The Lost Trail

ll wo

t now rich i

he shall not c

oor of his cabin, intending to set forth upon his walk to the Indian village. It was rather early; the day was

mong whom they had come to labor, had received them more kindly than they deemed it right to anticipate, and h

er was to Harvey Richter; none but a mother can realize the yearning affection with which she bent over the sleeping cherub; and but few can enter into the rollicking pride of Teddy over the

iderable distance, he could trace the winding path which his own feet had worn. Cora, his wife, stood beside him, looking smili

y that we came into

. She was in that pleasant, dreamy state, in which it seems an effort to speak-

tly contented-h

answered in the affirmative b

a residence at home with yo

eet denial

es, Cora, hundreds of miles away

ked, half reproachfully, as the tears w

at I might be with you a few moments sooner. When preaching and talking to the Indians, my thoughts would wander away to you and the dear lit

nk of the lab

sorry that I am compelled to leave you alone so often. It seems to me that Teddy has acted in a singular manner of la

m. He appeared very anxious to keep me at a distance, but once he came close enough for me to catch

where could h

breath proved it beyond all doubt to my mind. You have noticed how set he is every afternoon about going away

o; it cannot be that he brought any of the stuff with him a

at came with us i

urnish him with it, a

our people who are addic

an who knew how to make it. It is only when they visit some of the ports, or the Red river s

dy have obtained h

ge had no liquor with them. They always come to the village first so that I could

omised an e

hour or so. Watch him closely. I will be back sooner to-da

winding in and out among the trees, until it finally disappeared from view; and then, waiting a few moments longer, as if loth to

emselves, but collectively were necessary, if not indispensable, in her household management. Occasionally she paused and bent over her child, that lay sleepi

ng thing. Far away over the river, nearly opposite the Indian village, she saw two canoes crossing the stream, resembling ordinary-sized water-b

was always her husband's favorite. She sung it unconsciously, from her very blithesomeness

turned her face toward the door to greet him. She uttered a slight scream, as she saw, in

several called together, and it often happened that they came while none but the wife was at home. They were always treated kindly, and were respectful and pleased in turn. During the nights in winter, when the storm howled through the fore

There was a treacherous look in his black eyes, and a sinister expression visible in spite of verm

an he intended; and, as a consequence, was just in that reckless state of mind, when he would have hesitated at no deed, however heinous. From a jovial, good-natured Indian, in the company of the Hibernian, he was transformed into a sull

ou wish?"

Misser

vely resolving that no lie should cross

come

ur or so

re T

gone h

on't know nothing-l

know? Did

ke it-drink good deal-tumble o

sked the young wife, her curiosity s

him every day-much

back to her, and she endeavored to conc

d rest yourself until

him," replied the

u wish to

nk much

. She glanced up at the rifle which was hung above the fireplace. It was charged, and she had learned how to fire it since her marriage. Several times she was on the point of springing up and seizing it and placing herself upon the de

lk with me awhile," said she, a

when she raised her own blue eyes, and addressed him. It seemed impossible to combat the fierce light of those orbs, although she bore their scrutiny like a heroine. He had seated hims

a long distan

ys-live

not a Sio

ike Sioux-b

their neighborhood

want to-co

st come

and began crying. The face of the savage assumed

-me tomahaw

would carry it out upon the slightest pretext. But before that tomahawk should reach her child, the mother must be stricken to the earth. She pressed it convulsively to her breast, and it quickly ceased its cries. She waited until it clo

d the room and examining every portion upon which it was possible to rest his gaze. The survey completed,

sunkin

more rapid beating of her heart, since to procure what was asked, she would be compelled to pass out of the door, and thus not only

oth. A casual glance at the Indian convinced her that it would be dangerous to thwart his wishes longer; and, with an inward prayer to God, she arose and approached

t, the cry of her infant. Fairly beside herself with terror, she ran back in the house, and saw the savag

ld go away, I d

o!" said he, ste

creamed, retreating to the do

!" said the savage, placin

approached. His long arm was already stretched forth to clasp her, when the door was darkened, a form leaped into the room,

d the young missionary, his face all abla

y; have you not al

ven't. He is no

rried away by your passi

trickling from his face and knew that he was dreadfully injured. The missionary, too, began to become more calm and collected; and yet, while regretting the occasion

r pushing and shaking, he gave signs of returning consciousness, and at length arose to his feet. His nos

ut the Indian, without speaking, motioned them aside, and made his way out the door. On the thresh

then looked in each other's faces a momen

t do righ

the last of it. You have made an enemy of tha

ple duty. Let us therefore trust to God and

o conceal it. The wife found opportunity to communicate to her husband all that had been told her, before the conversation

here have

lding up a handsome string of fish. "Begorrah

scovered something unusual

I am displeased at the manner in which you have acted for the last week or two. Had it not happened t

was complet

ye say, Mi

I have been compelled to leave them alone and unprotected. This afternoon, a

ded Teddy, springing up; "I'll

never to re

s! if I could

t. He said that you and he have met

e that the missionary could hardly repress a smile. He felt t

. Oorah, oorah!" he muttered, gnashing his teeth together. "What a miserable fool I have been. He to come here and insult me mist

ecome quite intimate. I suppose in a few weeks longer

y's cheeks, and he made answ

die for yees, and it was little I dr'amed of a savage iver disecrating thi

the promises of a ma

raised his ha

dead if I iver swallow another drop!

in your own power, Teddy. Ask H

d as I politely towld him I'd practice wid me gun on him if he offered me anither drop, and, as I'd pi

pect him. We must manage so that we are never both away from the house at the same time. I

way, and the young missionary a