgie, his eyes
+blinded by tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I had, Georgie. Perhaps I shan't live long, and the house must be
+made comfortable for mother—she isn't used to roughing it. And now you
+and Ferdie will shingle it right away—won't you? I'd help, but I can't.
+I'm only trying to keep along till father comes."</p>
+
+<p>"Father," cried Georgie; "do you expect to see him again?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," returned the dwarf, "I 'feel' that I shall some time—perhaps,
+though, it will be when I die," he softly added.</p>
+
+<p>"Frankie," cried Georgie, dropping the rein and clasping him around the
+neck, "'don't' talk so! I can't have you die, you're so good, and I
+love you so dearly!" And the impulsive boy sobbed aloud.</p>
+
+<p>"I am better now," said the dwarf; and a sadly-satisfied light played
+over his features. "But look, the lines are dragging under the horses'
+heels. Pick them up very carefully, Georgie, as not to set the span
+running.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait! I'll get them," he added, as he saw that Georgie's impetuosity
+was disturbing the animals.</p>
+
+<p>And leaning cautiously over the whipple-trees with the whipstock, he
+gently raised the rein and deposited it in Georgie's hand, the latter
+saying, enthusiastically,—</p>
+
+<p>"You can do anything, Frankie!"</p>
+
+<p>"It's because I stop to think," answered the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>The day following being fair, Ferdie and Georgie commenced work on the
+roof.</p>
+
+<p>Georgie, under the stimulus of his recent conversation with Frankie,
+was foremost in the enterprise, and had a half row of shingles nailed
+next to the ridge-pole, when Ferdie shouted,—</p>
+
+<p>"What you doing there, chick? You've got the cart before the horse. In
+shingling, they always lay the lower tier first, and lap the next upon
+it, and so on till the top is reached."</p>
+
+<p>"That's too bad!" ejaculated the disappointed young house-carpenter,
+scrambling to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdie, producing a ball of cord and a piece of chalk, telling Georgie
+to hold an end of the twine; rubbed the chalk back and forth upon it.
+Then, tacking a nail to one end of the roof near the edge, he tied the
+twine to the nail, and stationing Georgie at the opposite side with
+his end of the line the same number of inches from the edge, with his
+finger and thumb, he quickly pulled upon the line and let it go again.
+And Georgie saw that it left a perfectly straight white mark all the
+way across.</p>
+
+<p>"We must lay the shingles by this mark," explained Ferdie, "that we may
+put them on evenly."</p>
+
+<p>"How fast our carpenters get along!" remarked the mother, stepping out
+to view their progress. "Don't fall, Georgie."</p>
+
+<p>"No danger of that," he proudly replied.</p>
+
+<p>And the hammers of the lads vied with each other, sinking the nails
+into the tough wood.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the dwarf had managed to cut a circular hole in a square
+piece of sheet iron, and directing Ferdie where to make a similar
+aperture in the roof-board, the iron collar was fastened over it, to be
+subsequently covered by the shingles.</p>
+
+<p>"That will prevent the stove-pipe from getting in contact with the
+wood, and setting the cabin on fire," said the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>A fireboard also having been constructed, with which to close the
+fireplace, and thus prevent the air from drawing down the wide-mouthed
+chimney into the room, Ferdie and Georgie, with the assistance of the
+women, moved the Great Western stove into the dwelling, and the funnel
+Frankie bought was fitted together, and run up through the roof.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said the dwarf, "the fire will also warm the attic next winter."</p>
+
+<p>But the Hunchback, Georgie saw, constantly suffered. And the latter
+often checked his boyish mirth, or ceased his blithe whistling, to
+marvel at and grieve over his drooping, deformed, uncomplaining brother.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_24">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE SILENT BOATMEN.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"YEES'LL niver find him there. My Dennis isn't drowned at all, at all.
+I wouldn't belave it if ye saw him fall into the strame wid yer own
+eyes. Sure an' he'll turn up safe an' sound, an' put yees all to shame
+for misdoubting me."</p>
+
+<p>And the young wife turned away from the silent boatmen, as they
+continued dragging the river for the body.</p>
+
+<p>They were common Irish laborers. Who would have thought that those
+coarse, brawny men would be so tender of her feelings as to make no
+reply to her assertions of her husband's safety. And yet so certain
+were they of his fate, that, leaving their work, they had searched the
+waters far and near for long, weary hours, and intended to continue at
+their sad task till the corpse was found.</p>
+
+<p>The missing young Irishman had formerly been a workman in an
+establishment near by. Driven by poverty from the old country, he had
+come to these favored shores to find work. He had made his way to the
+hospitable west. Dunleith, rising so beautifully from the Mississippi,
+caught his eye.</p>
+
+<p>He had a good share of natural shrewdness, and he foresaw that the
+place would grow, and he decided to seek work in the rising town. Two
+years of regular employment passed, enabling him to take a trip into
+Minnesota, and buy a quarter section of fertile land on the line of
+immigration, fencing it, and building a neat cabin, by the avails
+of his earnings as stage-driver from — Landing, on the Mississippi,
+inland. Then he sent to "ould Ireland" for "the wife and the babe."</p>
+
+<p>With what an anxious, longing heart he looked for their arrival! And
+when at last, he clasped them in his arms, his cup of happiness seemed
+to overflow.</p>
+
+<p>He was an intelligent, warm-hearted man, and had been taught that it
+was "no harm to take jist a drop now and thin." The family reunion
+could not, of course, pass uncelebrated, and what with joy and
+excitement of the event, and a growing love of the fiery liquid, he was
+led to drink more than his wont.</p>
+
+<p>"It is all the wakeness Dennis has, sure," said his wife, as with heavy
+heart and many tears she begged the one who sold him his drams not to
+let him have any more, at least "till he's himself again."</p>
+
+<p>But how could the rum-seller continue his traffic if he heeded the
+sorrows of the heart-broken?</p>
+
+<p>That very night, the young husband, walking with pale face and unsteady
+step along the river brink, staggered in, and was swept away by the
+current.</p>
+
+<p>Have you ever been at Dunleith? Then you know how romantically it
+stretches along under the limestone bluffs, and how luxuriantly in
+summer the grape vines clamber over the warm, bare face of the rocks.</p>
+
+<p>Two weeks after the disappearance of Dennis O'Brien, mine host of —
+Hotel was conducting Mr. Parsons, the missionary, over the place,
+plucking the luscious natural plums from the garden, loading him with
+rich, ripe clusters from the graperies, introducing him to various
+objects of interest, embarrassing his retiring modesty with blandest
+attentions, from respect, I fear, not so much to the clergyman as to
+the column he chanced to fill in a Boston weekly—another illustration
+of the power of the press, you see.</p>
+
+<p>But no genuine tavern-keeper is a fool. He knows men. He talks with all
+sorts of folks, and hears from year's end to year's end discussions
+on every known topic. And there is no subject from tea to theology on
+which he may not say something apt.</p>
+
+<p>"The Catholics are very strong here," said he to Mr. Parsons, "and
+there is a church of theirs that you would like to visit. You will find
+in it some quaint old pictures from the masters."</p>
+
+<p>"Will the edifice be open this week-day?" asked the minister.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly: a Catholic church is rarely closed. And I tell you there
+are some things about the Catholic system that you Protestants, if you
+were wise, would imitate. Let me see," he added, giving him a careless
+but penetrating scrutiny, "you are a clergyman—are you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have guessed correctly," said his guest, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"So I supposed. Now, isn't it said in Scripture, 'My house shall
+be called a house of 'prayer?'" And he emphasized the last word.
+"But do not the sects use the meeting house more for preaching than
+devotion? Why, I have often heard ministers and church members style
+the invocation, singing, Bible-reading, and prayers, the 'preliminary
+exercises.' Even public prayers—how like orations! So that the
+people say, 'Wasn't that a fine prayer?' 'What an able prayer!' 'How
+eloquently Rev. Dr. Blank "addressed" the throne of grace!'"</p>
+
+<p>"But the Romanists go to church to 'worship;' and the cathedral doors
+stand open all the week for devotional purposes. While with us, once
+in seven days, the church-going bell invites us to the sanctuary,
+where the attendants are treated to great sermons, learned essays,
+sensational subjects, elocution, rhetoric, eloquence.</p>
+
+<p>"Besides," he continued, "the poor and the rich are on an equality in
+the Papal church. The ill clad and the well clad sit and kneel side by
+side. But Protestantism is shutting out the masses by high-priced pews
+and fashions, making religious show mock the woes of the lowly. But I
+must leave you now. Good-by."</p>
+
+<p>And the missionary entered the Romanist church alone.</p>
+
+<p>The "dim religious light," the silence that might be felt, the kneeling
+men and women scattered among the pews, the pictures of saints and
+representatives of the passion of Jesus, the gliding in and out of
+ecclesiastics, and in a niche the "confessional box," spoke voicelessly
+of things unseen and ghostly.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to the open air, as the clergyman was going musingly through
+a street inhabited mostly by foreigners, a crowd gathered before a door
+led him to ask what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"Dennis O'Brien is found, sir," said an Irish woman, with eyes red from
+weeping. "His body's jist brought in from the river, sir, swollen an'
+soaked so yees would hardly know it."</p>
+
+<p>The deceased had temporarily occupied rooms in the second story, and
+through the open window came a wild wailing. It was the voice of his
+widow who "refused to be comforted." And alas! what a sorrow was hers,
+so soon and suddenly after her lonely, stormy ocean voyage, and the
+long-wished-for meeting with the companion of her youth, to be torn
+from him in so awful a manner!</p>
+
+<p>The priest's carriage, with its elegant span and equipage, stood by; so
+the clergyman knew that he was there to administer the last rites of
+his church.</p>
+
+<p>"But what comfort," thought the Protestant, "has the priest to offer
+the stricken woman? Or, indeed, any of the bereaved among his trusting
+followers, when, according to his teachings, the flames of purgatory
+wait to seize the saintliest of his flock at death."</p>
+
+<p>As he pondered this perversion of the "glad tidings of great joy," and
+there came thronging to mind the sweet words of consolation for the
+afflicted with which the Bible is freighted, how he longed to break the
+darkness that brooded over the benighted minds before him!</p>
+
+<p>"And O," he exclaimed, "the cruel horrors and tragedies of the
+rum-traffic! When will its days be numbered? When will the deluded
+immigrant cease to pay the rum-seller for robbing him of property,
+reason, and life, and murdering his dear ones?"</p>
+
+<p>Of the men and women who rode in the long funeral procession at the
+burial of Dennis O'Brien, few were wholly sober. Over his dishonored
+remains, they drank the deadly draught that had hurried him into
+eternity. And the dead man did not rise to rebuke them!</p>
+
+<p>How like a kaleidoscope is real life! Forty-eight hours had not
+completed their rounds, when the gathering suspicion that whiskey was
+not the only agent directly concerned in the fate of the interesting
+young immigrant, culminated in the arrest of a man for his murder. As
+the officers—one on each side of him—hurried the suspected criminal
+along, Mr. Parsons elbowed his way through the excited throng to get
+a glimpse of the prisoner. It was his ex-workman, Mr. Grey "alias"
+Simmons, "alias" Grimes.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Parsons obtained a private interview with him. He affected entire
+ignorance of the clergyman, pretending with craftily affected surprise
+that he was not Mr. Grey, that he had not before seen Mr. Parsons, and
+that the latter had assuredly mistaken him for some other person.</p>
+
+<p>"Grey," said the missionary, indignantly, "you are in the hands of
+justice, charged with a capital crime, and it becomes you to remember
+that if I volunteer to testify in the case, I can tell a hard story."</p>
+
+<p>The convict was as cowardly as cunning, and, with blanched cheeks, he
+asked, in abject terror,—</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think, Mr. Parsons, that I shall be hung?"</p>
+
+<p>"The prospect is dark for you," replied the missionary; "for if you
+are tried, and not convicted, the people are so enraged that they may
+take the law into their own hands. If you wish me to show you the least
+favor, answer me in a straightforward manner. Where is Scroggs, the
+scoundrel you met on the prairie as you went from Mrs. Willard's to L—?"</p>
+
+<p>Had a bolt from a cloudless sky fallen at his feet, he could not have
+been more amazed.</p>
+
+<p>"He doesn't stay in any particular place; he keeps moving round."</p>
+
+<p>"He's afraid he shall run across Mr. Willard, isn't he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"And where is Mr. Willard?"</p>
+
+<p>"None of us know, for certain. Scroggs says he was picked up, and is in
+one of the river towns. But Merrow, who helped him do the job, don't
+really believe it. 'I' think he's alive somewhere."</p>
+
+<p>This was all the information concerning Mr. Willard that Mr. Parsons
+then elicited.</p>
+
+<p>As to the ill-fated Hibernian, it appeared that Grimes was with him
+at the groggery on the evening of the tragedy; that he was seen again
+in his company after leaving the rum-shop; that O'Brien had on his
+person considerable money, with which to buy housekeeping articles to
+take with his family to his Minnesota farm. And that when the body was
+recovered, his pocket-book was gone, while a five-dollar bill paid
+O'Brien the evening of his death was in Grey's possession. It was
+identified by the initials of a fellow-workman of O'Brien's, written,
+with the date, on the back of the note, the afternoon of the fatal day.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_25">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE CAPTIVE MAIDEN.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>BUT what of Alice McElroy?</p>
+
+<p>Let us go back in our narrative to her mysterious disappearance, the
+resulting search for her, and her flight from the wigwam of her captor.</p>
+
+<p>Her father's soldiers were within call. A moment more, and, environed
+by those brave-hearted men, she would have been secure against a
+hundred Indians. But by one of those unaccountable coincidences with
+which human affairs are replete, just as she espied on the opposite
+bank the uniform of Captain Manly, the hand of the pursuing savage
+was placed upon her mouth, and flinging the struggling girl over his
+shoulder, he bore her to his waiting canoe.</p>
+
+<p>What a terrible revulsion! So near escape, and so frightfully to fail!</p>
+
+<p>The malignant-featured savage uttered not a word till he carried her
+the second time into his wigwam. Then, throwing her to the ground, he
+said, with a fiendish look,—</p>
+
+<p>"White squaw fool; Injun killee her!"</p>
+
+<p>What motive impelled her captor to spare her life at first, and then
+to be so anxious to hold her as to pursue and bring her once more to
+his hut, Alice tried fruitlessly to determine. That it was not hope
+of reward for ultimately restoring her to her parents, the rage he
+exhibited when she held out that bribe fully disproved. It was plain,
+however, that he held a deadly grudge against the general; for when
+Alice mentioned her father's name, the face of the savage glowed with
+hate, and he fiercely muttered,—</p>
+
+<p>"White chief kill Injun—many! Injun killee him!"</p>
+
+<p>It was evident, too, that the savage held a spite against her. As she
+pondered, she suddenly recalled where and under what circumstances
+she originally met her implacable foe. The recapitulation of certain
+incidents, and a brief historical statement, will show why the
+discovery filled her with the worst apprehensions.</p>
+
+<p>One day Mrs. McElroy and her charming Alice, on their way home from a
+visit to friends in Northern Iowa, were detained at the hotel at L— for
+several days, while a party of Indians graced the village with their
+presence. And Alice, flitting hither and thither, bird-like, often
+tripped across the street to brighten Mrs. Mather's sitting-room with
+her coming, and fill the house with music as she swept the piano and
+sang her favorite songs.</p>
+
+<p>Now, it chanced one morning, entering the back door of that lady's
+dwelling, she came suddenly upon an Indian helping himself from the
+good housewife's newly-packed "meat barrel." Startled, she cried out,—</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Mather! Here's a horrid savage stealing!"</p>
+
+<p>The announcement brought quite a group of spectators to the spot,
+before whom, the town-owner, who was a quick-tempered, stern man when
+aroused, lifted the blanket of the copper-colored thief, disclosing
+to view, hugged under a dirty arm, a number of pieces of salted pork,
+which, with angry threats, he compelled the reluctant red-man to return
+to their places in the barrel.</p>
+
+<p>That Indian was the chief. That chief was Alice McElroy's captor. The
+threatening expression of that evil face terrified her at the time, and
+it was the same evil expression, reproduced with increased intensity,
+that now enabled her shudderingly to identify the swarthy demon into
+whose power she had so strangely fallen.</p>
+
+<p>Now that she was hopelessly in his power, her mind intensely revolved
+the awful question of her fate. Between the hut and stream was a
+solitary oak. Around this, the Indian began to heap brushwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he intending to burn me to death?" she queried.</p>
+
+<p>The preparations indicated it. The expression of his hideous face and
+glare of his diabolical eye confirmed the appalling inference. Unable
+to cope with the white soldiery, his breast rankling with traditional
+animosity and personal revenge, he would gloat over the slow agonies of
+the helpless member of the hated race he had captured.</p>
+
+<p>With ghastly, white face, the maiden noted the ominous preparations.
+The pile was completed.</p>
+
+<p>Repairing to a swamp at hand, he brought from thence fibrous grape-wood
+to bind her fast, and was trimming it with his scalping-knife, when, as
+if he heard a sound, he dropped the vines to listen. An instant after,
+there was a report, and a bullet pierced his chest. The wounded savage
+pitched forward, and commenced his death-song.</p>
+
+<p>"It is the soldiers!" cried Alice, joyfully.</p>
+
+<p>But to her surprise, a party of Indians rushed from out the bushes, the
+foremost of whom struck his tomahawk into the skull of the dying savage.</p>
+
+<p>Alice fell to her knees, as, after slaying her captor, the Indian
+entered the wigwam. Instead of the dreaded stroke, he beckoned her to
+follow him, and, returning to the Indian village, took her into his own
+tent, and delivered her to his squaw.</p>
+
+<p>Alice knew that her condition in that barbarous home depended largely
+on what sort of a being the woman was, for the chief would necessarily
+be absent much of the time, while his wife would dwell ever in the
+tent. The trembling captive therefore rapidly scrutinized the feminine
+form before her, to determine, if possible, her disposition and
+character.</p>
+
+<p>But it is difficult to read the Indian countenance, young or old,
+male or female. This specimen was short and thick, untidy in person
+and apparel, with a broad, wrinkled, haggish face. Whether she was as
+old as she looked, Alice could not judge, as the Indian women, from
+exposure, want, and toil, become prematurely decrepit. Her face wore a
+gloomy, sullen expression, which Alice supposed was evidence of hatred
+to her.</p>
+
+<p>From the squaw, Alice's eyes passed to the survey of the little
+habitation she was destined to occupy, how long and under what
+circumstances she knew not.</p>
+
+<p>Like the Arabs of the desert, the Dakotas live in tents—in their
+language, "teepees." Like the army-tent, they are usually of a conical
+shape, covered with buffalo-skins, or, when these are scarce, of cotton
+cloth, or bark, the latter being more pleasant and cool for the summer.</p>
+
+<p>This of the chief's was composed of not less than a dozen
+buffalo-skins, dressed and sewed together by his squaw, and supported
+by a number of poles fastened together at the top, and spreading out at
+the bottom so as to suit the skin-covering, which was drawn around the
+poles and fastened in front with a row of pins, leaving a hole at the
+bottom for entrance, and one at the top for the smoke to pass out. The
+lower edge of the covering was confined by pins driven into the ground,
+while at the smoke-hole was a flap arranged so as to be accommodated to
+the wind. The "draught," however, was not perfect, Alice concluded, as
+she wiped the tears from her eyes caused by the smoke in the tent.</p>
+
+<p>On the ground inside, dried grass had been spread by the squaw, on
+which were placed skin-mats and robes—the carpet by day and bed by
+night. In the centre was a space for the fire, the fuel for which the
+squaw always provided.</p>
+
+<p>When the chief brought Alice there, he said something concerning her
+to the squaw. But as he used the Indian tongue, Alice was not able to
+understand the purport of it. That it was not ominously harsh, however,
+she gathered from the forbearance of the Indian woman to ill-treat her
+at the outset, as their way is towards captives.</p>
+
+<p>The sharp pangs of hunger reminded Alice that she had "lived on
+excitement" already too long, and by signs she sought to signify to the
+squaw that she was hungry; and bringing her some hominy and a boiled
+egg on a wooden plate, with a horn spoon, Alice ate the food with
+avidity.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident from what the chief's wife proffered Alice that
+provisions were not any too abundant in the "teepee;" and that was the
+reason the husband had left so soon. He did not return that night,
+nor the next. But each morning the squaw, with haggard looks and
+dishevelled hair, wearing a ragged skirt and leggins, with an old piece
+of buffalo-skin thrown over her shoulders, walked round the wigwam,
+wailing, "'Me-choonk-she! Me-choonk-she!'"</p>
+
+<p>She was mourning for her only daughter, slain by the Ojibwas. Bitter
+was the lament of the Indian mother, which, if rendered in English,
+would be somewhat like that given by Mrs. Riggs—"'Me-choonk-she!
+Me-choonk-she!'" ('My daughter! My daughter!') "Alas, alas! My hope, my
+comfort has departed, and my heart is very sad. My joy is turned into
+sorrow, and my song into wailing. Shall I never more behold thy sunny
+smile? Shall I never more hear the music of thy voice? The Great Spirit
+has entered my 'teepee' in anger, and taken thee from me—my first-born,
+my only child! I am comfortless, and must wail out my grief. The
+pale-faces repress their sorrow; but we, children of nature, must give
+vent to ours, or die. 'Me-choonk-she! Me-choonk-she!'"</p>
+
+<p>"I have cast from me all comfortable clothing, and robed myself in
+skins; for no clothing, no fire, can warm thee, my daughter. Unwashed
+and uncombed I will mourn for thee, whose long locks I can never more
+braid, and whose cheeks I can never again tinge with vermilion. I will
+cut off my dishevelled hair, for my grief is great. 'Me-choonk-she!
+Me-choonk-she!'"</p>
+
+<p>The return of the Indians from the hunting expedition was announced,
+while they were yet far-off, by their rejoicing song. This showed, too,
+that they had been successful. And when they appeared, they brought
+quite a little supply of game, which, however, they staid at home to
+eat up, before getting more.</p>
+
+<p>While the chief was at home day by day, Alice pleadingly inquired when
+he was to take her to the fort.</p>
+
+<p>His vague guttural reply uniformly being, "Take pappoose dere bimeby!"</p>
+
+<p>What motives led her present captors to show her special consideration
+we cannot say. Certain it is, however, that Alice McElroy was not
+subjected to the sufferings that befell her less fortunate captive
+sisters. Who can paint her thankfulness at their forbearance towards
+her! She resolved to show her appreciation of it. And as her grateful
+looks and winsome ways evoked additional kindness from her captors,
+she trusted that ere long their softening natures would yield, and
+they would grant her one consuming desire and oft-uttered prayer, and
+restore her to those she knew were mourning her loss,—a quenchless
+grief.</p>
+
+<p>Conceive her dismay, then, when, one day, the childless couple gave her
+to understand that they had concluded to adopt her!</p>
+
+<p>"O, no; carry me to my 'true' father and mother!" she cried, convulsed
+with agony.</p>
+
+<p>But the brow of the chief grew portentous, and his squaw changed into
+a fury, and seemed about to pounce upon and tear her in pieces. In
+anguish and terror, she lay and pondered that night, and by morning
+had wisely resolved to submit to their whim,—making a virtue of
+necessity,—and patiently wait the issue. For were not her condition
+and prospects enviable, compared with other captives? Would it not be
+suicidal folly to offend those who held her prisoner? Moreover, as
+a chief's daughter, if she used discreetly the advantages of such a
+position, she could win the respect and confidence of the tribe, and
+when her plans were ripe and the opportunity opened, farewell, Indian
+captivity; welcome, liberty and home!</p>
+
+<p>Alice's acquiescence in their wishes gave great satisfaction to the
+swarthy pair; particularly as, with girl-tact, she became an Indian
+of the Indians, as Paul was "a Pharisee of the Pharisees," conforming
+to their habits, customs, and prejudices as far as she possibly
+could—outwardly at least.</p>
+
+<p>The use of paints, the Dakotas aver, was taught them by their gods. I
+think their gods must have been poor artists—do you not? "Oon-ktay'-he"
+showed the first "medicine-men" how to paint themselves when they
+worshipped him, and what colors to use. "Ta'-koo-shkan-shkan'" whispers
+to his favorites what colors are most acceptable to him. "Ha-yo'-ka"
+hovers over them in dreams, and communicates how many streaks to make
+upon their bodies, and what tinge they must have. And no rite in
+worship was considered acceptable if destitute of the "wakan'," or
+sacred application of colors.</p>
+
+<p>So Alice, from those skilled in plants that dye, obtained liquids to
+change her auburn locks to raven black, and her skin to a tawny hue—of
+course the gods directed in the transformation, and in the added hues
+and daubs.</p>
+
+<p>Her manner became grave, composed, and dignified, as became the child
+of the chief. Here her birth and training helped her. Accustomed all
+her life to the sight of military discipline, and to her father's
+commanding carriage, she easily bore herself with a quiet authority
+eminently adapted to impress the savage mind.</p>
+
+<p>One thing I liked to have forgotten. Alice could turn to black her
+eyebrows and lids, but her "eyes" were "'true' blue," and neither of
+the god painters, nor the trio combined, could undo what "the true God"
+had done for her as to color in those conspicuous parts of her visage.
+So, after all, I guess our God is God, and "the gods of the heathen are
+vanity."</p>
+
+<p>In becoming an Indian, Alice was honored with a new name. The Dakotas,
+however, have no family names; so she was not named for her Indian
+parents, as would be the case among us. They employ proper names only,
+and these all have a significance. Generally they are formed of two
+nouns, or a noun and an adjective, as "Good-House," "Scarlet-End,"
+"Good-Road," "Long-Buffalo," "Iron-Cutter." Sometimes they consist
+of a verb or participle, as "Walking-Spirit." And often the name is
+affixed to the individual because of some peculiarity or defect, as
+"Crooked-Feet," "Burnt-Legs," "Sleepy-Eyes," "Bit-Nose" (how would you
+like that?), "Big-Eyes." It was perfectly natural, therefore, that they
+should designate Alice, the chief's daughter, "Blue-Eyes." However,
+black eyelids cause the peepers beneath them to seem darker than they
+really are, and even in some lights to appear black; so Alice was not
+afflicted with a serious defect.</p>
+
+<p>Many phases of life among the Sioux must have been terribly repugnant
+to the petted child of the general. But she had will and wisdom, and
+was working for a precious object; and one can do, and dare, and endure
+when inspired by a high purpose.</p>
+
+<p>Blue-Eyes became the idol of the old chief and his squaw, while her
+queenly air and personal grace and beauty made her the admiration of
+the younger warriors, to win whose notice they wrestled, and ran,
+and exhibited feats of physical prowess, and sang their impassional
+love-songs.</p>
+
+<p>I should insult the intelligence of my reader to explain, at this
+point, that the charming "child of nature," who broke so unexpectedly
+on Tom's wondering vision, the beautiful chief's daughter, she of
+the "coffin cough" and grave demeanor, was Alice McElroy, otherwise
+Blue-Eyes; and also that it was to her interposition the dwarf owed his
+escape.</p>
+
+<p>Ah, had Tom known into whose yellow palm he poured the healing
+globules; had he been conscious of the concealed tremblings of those
+girlish limbs that walked so unswerving a gait, or noted the latent
+glances of the eyes that gazed straight ahead, as if unaware of his
+presence; if to the ear of the soul there had been conveyed the
+unwhispered word of recognition aching to burst from the voiceless
+lips,—then might he have comprehended, in part, what self-mastery and
+self-abnegation it cost her to preserve her composure, that he might
+not be put in jeopardy.</p>
+
+<p>O, how she longed to send a message by him to her parents, letting
+them know that she still lived, and thought of them! Must she keep
+her secret, and remain a captive? Could she see him depart, not once
+dreaming who she was? Ah, how hateful then the Indian ornaments
+celebrated in the songs of admiring braves! Ah, how odious her
+disguise, if she might cast it off sufficiently to show that she was
+not Blue-Eyes, the chief's daughter, but only Alice McElroy!</p>
+
+<p>But keen eyes and ears were in ambush. She must act her part for
+Tom's sake, and to secure a future chance. How magnificently she
+triumphed over the trying ordeal, the chief's personal application to
+Tom for "more medicine for pappoose," and Tom's unharmed dismissal,
+demonstrated.</p>
+
+<p>From that test-hour, the confidence of the Indians in Alice's fidelity
+to them was almost unlimited.</p>
+
+<p>She readily divined, however, that Tom was on his way to visit his
+mother at the fort. From that interview, she was on the alert for an
+opportunity to send a message to him. The coveted occasion came when
+the little Hunchback strayed into the chief's encampment, after the
+Indians had returned there.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_26">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>A BIRD-SONG IN THE NIGHT.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>TOM and Charley lay in the shadow of the wood, intently listening. Save
+the liquid lullaby of the gently-flowing stream, and the whisper of the
+trees stirred by breath of zephyr, silence reigned.</p>
+
+<p>Wary watchers they. Only those trained where the stealthy step and
+keen senses of the death-dealing savage must be watched by a foot as
+noiseless, and a vigilance as acute, could preserve such motionless
+quietude and alert wakefulness.</p>
+
+<p>Past their covert slunk a large, black wolf, unsuspicious of their
+proximity. Over their heads perched a monstrous owl, his staring eyes
+stretched to see the first creature to his taste that moved; then on
+downy wing, he swooped to their very side upon a plump field-mouse, and
+supped at his leisure on raw rat steak. An antlered deer proudly guided
+his mate to the stream to slake her thirst. Tempting game; but the
+bullet sleeps in the pioneer boys' rifles. The deer drink deeply, and
+browse the pendent boughs, and wander away unharmed.</p>
+
+<p>What a scene for the stars to look down upon through the rifted clouds
+and glimmering treetops—that solitary pair of youthful faces, patient,
+resolute, unwearied, keeping brave vigil far from the haunts of
+civilization, the gloom of the forest at night enshrouding them, and
+rolling off immeasurably from the woods the uninhabited prairie.</p>
+
+<p>Hush! A faint sound from out the far-off darkness. Was it the dip of
+an oar, or the feathered plunge of a night-bird? None, save an ear
+educated to it, sharpened and rendered preternaturally quick, would
+have caught the muffled indistinctness. The eyes of the venturesome
+young scouts shine, and they scarcely breathe. A lengthy interval of
+unbroken quiet succeeds. Were they deceived?</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, up-stream, a robin carols. How hard for birds that can
+sing not to sing! Perchance tuneful red-breast, in dreaming of his
+true-hearted mate, uttered his love-lay unawares. None the less
+sincere, however, for that.</p>
+
+<p>What now! From the bushes where Tom and Charley wait is wafted a
+responsive warble. Did bird-wife wander in the swift-descending
+twilight from her husband's side, and the darkness compel her to
+alight on the first object her tiny foot might press, and wait there
+in loneliness for the dawn of a new day? And did she fold her wing on
+Tom's lips? For the answering notes seemed to rise therefrom.</p>
+
+<p>If, however, you will notice, as well as you can for the darkness, the
+countenances of the frontier brothers, you will perceive an aroused
+expectancy that was not apparent before. Did the bird-note telegraph
+important news that the young men now peer with strained vision through
+the gloom? That's a secret, confided only to the prudent few. "Won't
+you tell?" Then let me whisper that no bird was concerned in the song
+you admired so, and the tuneful reply. It was the signal agreed upon
+between Long Hair, the friendly Indian, and Tom.</p>
+
+<p>And observe. Down the narrow river, through the black vista of
+overarching trees, shoots a canoe. It pauses opposite the brothers'
+place of concealment. A savage, with cat-like agility, springs ashore,
+and swiftly drags the light craft into a sheltered baylet, hidden by
+tangled thickets. The bird-call is sounded cautiously again. Tom and
+Charley hurry noiselessly to the Indian's side. It is Long Hair.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick; got pappoose dere!" said the latter, pointing to the canoe,
+from her prone condition in the bottom of which an Indian girl arose,
+and, aided by Long Hair, stepped upon the bank. It was Blue-Eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"O, Alice!" whispered Tom, trembling with excitement, as he extended
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"O, Tom!" she answered, and, overcome with the tumult of her feelings,
+in a very un-Indianish way, flung her arms around the squatter son's
+neck, sobbing wildly for joy, while Tom, giving the reins to his
+long-pent-up emotions, in an exceedingly unmasculine manner, fell
+to laughing and crying together; and Charley, forgetting military
+propriety and fear of pursuing savages, turned an old-fashioned
+summersault, crashing the bushes with his descending heels.</p>
+
+<p>"Pappoose fool; Tom fool; Charley fool," rapidly whispered angry Long
+Hair. "What for make noise? Want Injun come?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nature will have its way."</p>
+
+<p>It did, in this instance, with white and copper-face. Fortunate for the
+escaping captive that Indian nature was there as an ally. Clapping his
+ear to the ground, Long Hair said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Injun come bimeby—'quick!'"</p>
+
+<p>The trio understood by this that the pursuing Indians were close upon
+them. You should have seen the change this startling intelligence
+caused in Tom and Charley. Active, adroit, sagacious, their faces like
+marble, yet expressive of fearless determination—from weak weeping to
+heroes in deportment. Thus do great emergencies bring out and invest
+with the sceptre the nobler elements of the soul.</p>
+
+<p>Alice understood her three friends not to be panic-stricken. She had
+intrusted her safety to their hands, and felt assured that they would
+not undertake the dangerous and difficult enterprise of her rescue from
+captivity and restoration to her home without adequate preparation.
+And she hopefully accompanied them, as they glided rapidly through the
+forest towards the open land.</p>
+
+<p>Alice's heart beat with a joyous, grateful throb, as Tom, taking her
+hand, guided her to a sheltered spot, where stood her own dear pony.
+Hidden also near by were spirited steeds for himself, Charley, and Long
+Hair. Dashing out upon the prairie, the whiz of an Indian's arrow gave
+notice that their foes were pressing them hard.</p>
+
+<p>"Let them come on," said Tom; "we are safely out of their ugly claws."</p>
+
+<p>"Safe!" ejaculated Alice, as a spent bullet smote Charley's horse.</p>
+
+<p>"Look! Injun over dere," said Long Hair, pointing ahead, slightly to
+their right.</p>
+
+<p>He was correct; dusky forms were hurrying to intercept them.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter," coolly replied Tom; "we'll turn a little to the left.
+They'll soon go back faster than they came."</p>
+
+<p>The assertion was not mere bravado; for suddenly there was a bright
+flash in the prairie grass, followed by a simultaneous discharge of
+fire-arms, and, with an astonished yell, the savages recoiled to the
+woods.</p>
+
+<p>At the same instant, on the extreme left, there was similar firing on
+the advancing Indians at that point, with like result.</p>
+
+<p>"Good," grunted Long Hair. "White soldier fire from de ground."</p>
+
+<p>But their defenders remained flat on their faces, and the prairie
+seemed as destitute of military force as before.</p>
+
+<p>"The Indians won't molest us any more," said Tom, exultingly. "They'll
+think the prairie is sown with soldiers. Captain Manly is a splendid
+tactician. He can fight the Indians better with a score of picked men
+than some officers could with a regiment at command."</p>
+
+<p>And the three rode courageously on.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_27">CHAPTER XXVII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>BLACK NANCY SHOUTS.—A DREAM.—THE TWO SAVAGES.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>THE lad that goes from the old homestead to seek his fortune, but of
+whom nothing is ever heard afterwards; the dear ones who set sail in
+the ship that makes no port, and concerning whose fate the ocean is
+dumb; the child, missed from your side in the dense city or flowery
+field, who answers no more to your call,—these "lost" ones are mourned
+for with an unceasing and peculiar sorrow. The mystery of their destiny
+fills the mind with a yearning disquiet. Years drag by, and we think we
+have seasoned ourselves into the immovable conviction that they have
+entered, "where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at
+rest." But we start at a familiar voice or step, and find ourselves,
+with aching hearts, waiting for the wanderers.</p>
+
+<p>Over long-lost Alice, her parents ceaselessly wept. They conversed less
+of their strange bereavement, but their grief gnawed as remorselessly.
+General McElroy's tall, erect form became bowed, and his locks white.
+His elegant wife wasted as if in a slow consumption, and her brilliant
+smile was the wan semblance of its former radiance.</p>
+
+<p>The fond parents had left no measures untried to solve the painful
+problem of her disappearance. But no news of the absent daughter was
+borne to them from prairie, grove, or river, cabin of the pioneer, or
+wigwam of the red-man. Grasses waved, birds carolled, trees waved their
+brawny branches, waters ran, but spoke not a syllable concerning the
+fair form for whom they witnessed such pains-taking and heart-breaking
+search.</p>
+
+<p>Nor did her family grieve alone. Before the sad event, gayety and mirth
+often held carnival in the many-roomed dwellings of the frontier fort,
+for the long, four-storied, brick buildings, enclosing the spacious
+square, contained not a few choice spirits—ladies and gentlemen of
+culture; and the fortress itself, what was it, but an armed, compact
+town? An advanced outpost, remote from the large settlements, it was
+dependent on its own resources for improvement and diversion, and each
+person contributed something to the social stock.</p>
+
+<p>But the loss of the commander's child caused a marked change in the
+little community. The sympathy for him and his wife was sincere and
+profound. Soldiers spoke low and stepped softly as in the chamber of
+death; for the beautiful girl was a universal favorite.</p>
+
+<p>Prosperity affects children very differently. It is the ruin of some, a
+blessing to others. Alice McElroy was "born with a silver spoon in her
+mouth," as the quaint old phrase has it. Wealth and position commanded
+attention and petting, and the winsome child of the general would
+inevitably have been spoiled had she naturally lacked the ballast of
+sound common sense. Just as sweet, unaffected, and unselfish was she,
+despite fine clothes, personal charms, and unstinted praise.</p>
+
+<p>Ah, that shut piano, which used to gush with music beneath her
+fairy fingers, the varied tones of which all the fort rejoiced to
+hear,—sacred instrument, closed now, for no hand since hers had
+vanished might woo the ivory keys,—how its eloquent voicelessness
+depressed the fort people! And the dumb woe of the dispirited pony,
+listening in vain for the loving call and the tripping-step, increased
+the prevailing gloom.</p>
+
+<p>A Scripture fragrant with wisdom and love exhorts us to console the
+sorrowing, "with the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted."
+Mrs. Jones, Tom and Charley's mother, was first brought to the fort by
+the soldiers who had rescued her from the scenes of tragic horror in
+which her husband was mortally shot and her daughter tomahawked. The
+fate also at that juncture of Charley and little Bub was involved in
+doubt, as no trace of them was found.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. McElroy welcomed the weeping woman with large-hearted and
+sympathizing hospitality, and did all in her power to calm her grief
+and cheer her spirit. With tender consideration, she caused the widow
+to become governess in the McElroy household, that congenial employment
+might at once divert her thoughts and give her the independence of
+self-support. Little did the general's wife then imagine that the hour
+was coming when, instead of ministering comfort, she would lean on Mrs.
+Jones for sympathy, as that lady had on her. So do good deeds return to
+bless the doer.</p>
+
+<p>A union of the best qualities of head and heart fitted Mrs. McElroy to
+counsel and plan for Mrs. Jones in the time of the latter's troubles.
+She could suggest a silver lining to the stormiest cloud, and argue
+aptly and cogently against despair. Nor did she omit to point the
+sufferer to faith in an all-wise and gracious Providence. Nevertheless,
+this, to a large extent, was "theory" to Mrs. McElroy. Her life had
+been scarred by no notable misfortune—on the contrary, it had been
+happy beyond that of most.</p>
+
+<p>But the unexplained disappearance of Alice smote down the stately woman
+as by a murderous blow. Wild with anguish, day and night she moaned and
+wept. Such a sunbeam as Alice had been, and so swift the quenching of
+that light! The mother's vigorous mind, stored with philosophic maxims
+and Bible texts, was in a whirl of fear, anxiety, sorrow, foreboding,
+and not one of the well-turned truisms she was wont with soothing smile
+to offer Mrs. Jones availed for her own soul.</p>
+
+<p>Her extremity was Mrs. Jones's opportunity. What could she have done
+in that hour, had it not been for one who had tasted the same cup of
+bitterness? When the cry was wrung from her, "Never was sorrow like my
+sorrow," the gentle governess reminded her of the terrible days when
+brave, romantic Charley was, none knew where; yet both he and Bub were
+restored to her embrace.</p>
+
+<p>"Best of comforters! Truest of friends! What should I do without you?"
+often would Mrs. McElroy exclaim.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>One morning, after a sleepless night, Mrs. McElroy, adjusting a shawl
+to her shoulders, feebly descended to the door to breathe the prairie
+air a moment before eating, she said, then took her seat at the
+breakfast table. The ashen lips, sunken cheeks, languid eye, fickle
+appetite, bespoke the chronic invalid. Yet it was not bodily disease
+that had wrought the sad change, but a mother's mourning love.</p>
+
+<p>Black Nancy, with hair in short, crisp pig-tails, adorned with
+fluttering bits of bright ribbon, bustled about, recommending "missus
+jest to taste of dish sher berry nice fricassee prairie chicken, an'
+dat ar light biscuit and new butter."</p>
+
+<p>But neither odorous coffee from the silver urn, though seasoned with
+rich, thick cream, skimmed "preticklerlally for missus," nor the neatly
+laid cloth artistically covered with tempting dishes, could provoke the
+sorrowing woman to eat.</p>
+
+<p>"It's mos' descouragin'; de little bird ud die eatin' no more'n missus
+do," ejaculated the sable waitress, as Mrs. McElroy arose. "I'se a
+great min' neber to set dish sher agin." And she clattered off the
+plates indignantly. "Anybody'd tink de food wasn't fit for de pigs—dat
+dey would. An' missus growin' dat poor,—specs she'll blow away some ob
+dese fine mornings, when dere's no wind. An' massa, too, follerin' on
+jest de same way. So poor now de crows wouldn't pick dere bones, of
+'twas ter keep dere selves from breakin' de commandment, and stealin'
+de farmer's corn! But, laws, Miss Jones," she exclaimed, suddenly
+confronting that lady, "what am de matter wid you? Eber sense Tom was
+here de las' time, you fly about, fly about, jest as if de wings were
+sproutin' on yer shoulders, an' you was spectin' to be a sure enough
+angel, an' fly out ob de winder up to de sky. You do conduc berry
+singlar!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nancy," said Mrs. Jones, striving to look very grave, at which the
+quick-eyed image cut in ebony rolled up her eyes most comically, "it
+is quite desirable that you do not call attention to my manner in the
+hearing of Mrs. McElroy. I do not wish her to notice it."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't help it, no ways, Miss Jones; you do behave so quar," shrewdly
+replied the African. "Ef, now, I understood jes' what am de matter wid
+you, 'twould be diffrunt—dat's de fac, truf."</p>
+
+<p>"Won't you let a soul know, if I tell you the secret?"</p>
+
+<p>"You wont ketch dis chile in no sich imprudency—won't tell myself—dat's
+so!"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Jones began to whisper in her ear, her dark-skinned listener's
+fat, shining face glowing with the consciousness of the honor conferred
+on her by being made the confidant of the governess. Better than a
+show was it to watch the varying expression of the colored woman's
+mobile countenance. The large, round eyes grew larger and rounder,
+the generous mouth slowly opened, revealing by degrees double rows
+of comely white teeth, breaking meanwhile into a widening grin that
+threatened to involve her ears; and the fleshy arms and hands were
+gradually upraised in ineffable astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"O, bless de Lord! Praise de 'good' Lord! Jes' what I'se bin prayin'
+for," she bellowed, "an' long ago He gub me de witness dat de honey
+sweet—"</p>
+
+<p>"Stop," interrupted Mrs. Jones; "you promised not to tell, and you are
+proclaiming it to the whole fort."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't help it, Miss Jones." And sitting flat on the floor, and swaying
+back and forth, her ample body exercised in every bone and muscle with
+her happy excitement, she shouted, "I 'shall' praise de Lord, if all de
+worl' say I mus'n't. Bless de Lord! Praise de 'good' Lord!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nancy," asked Mrs. McElroy, drawn to the dining-room by the uproar,
+"what does this mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dish chile can't possibly splain, missus; but she mus' praise de Lord,
+or she'll bust; dat's de Bible truf."</p>
+
+<p>"What has come over you? Get up, and be yourself again," commanded her
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Mrs. McElroy, as the servant arose, "state to me calmly
+what agitated you so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dat are ain't possible, missus. But I'se terr'ble happy. 'Fraid if I
+keep still, de berry stones ob de court ud cry out. Praise de blessed
+Jesus! He's jest bin de 'besterest' friend dat eber any poor sinner
+eber had—been monstrous good to all in dish sher fort!"</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I could realize it," said Mrs. McElroy.</p>
+
+<p>"Bress de Lord, you'se gwine to right away, missus. You'll shout
+bigger'n I did, when—"</p>
+
+<p>"Nancy!" sternly interposed the governess.</p>
+
+<p>"Laws," ejaculated the forgetful waitress, clapping her great paw over
+her widely distended lips, "I jest gwine ter break my promise—but I
+didn't, thank de good Lord for dat!"</p>
+
+<p>"An unusual scene," observed Mrs. McElroy, as they ascended to that
+lady's apartment. "You can, however, interpret it to me, if I mistake
+not." And she laid her thin hand in that of the governess.</p>
+
+<p>"It appears," replied the latter, "that Nancy has made your great loss
+a subject of prayer,—you know what a simple, child-like faith many of
+the blacks have,—and she is confident that the evidence is given her
+that her petitions are heard; in other words, that Alice is alive, and
+will be restored to you."</p>
+
+<p>The mother sighed, then asked, with a penetrating look,—</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think in regard to this matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Stranger things have happened," she answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Jones," cried the general's wife, gazing into the governess's
+truth-telling face, "has anything been heard of Alice?"</p>
+
+<p>"There has been a new search instituted by my Tom, aided by his Indian
+friend, Long Hair, and Tom is sanguine that all will end well. But of
+course the young are hopeful. Do you think the joy will be too much for
+your debilitated frame, should his efforts result as we all so much
+desire?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I can bear anything better than this awful suspense. But I have
+not mentioned that I also have a presentiment that Alice is not dead,
+and that I shall once more clasp her in my arms. Lately, when I am
+most desponding, a secret voice seems to whisper, 'She's coming; she's
+coming!' And therefore, if she should return, she would not find me
+wholly off my guard. But what is this?" she inquired, as, hearing the
+clattering of hoofs, she went to the window. "Two mounted Indians! How
+queer!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, so there are," Mrs. Jones responded. "One of them looks like a
+squaw. It is the Dakota chief's daughter, Blue-Eyes, so famed for her
+beauty, intelligence, and fine character, I'll wager. Tom told me about
+her; he saw her on one of his adventurous expeditions. Yes, it must be
+she, for there's Tom just alighting, and my wide-awake Charley. Suppose
+we return to the dining-room, and make the acquaintance of the tawny
+miss."</p>
+
+<p>"A remarkable beauty, surely," murmured Mrs. McElroy, raising the
+window, and gazing spell-bound after the Indian girl. "What a graceful,
+queenly carriage—a perfect figure! But I feel faint," she suddenly
+added, and staggering to a sofa, reclined a while, Mrs. Jones anxiously
+fanning her.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you suppose," said she, recovering her equanimity, "affected
+me so? You don't know how my heart jumped. What is the matter with me?
+My load of sorrow is gone. I begin to be happy again. How singular!
+One night I had such a sweet dream! I thought Alice came. I didn't
+recognize the dear child at once; but it proved to be really she; and
+O, how happy I was! But why should that same peace fill my heart now,
+when, alas! she is still away? Strange—isn't it? If I did not 'know'
+to the contrary, I should believe that the dear girl had now come. But
+perhaps it is because I am not strong, and my mind is overtaxed."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it will interest you," said Mrs. Jones, wiping the tears from
+her own cheeks, "to go down and see the chief's daughter."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Tom's eager, yet respectful greeting of Mrs. McElroy, as she entered
+the room, was cordially reciprocated.</p>
+
+<p>"This is Long Hair," said he, pointing to the Indian sitting nearest.</p>
+
+<p>"I am pleased to see you once more," she remarked, shaking his hand.
+"You were a good friend to the Joneses, and I am grateful for it. And
+who is this?" she inquired, advancing towards the beautiful Indian girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Blue-Eyes," answered Tom, with choked utterance.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard of you," politely said Mrs. McElroy, addressing the dusky
+maiden.</p>
+
+<p>And she was about to take her hand also, when, sinking into a chair,
+she said, "O, how strangely I feel! Just as in that blissful dream. I
+am not deceived—Alice is coming! Nancy, open the door, she must be in
+the court. I know she's near. Throw the door wide open. Nancy, do you
+hear? Alice, my own darling Alice, is coming, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, mother! Dear, dear mother! Don't you know me!" cried the
+Indian girl, starting up, and casting herself on Mrs. McElroy's bosom.
+"I was captured by the Indians, and adopted by a chief!"</p>
+
+<p>"Happy, happy! Just as I dreamed," murmured the mother, folding her
+closely.</p>
+
+<p>It is said that evil tidings travel fast, and that "a lie will go ten
+leagues while truth is putting on its boots." It is delightful to
+mention one instance in favor of the reverse.</p>
+
+<p>The news that the fairy of the fort, gentle, lovely Alice McElroy, was
+in the fortress, went like a flash of light through the buildings.
+"Beautiful upon" the prairie "the feet of them" that hasted to spread
+the joyful intelligence. Officers and privates shook hands over the
+event, and war-begrimed comrades embraced each other with brimming eyes.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>That evening, when the grand old star-spangled banner, waving from the
+lofty flag-staff, was, as usual, lowered, jubilee was kept. How the big
+cannon roared, and the musketry rattled, and the band played! Flash
+followed flash, report succeeded report, one tune rose after another,
+till the air was ablaze, and the prairie vocal.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the ladies,—did anybody ever "get ahead of their
+time"?—while the lords of creation supposed them to be dutifully
+applauding their performances, were getting up a little celebration on
+their own hook. To each window-pane of the entire fort, they affixed
+rows of candles, and at a signal the tapers were lighted, and the
+spacious buildings illuminated as if by enchantment.</p>
+
+<p>The result was striking. The drummers stopped drumming, the musicians
+forgot to blow, the gunners neglected to load; then splitting their
+throats in their enthusiasm, cheer on cheer greeted the brilliant
+spectacle.</p>
+
+<p>I do not know what the prairie wolves thought of the military thunder
+and lightning, the radiance and deafening voices. They did not tarry
+to express their feelings at any great length, but with their tails
+between their legs, they scampered off, snarling and howling. As for
+prowling savages, they slunk away with the wolves.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h2><a id="Chapter_28">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></h2>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE MYSTERY OF THE MOCCASONS.—THE MAN WITH THE LANTERN.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>IT is related of an artist, who, secluded from observation, was working
+on a masterpiece, which it was for his interest not then to make
+public, that his bosom friend begged permission to invite 'only two' of
+his acquaintances to view it.</p>
+
+<p>The painter smilingly answered,—</p>
+
+<p>"You do not reckon right!"</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" inquired the other.</p>
+
+<p>Taking his pencil, the artist replied,—</p>
+
+<p>"'You' have seen the painting; that's 'one';" and he indicated it by
+the appropriate numeral. "Mr. E— would also be one, and Mr. G. one;
+that makes," said he, significantly marking a numeral, 111—"one hundred
+and eleven."</p>
+
+<p>The successful escape of Alice McElroy was due largely to the fact
+that she had sufficient discretion to confide the enterprise to so
+few persons, and those able to keep their own counsel. Tom and Long
+Hair were every way fitted to prosecute the undertaking, for they
+were well acquainted with the Indian character and habits, and could
+devise and execute her rescue with little risk of alarming her captors
+and imperilling her safety. Had a squad of soldiers been despatched
+to deliver her, the Indians, discovering their approach, would have
+spirited her away, or, failing in that, sacrificed her life.</p>
+
+<p>What a cute thought, placing those moccasons on the dwarf's feet!
+For if the Hunchback had worn away his shoes, some straggling savage
+might have struck his trail, and the temptation to take his scalp be
+too strong to resist. But wearing moccasons, a score of bloodthirsty
+Indians, seeing his footmarks, would suppose them those of a native
+Sioux. But there were in them, in Indian symbol, for Long Hair, her
+name and that of the old chief, and where their encampment was; also,
+in English, a message to Tom, suggesting that Long Hair be employed to
+come alone first, and arrange the time of her flight.</p>
+
+<p>Words cannot convey the anxiety with which she waited the issue of her
+experiment. When she slept, her heart was awake to catch the coveted
+signal. And one kind night, the full round harvest moon "took the
+black veil," and the prairies went into mourning for her absence. At
+midnight, when the swarthy occupants of the wigwams snored in their
+blankets, the faintly audible carol of the robin threw up her eyelids
+with spasmodic suddenness. She understood well what bird of hope sung
+that song,—so well that her strength for the moment utterly forsook
+her, and, unable to rise, she lay pressing her little hand over her
+heart to suppress its loud palpitations.</p>
+
+<p>Long Hair, however, was too sagacious immediately to repeat the signal;
+and stealing softly out into the thicket, from whence came the call, in
+the heavy dew-damp and chilly night air, was the patient red-man. In
+terse language, he appointed the time when he would convey her to the
+fort. And when the hour rolled round, he was there.</p>
+
+<p>The lives of some persons have little incident to vary their hackneyed
+monotony; others are crowded with great and solemn events. Tom Jones's
+was stirring and eventful. Even his vacation, which he anticipated as a
+peaceful visit to his frontier friends, had been filled with adventure.</p>
+
+<p>How remarkable the occurrences that had drawn Alice McElroy and himself
+into such close connection! What did these experiences foreshadow? He
+dared not trust himself to ponder this question. His honor would not
+permit him to presume on the strength of the service he had rendered
+her. On the contrary, he was sensitive lest she might fancy he expected
+to be specially noticed on this ground.</p>
+
+<p>"For," he reasoned, "I am only assisting to pay the debt of gratitude
+due her parents for their kindness to my mother. And who am I—Tom
+Jones, the squatter's son—that she should think of me?"</p>
+
+<p>But, when the day arrived for him to set his face eastward, and, at
+parting, Alice leaned from a window, just as he once dreamed, and with
+evident agitation said, "You won't forget me while you're gone—will
+you, Tom?" his heart was so moved he could not answer.</p>
+
+<p>On his way to the river, Tom called at the cabin of the Willards. The
+very logs seemed to brighten, so glad were the inmates to see him. And
+the dwarf's eyes swam as the loved visitor handed him an appreciative
+letter from Mrs. McElroy, complimenting him on his heroic deeds for his
+family, and thanking him for the part he bore in the recovery of her
+daughter. The fifty-dollar bank-bill, enclosed, was to buy, she said,
+if he would oblige her by parting with them, the moccasons Blue-Eyes
+furnished him.</p>
+
+<p>The proud-spirited Hunchback had no opportunity to decline the money,
+for as he commenced speaking, there was a thundering knock at the door,
+which, as he was sitting nearest, he hastened to open. A short, stout
+man with a cross face, which misrepresented its owner, stood before
+him, the butt of his formidable whipstock uplifted for a second rap.</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Edmands," said he. "I've come to see about that hay I
+bought of Simmons!"</p>
+
+<p>"Twasn't his to sell," piped the dwarf, bristling with combativeness.</p>
+
+<p>"Wal, wal," replied the settler, surveying him with a comical squint,
+"you're a buster—ain't ye, now? Going to swallow me? I suppose you've
+no objection to showing me where the stacks are."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Edmands," said Tom, starting towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Tom, how are you? I drove round here on 'business'; didn't expect
+to have the pleasure of seeing you."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I you," responded Tom. "But about that hay—"</p>
+
+<p>"That's none of 'your' concern," he brusquely interrupted, slyly
+winking at him. "I bargained for hay that's on this claim, and if this
+youngster, or oldster, whichever he is, ain't afraid to do the square
+and honest thing, he'll show it to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do that," answered the Hunchback; "but you can't cart off a
+wisp on that Simmons's account."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't, eh? Wal, that can be tested, I reckon."</p>
+
+<p>Ferdie and Georgie, with lengthened visages, accompanied the two.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll want to reserve enough to winter your span," remarked the
+farmer.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall reserve it all," retorted the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't get riled, my little friend," the man observed. "I expect to
+control the major part of that dried grass, anyhow. You can spare ten
+tons, and leave plenty for your horses. I contracted with Simmons for
+it at two dollars and fifty cents. There's been more grass cut this
+season than anybody expected. It won't be over five dollars a ton till
+next mowing. I'll give you that, my lad, if you are willing to spare
+the hay, and I'll pay you this minute, to clinch the bargain." And he
+tendered the dwarf fifty dollars.</p>
+
+<p>"It's too much," replied the Hunchback, his tones husky with emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"That's 'my' bread and butter," said the settler. And as if offended,
+he tossed the bills upon the grass, and began to walk away.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be angry, Mr. Edmands," cried Georgie, running after him; "we
+all thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"How wonderfully the hand of Providence has marked our history since we
+left the steamboat!" exclaimed Mrs. Willard, as the boys reentered the
+dwelling, and related Mr. Edmands's kindness.</p>
+
+<p>"I trust you have had no reason to regret settling on a prairie claim.
+I would not advise every family as I did yours, but was impressed that
+it would be best for you."</p>
+
+<p>"There is one lesson we ought to learn from this affair about that
+Simmons," remarked aunt Esther, "and that is, that opposite qualities
+balance one another. Mrs. Willard and the boys were too confiding.
+Frankie and I are apt to be suspicious. Yet, if there had been no
+over-confidence, the haying, breaking, and fencing would not have
+been done, nor the stolen horse left here. But if, also, there was
+no distrust, Simmons might not have been foiled, and no profit have
+accrued to us. Shall we not appreciate each other better after this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Learn, too," added Tom, "that the sickly and feeble may be eminently
+useful and honored of Providence, as was our Frankie."</p>
+
+<p>"O," sighed Mrs. Willard, "if I knew how we should pass through the
+winter! And if the other lost one could be restored to us."</p>
+
+<p>"It is good to hope and quietly wait for the salvation of God,"
+tenderly quoted Tom. "Trust your husband in God's care, madam. And, as
+to lesser troubles, do not be unbelieving; when you need help, it will
+come—just as it has. How often I have seen this illustrated here at the
+west!</p>
+
+<p>"A clergyman was once called from home on a mission of mercy. The case
+was urgent. A dangerous marsh must be crossed, which it was impossible
+to reach before nightfall, and he could scarcely expect to pass over
+in the darkness unharmed. But he recognized the call as imperative;
+'love constrained' him; and, casting all care on the heavenly Friend,
+he pushed on through the gloom. Urging his horse along the dangerous
+pathway, he at length reached a frightful point in his perilous
+journey. The darkness was profound. A single misstep might be fatal and
+for an instant, he paused.</p>
+
+<p>"At that moment a light appeared. Nearer and nearer it came. What
+could it betoken in that lonely, uninhabited spot? Directly a stranger
+came in sight, bearing a lantern, and courteously guided the benighted
+minister to a place of safety.</p>
+
+<p>"'And thus,' said the man of God, 'have I ever found it through life.
+When all has been enveloped in gloom, and in no way could I extricate
+myself, 'a man with a lantern' has come to my aid. God has said, 'Let
+there be light.'"</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"A missionary, when pressed by poverty and want, was in the habit of
+specifying in prayer his most important needs. One day potatoes, meal,
+and salt were lacking. Nothing could be hoped from the 'subscription.'
+A great financial crash had fallen on the whole country, and distress
+was upon all the settlers. What could he do? Prayer was his only refuge.</p>
+
+<p>"Next morning a rough, swearing man, living miles away, came driving
+his team through the bushes. Presently stopping, he tossed some bags
+into the grass, saying, in a frank, off-hand way,—</p>
+
+<p>"'There's a trifle for your babies; that's a bag of potatoes, the other
+is meal, and at the end of the sack you'll find a few pounds of salt;
+perhaps you'll smile when I tell you that I had a queer notion that I
+must put that salt in; but if you don't need it, it won't do any harm.'</p>
+
+<p>"Who would have thought this messenger would have come 'with the
+lantern'? How happened it that he, and not one of the members of
+the missionary's church, should be the almoner of God's goodness to
+His servant? Answers to prayer often reach us through unexpected
+instrumentalities. And God may be nearer those accounted not his people
+than we think."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"Sickness on the frontier! Ah, the terror of that thought—an entire
+family prostrated, and none to help! Thus it was one fearful autumn
+with the Fosters. First the parents, then the children; the former,
+rallying, bent over the wasted forms of their little ones, in great
+weakness watching them through long nights and sultry days, until,
+exhausted, they could watch no more, and sinking upon the floor,
+besought the Lord to send them a friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Morning broke, and with it came an answer to their petitions, in
+the person of one least expected or desired, and who, under happier
+circumstances, would have been greeted coldly. Little did they know
+till then that under that repulsive manner throbbed a tender heart.</p>
+
+<p>"'I could not sleep last night,' said the comer, 'I was so troubled
+about you; and now, if you can put up with my rough ways, I should like
+to help you.'</p>
+
+<p>"Such words from her, while those who ought to have been there, afraid
+to trust themselves before the dreaded contagion, keep safely at a
+distance!</p>
+
+<p>"And what a help that strong-armed woman was, as she tenderly arranged
+the sick ones upon freshly-made beds, and laid their aching heads upon
+smooth, sweet pillows.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, she was a messenger with a lantern, and verily the place grew
+beautifully 'light about her.'"</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Dear reader, let us not only pray that in our hours of darkness a
+messenger with a lantern may come to us, but that we, in our turn, may
+bear to the benighted and tempest-tossed its cheering rays. Farewell,
+till we meet again.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78432 ***</div>
+</body>
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for eBook #78432
+(https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78432)