xt72542j6x0c https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt72542j6x0c/data/mets.xml Robinson, J. H. (John Harvey), b. 1825. 1886 books b92-77-27211814 English Office Ballou's monthly magazine, G.W. Studley, Publisher, : Boston : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Daniel Boone, or, The pioneers of Kentucky : a tale of early western life / by Dr. J.H. Robinson. text Daniel Boone, or, The pioneers of Kentucky : a tale of early western life / by Dr. J.H. Robinson. 1886 2002 true xt72542j6x0c section xt72542j6x0c
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D A N I E L z 11
BOONE;
- i4l
THE PIONEERS OF KENTUCKY.
A., I Tale (Ojf Ju /fy
BY D)I. J. If. 'ROBINSON.
JOEL LOGSTON 'S ADI)VENTURE.
O(FFIC BArl1L0V-S; MONTHLYMAGAZINEI:, 1
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THE NOVELETTE.
ENTERTAINING STORIES BY STANDARD AMERICAN AUTHORS.
ILL USTRA TD.
No. s. -The Arkansas Ranger, or Dingle the Backwoodsman. A Story of East and West. By Lieut. Murray. A vivid
story, unrivaled ili plot and character; thrilling in marvelous adventures.
No. .-The Sea Lion, or The Privateer of the Penobscot. A Story of Ocean Life. By Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. One of
Cobb's best. occurring during that fertile period of adventure, our second war with England.
No. 3.-Marion's Brigade, or The Light Dragoons. A Tale cf the Revolution. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. Among the
many tales which our Revolutionary struggles have drawn front the pens of noted historians and story-tellers,
perhaps none excel this one from the pen of Dr. Robinson.
No.4. -Besse Baine, or the Mormon'c Victim. A Tale of Utah. By MN. Quad, of the Detroit Free Press. In thisgreat
original story, written expressly for our establishment, Mr. Lewis has shown up the whole system of Mormon.
ism, and all its terrible alms and results.
No. 5.-The Red Revenger, or the Pit ate King of the Floridas. A Tale of the Gulf and itS Islaitd.. Bv Ned Buntline.
This thrilling tale is one that portrays many tragic and romantic phases of life at a period when deadly conflict
was maintained between the Spaniards of Cuba and the desperate pirates who infested the seas in its vicinity
some three centuries ago.
N. 6.-Orlando Chester, or The Young Hunter of Virginia. A Story of Colonial Times. By Sylvatius Cobb, Jr. This
story :, one ot the happiest efforts of the author, who has wrought out a series of domestic scenes in private life
of much interest.
No. 7. -The Secret-Service Ship, or the Fall of San Juan d'Ulloa. A Romance of the Mexican War. By Capt. Charls
E. Averill. The author enjoyed extraordinary facilities for gaining the actual knowledge necessary to theprodtuc
tion of this captivating story; and hence its truthfulness and excellence.
No. . -Adventures in the Pacific, or In Chase of a Wife. By Col. Isaac H. Folger. This sea story will attract much at-
tention from residents of the Cape, and many old whaling captains and crews will recall its characters and inci-
dents with lively interest, and all fond of adventure will read it with relish.
No. g.-Ivan the Serf, or the Russian and Circassian. A Tale of Russia, Turkey, and Circassia. By Austin C. Bur-
dick. This is a well-told and highly graphic tale of life, domestic and military, in Russia, Turkey, and
Circassia.
No. so. -The Scout, orthe Sharpshooters of the Revolution. A Story of our Revolutionary Struggle. By Major Ben. Per-
yev Poore. This story of our Revolutionary struggle is one of much interest, and narrates, with vivid, lifelike
effect, some if the scenes of that eventful pertod.
No. it.-Dau--, uu.c, or I khe Jrueeis ut i k- -,yK. A Iale of Early Western Life. By Dr. J. H. jobi-on. The
terrible e riences oa the early Western settlers, with their perils and privations, then ai , bd their tw.
umphs, afford a vivid field for the writer, who has lent himself to the task with a rich res.
No. ,a.-The King of the Sea. A Tale of the Fearless and Free. By Ned Buntline. This is one of the most popuhr
romances of the sea written by this well-known author, and the characters which appear are replete with ir
est and individuality.
No. rq.-The Queen of the Sea, or Our Lady of the Ocean. A Tale of Love and Chivalry. This is a story of the bucamn-
eers of the seventeenth ceiturv, and is fraught with the sanguinary incidents of those Res.
No. 14.- The Heart's Secret, or The Fortunes of a Soldier. A Tale of Love and the Low luftudes. By Lieutenant
Murray. This is a very interesting story of life among the noble in the islasiof Cuba. Its plot is well con-
ceived and happilv carried out, and fr ishes a skillful series of events of intense interest.
ANNOUNCEMENT.
NoTclette Number Fifteen will be ready for publication
about September 16th, containing the following story:
THE STORM CHILDREN;
OR, THE LIGHT KEEPER OF THE CHANNEL
A Stor'y of Land amd Seat A dventintre.
BY TYLVAN1US COBB, JR.
This story is one of great interest. The principal incidents are located on the coast of Eng-
land, although the develoiments carry the reader into the eastern world. It is a fine portraiture of
humian character.
O -For sale atrtall iecridiiwal depots throughout the country, or sent by mail, posl-
paid by the publisher, on receipt of 1 5 cents per copy; or will send Four Books for 50 cent;
i;ghtlIooks, 1.00, all post-paid.
'.. W. STUDLEY, 23 HAWLEY STREET, BOSTON, MASS.
DANIEL
BOONE;
-OR1,-
THE PIONEERS OF KENTUCKY.
A Tale of Early Western Life.
BY DR. J. H. ROBINSON.
ALLAN NOIIWOOD 1NTERFEREiFNCE WITH LE BLAND.
CHAPTER I.
HOSALTIIE ALSTON.-LE BLAND.
Thle v,. st forest of Kentucky had reverber-
ated to the sound of the woodmai's axe.
The tide of population was flowing toward
that wild and picturesque country which had
been represented, by those who hiad explored
its fertile levels, as another Eden.
A fort had been erected on the southern
bank of Kentuckv Rliver bv Daniel Boone.
that daring and indomitable manl Whom no
danger could appal and no difficulties dis-
courage. At the distance of eight miles
from Boone's fort, and one from salt river,
Captain John Harrod had built a second fort-
ification, while Colonel Logan had raised a
third at St. Aspahl's, in Lincoln County.
DANIEL BOONE; OR, THE PIONEERS OF KENTUCKY.
The few adventurous settlers that had pene-
trated into that country were continually har-
assed by savage foes, not unfrequently led on
by Frenchmen and British Canadians.
Bold men worked in the new clearings with
arms by their side, and became soldiers from
necessity. The thrilling scenes that were of
daily occurrence at that period, eclipse the
pen of romance, and imagination is surpassed
by startling reality. The shrill war-whoop
grew strangely familiar to the ears of the
pioneers, and the shafts of destruction,
hurled from the rifles of ambushed enemies,
were continually striking down friend and
neighbor.
The red men beheld the daring approaches
of the white settlers with alarm and furious
indignation. Aided by the British posts at
Detroit, Vencennes, and Kaskaskia, the In-
dians began a war of extermination against
the determined trespassers on their hunting
grounds. Against Boonesborough in particu-
lar was their hostility directed. At the pe-
riod when the fury of the savages was at its
height, and all the arts of Indian warfare were
brought into active operation, our story com-
mences.
A few rods below the Salt Lick, near which
a fort and stockades had been erected by
Daniel Boone and his associates, there was
a highly romantic spot, half shut in by trees,
and in the month of May(the period in which
our romance exhibits its opening scene) was
an exceedingly pleasant locality; for a great
variety of flowers, mosses and lichens luxuriat-
ed there in agreeable profusion. A grassy
glade sloped down to the water,and gentle emi-
nences, and rocks overgrown with verdure,
formed very acceptable seats for those who
might feel disposed to linger there to enjoy
the tranquil beauty of nature in her spring
vestments.
We have directed the reader's footsteps to
that then quiet and dreamy spot, in order to
call his attention to another object fairer and
more agreeable to the eye than the thousand
flowery forms of vegetable life that were
trembling and nodding in the early breezes
of morning.
A young lady, in the summer of maiden
loveliness, occupied just such a place as im-
agination most naturally sulgests, and would
desire her to occupy; she was reclining upon
a mossy knoll, and the waters of the Ken-
tucky (that voiceless witness of so many
striking events) was flowing at her feet.
v he haiI gathered the violets and evergreens,
and a wreath of the latter bound her brown
with a careless grace, while the former she
was leisurely forming into a boquet with
lichens and earlier buds and blossoms of the
season. Her face was uncommonly attrac-
tive, and her figure, so far as one might judge
of it, in the attitude she assumed, very sym-
metrical in its outlines. The hand and foot,
those useful appendages to the human form,
so much admired (when of classical mold)
by connoisseurs in female perfections, were
faultless, so far as size and delicacy of pro-
portions were concerned.
Of the several features of the face, and
the expression of the whole conjoined, we
cannot very well speak, for they were so per-
fect in all respects that we feel the want of
appropriate terms to do justice to the subject.
That common figure of the blending of the
lily and the rose, was perhaps never more fe-
licitously illustrated than upon the fair
cheeks of Rosalthe Alston. The soft pen-
sive expression of the eyes, and the sweet
light of intelligence that streamed from be-
neath the penciled lids, were enough to fix
the beholder's attention In a steadfast and
admiring gaze.
It will not be wise for us to dwell long upon
the mere externals of our heroine; therefore
we will proceed to those matters, events, in-
cidents calcuiated to develop and display
those interval graces, without which physi-
cal beauty ceases to be attractive.
The sound of human footsteps upon the
river's bank caused Rosalthe to assume a dif-
ferent attitude, and cast hurried and alarmed
glances around her; for no doubt the con-
sciousness that she had been imprudent in
venturing so far from the fort was vividly
impressed on her mind. It was not deemed
safe, at that time, for females to venture out
of sight of the stockades, and that consider-
ation generally governed their movements
-the boldest seldonm overstepping the speci-
fied bounds. Rosalthe had, in this instance,
as on several other occasions, violated, in
some degree, the established custom; for,
from the spot where she had been reclining,
the stockades were not visible, although a
few steps would render them so.
The cause of Rosalthe's alarm was direct-
ly apparent; a man appeared in the glade,
and, without hesitation approached her.
The young lady drew the folds of her light
scarf hastily about her person, and was on
the point of leaving the Spot with consider-
able precipitation, when the intruder ad
2
DANIEL BOONE; OR, THE PIONEERS OF KENTUCKY. a
dressed her, in a voice not wholly redeemed
from the accent peculiar to Frenchmen.
'4 Stay, mademoiselle! Why should you
fly at mny approach, or exhibit so much pertur-
bation of manner Am I indeed a savage
is my skin red or do I seek youthful maid-
ens in sylvan bowers to do them harm "
Rosalthe paused a moment before she re-
plied, and was obviously somewhat annoyed
and ill at ease.
"Excuse me, Monsieur Le Bland," she
said, rather coldly, " if my fears appeared
somewhat excited, and my manner hurried,
for I did not expect-that is, I had no reason
to suppose that my pleasant meditations in this
agreeable retreat would be intruded upon."
" I am, then, it would seem, to be regard-
ed as an intruder " asked Le Bland, in a tone
less courtly than at first.
" No matter, sir-let the subject pass, if it
be not pleasing; I seek no cause of disagree-
ment," returned the lady, with a smile.
" Neither do I, fair Rosalthe; your frown
of displeasure would make me miserable,"
said Le Bland, earnestly.
A scornful smile played for an instant over
the rosy lips of the lady; Le Bland observed
it, and contracted his brows.
"' Coldness may not quite crush me," he
added, "contempt I never could bear."
" The old theme, Mr. Le Bland; the old
theme," returned Rosalthe.
"It is a theme never old with me. Small
streams may be turned aside into new chan-
nels, but large and swiftly-flowing rivers can-
not be easily diverted from the deep channels
which they have worn in the earth and in
the solid rock. It is thus with the human af-
fections; when they become fixed and strong,
they cannot be changed or trained to flow in
other directions."
"I have more than once begged you to
spare me conversation of this nature; be
good enough to change the subject, or I leave
you," replied the maiden.
" I have sought you, Mademoiselle Alston,
to lty bare.my heart before you, and ask you
to see the treasures of love that are garnered
there- that are hoarded there for you-you
only; but your impatient gestures, your curl-
ing lip, your rebuking glances, forbid me to
proceed. I dare not adhere to my purpose;
my tongue grows mute, my words find no ut-
terance; they flow back in unspoken sorrow
upon my despairing heart."
When Le Bland had given utterance to
these sentiments, he bent his head as if in
profound grief, and fixed his gaze steadfast-
ly upon the ground.
Miss Alston gave him a searching look,
and seemed to gain intuitively a deeper in-
sight into the character and objects of the
man before her, whose words distilled so
sweetly and smoothly upon the external ear.
She trembled and grew pale, as if her fears
were struggling with her fortitude.
"I am glad you have-done, and you could
not better evince the good sense which I have
always given you credit for possessing, than
by so doing. I will now return, and hope
you will enjoy the beauties of this pleasant
morning and of this lovely spot, as truly
as I have done."
" Not yet, mademoiselle-not yet. 1 have
other matters to discuss which require your
earnest attention. I refer to the dangers
which environ and menace you on every
side. The red men of the wilderness are
gathering in great numbers to march against
Boonesborough, and level it with the dust,"
returned Le Bland.
" Whence had you this information"
asked Rosalthe, quickly, fixing her dark eyes
penetratingly upon the Frenchman.
" From one of my countrymen whom I ac-
cidently met while out hunting yesterday,"
answered the latter, calmly.
"Who incites our savage foes Who sup-
plies them with arms and ammunition, and
who sometimes leads them to battle " inter-
rogated Rosalthe, with increasing earnest-
ness.
"1 know what you mean," said Le Bland
coloring. "I am aware that it is reported
that the British posts at Detroit, Kaskaskia,
and Vincennes, aid and encourage the Indians
in their movements against Boonesborough,
Harrodsburgh and Logan."
"Do you not know that to be the case, Mr.
Le Bland " asked Miss Alston, with consid-
erable energy of tone and manner.
-" I do," answered the Frenchman, after a
moment of reflection.
"Then why not speak openly, and call
things by their right name. Let us have no
concealments and subterfuges, but speak
boldly and truthfully, and confront the dan-
ger, whatever it may be. If you have ac-
quired by any means knowledge that con-
cerns the safety of these young settlements,
let it be plainly anV manfully uttered," ad-
ded Rosalthe.
" You possess much shrewdness and cour-
age for a lady," observed Le Bland, with a
DAN[EL BOONE; OR, THE PIONEERS OF KENTUCKY
amile. " Duning my stay at Boonesborough,
I have learned that among, the rustic maid-
ens that are destined to smooth the way for
the flowing tide of population and civiliza-
lion, there exists the true spirit of heroism.
But still, mademoiselle, the country is too rude
for you; you were destined for another sphere
of life-to grace the highest circles of refine-
ment."
The Frenchman ceased, and then added,
as if speaking to himself:-
"No; yonder cabins are not for you. It
were wrong to immure you for life in these
forests, where the war-whoop of the red an
forms a dread chorus for the howl of the wolf
and the dismal hootings of the boding owl."
" Spare me your compliments; and let it
suffice that I am content with my lot," re-
turned Miss Alston.
"To the subject under consideration: I
have heard, from undoubted authority, that
Captain Du Quesne will soon appear before
Boonesborough with a large body of savages,
to demand its surrender."
"And what will be the consequence if
Daniel Boone refuses to yield to such an un-
reasonable demand"
" The consequences will be that Du Quesne
will hurl his savages against Boonesborough,
and take it by storm. The slaughter will, in
such a case, I fear, be indiscriminate. And
now comes the most important part of my
business: it is to earnestly request you to go
to Harrodaburgh, and stay until after this
tragedy-for such I am certain it will be-is
enacted."
CHAPTER II.
ALLAN NORWOOD.
Le Bland paused, and waited anxiously
for an answer; but Rosalthe remained silent.
" Will you go to Harrodsburgh, Mademoi-
selle Alston, in order to escape the fate in
reserve for yonder brave but infatuated fam-
ilies " asked the Frenchman, seriously.
"And leave my dearest frends" said
Rosalthe, calmly.
" And leave your dearest friends," repeat-
ed the Prenchman, deliberately.
" Your motives may be excellent, sir; but
I reject your counsel. I will not go; I will
remain and share the fortunes of those I love,
whatever they may be. If your plans of
mercy cannot be extended to all, they are
not schemes of benevolence to me. But
I would not appear ungrateful. I thank
you for your kind attentions.
"You have answered without reflection.
Reconsidler the subject, and be guided by the
voice of cool reason," resumed Le Bland
with increasing vehemence.
"Adieu My decision is final," said Ros-
althe, preparing to leave the spot.
"It is not-it must not be!" cried the
Frenchman, emphatically. "I can-I will
not consent to such a sacrifice!"
;" I cannot understand whence comes your
intimate knowledge of the contemplated
movements of the Indians and their French
and British allies," said Rosalthe. " Neith-
er can I fully appreciate the motives which
can induce you to offer safety to me and no
others. You have been, for a period, the
guest of the settlers; and Captain Boone, my
father and others have treated you with
kindness and true hospitality; why not go to
them and make known the danger that is
hourly drawing nearer and nearer "
" There are many reasons that shape my
actions, which I cannot explain. I am not at
liberty to open my lips to one of those whom
you esteem so highly, on thX subject of our
conversation; but a strong-an irresistible de-
sire to save you, to pluck you from the gen-
eral ruin, has induced me to give you a word
of timely warning. It remains with you to
determine whether you will perish with those
destined to death, or live with those whose
days are not numbered by painted warriors."
"My resolution to dare every peril with
natural guardians and protectors, is as strong
as human will can make it," said Rosalthe.
"Promise me, at least, that you will lock
this secret in your own bosom, and reflect on
what I have said for four-and-twenty hours,"
continued Le Bland, considerably agitated.
" I will make no promises, if you please,"
answered the young lady.
"How vexatious! how perverse!" exclaim-
ed the Frenchman, petulantly. " Mademoi-
selle, you must listen to reason; you must be
rational; you must promise to keep my secret,
for at least twenty-four hours."
" Not for an hour," returned Mliss Alston,
and directed her steps toward the fort; but
Le Bland placed himself before her,
and barred her farther progress.
" Pardon me, lovely mademoiselle, but I
am so unfortunately placed, that I anm com-
pelled to insist that you will pledge me your
word to remain silent in regard to Captain ILu
Quesne and the advance of the savages, fo-
DANIEL BOONE; OR, THE PIONEERS OF KENTUCKY.
a short time; the period I have named will do."
lRosalthe quailed before the stern glances
of Le Bland, and would have called for as-
sistance had she dared; but her terror which
the Frenchman's conduct inspired, sealed up
her lips. When she timidly raised her eyes
to his, they gleamed upon her like a basilisk's,
and shrinking from him, she exclaimed:-
I promise; let me pass."
It is well; be careful that in some un-
guarded moment you do not betray the se-
cret," rejoined Le Bland, in a milder tone,
but without moving from her path.
"This is annoying, sir, and ill becomes
you as a guest and a friend," said Miss Als-
ton, whose perturbation momentarily in-
creased, and was now mingled with some
just indignation.
"I prevent you from going that I may ask
your forgiveness a score of times, fair Ros-
althe, I will do severe penance for this lib-
erty, I assure you," replied Le Bland.
" Stand aside, sir, if you are a gentleman,"
said a voice that made Rosalthe's heart beat
with gladness. Turning her eyes toward
the spot whence the warning voice proceed-
ed, she beheld a young hunter at the distance
of a few yards, with a rifle in his hand, a pow-
der-horn and ball-pouch slung at his side, to-
gether with the usual accompaniments of
such a calling. The stranger's face was
somewhat flushed with resentment, and his
eyes (they were dark and penetrating) were
fixed sternly upon the Frenchman.
Le Bland, who appeared chagrined and
displeased, stepped from Rosalthe's path,
bowed as she passed, and then turned to-
wards the hunter with an expression that
might be construed into anything rather than
approbation.
With a smile of contempt he scanned him
from head to foot, then remarked, as if his
words were intended for no ears save his own.
"A knight in a hunting-shirt-a specimen
of the infant chivalry of Kentucky." Then
raising his voice:-
"Young fellow, what may be your bus-
iness with me "
"I have no furthur demand to make of
your courtesy, sir," replied the hunter, look-
ing after the retreating figure of Rosalthe.
"Extremely modest and ingenuous youth!"
exul:dimed the Frenchman, ironically.
The young man favored him with a fur-
tive glance, which might admit of various
constructions, and then followed the form of
die maiden with his eyes.
" May I take the liberty to enquire l;y
what particular combination of letters you
are usually known " added Le Bland.
" The condescending monsieur wishes to
know my name; it is Allan Norwood," re-
plied the hunter.
" Did it ever occur to you, excellent Allan,
that meddling with other people's affairs is
not always safe and profitable business
-that it sometimes results in broken bones,
andotherhighly disagreeable consequences"
said Le Bland, knitting his brows.
"I have some knowledge, proud French-
man, of what belongs to a gentleman. I
know how to defend my honor, and punish
impertinence," rejoined Allan.
" You are there, are you You carry it
bravely. 1'11 humor your mood, my doughty
rustic, and though you are not my equal, I
will meet you on equal terms. Have you
pistols, worthy Allan "
"I have, and you may take your choice of
the pair," answered the hunter, calmly.
" Let us walk yonder, then, out of hear-
ing of the settlers, and adjust this little affair.
I trust that your business matters are so well
arranged that no one would be the looser if
you should by any strange chance be called
into another state of existence," said the
Frenchman, blandly, with his peculiar smile.
"You give yourself unnecessary trouble,
gentle monsieur. My earthly affairs are
well looked after, and I have, happily, noth-
ing to think of in that regard; so lead on,"
returned the hunter, in a quiet way.
"One thing more, if you please; have
you visited the confessional recently " re-
sumed Le Bland.
"1 I confess daily, sir-confess to the Fath-
er," said Allan, impressively.
" All right, then, responded the French-
man.
The two now diverged from the river's
bank, Le Bland leading the way. Pushing
aside the bushes at every step, and passing
over some pretty rough ground, they soon
reached a large growth of wood, free from
underbrush and brakes, finally emerging
from that, stood on the border of one of the
beautiful levels characteristic of the country.
The spot was verdant with a kind of a prai-
rie grass, interspersed with laurel, and va-
rious indigenous plants. In one direction it
stretched away and extended quite to the riv-
er, while in others it was spanned by fo rests
of maple, oak and beech, or margiued b it
humbler furze, hazel and wvill.w):.
I DANIEL BOONE; OR, THE PIONEERS OF ENTUCKY.
The sun had climbed so far into the heavens
that its brightest rays lay along the plateau
and kissed the most modest blossoms that
had expanded its petals to the morning air.
Allan paused to admire the natural beauty
of the spot, and the Frenchman, standing at
a short distance, observed him askance.
While the parti. s stood thus, a small bird
alighted on a small willow bush at about the
distance of ten paces.
" I'll trouble you for one of those pistols,
sir," said Le Bland, quietly.
Allan instantly complied with his request.
and gave him his choice of a brace of well
furnished pistols, with rifle barrels. The
Frenchman took one of them, and remarked,
with his usual courtliness of style, "that he
was considered a very good shot, but want of
practice had unfitted him for nice shooting."
With these words, and smiling again, he
raised the weapon, fired without much appar-
ent care, and the bird fell dead.
" Rather clumsily done for me. I should
have shot his head off; but it is all owing to
want of practice. Be good enough to load it
young man, and we will soon finish this bus-
iness," added Le Bland, carelessly, but at
the same time glancing stealthily at Allan to
observe the effect of the shot.
"It is one thing to shoot a bird, and an-
other to shoot a human being," replied the
hunter, coolly. " Such a feat does not sur-
prise me; I have done as much myself.
But there is one art in which I have never
been emulous to excel; I allude to the art of
dissimulation."
" Rash and foolish boy! you have pro-
voked your fate. Your tone and manners
are highly offensive, and add greatly to the
sin of your first rudeness," retorted Le Bland,
more angrily than he had yet spoken.
"I care nothing for the loftiness which
you affect; I only remember the cause of
this quarrel. You offered an insult to a
young and beautiful maiden; who she is,
what her name and station, I know not, nei-
ther does it concern our present purpose. I
appear here as her champion, and will abide
the result, whatever it may be; so proceed,
and waste no more time in useless words,"
answered the hunter, firmly.
"I will pace off the ground. How many
shall it be" asked Le Bland.
" Suit y ourself; I am not particular," was
the ready rejoinder.
" Well, since you are so easily satisfied, I
will pace off the distance between where I
now stand and the spot where yonder bird
lies."
Allan assented, and Le Bland measured
the ground by paces; and then walking back
to his former position, said with his accus-
tomed smile, and a look that might have
awed most men situated as Allan was:-
" You can stand, if you please, just where
the bird was a few moments ago. "
Allan felt the terrible significance of his
antagonist's words, and understood the
look which accompanied their utterance;
but he was too bold and proud to object to the
arrangement, and accordingly took his place
where the poor bird lay dead, rent and shat-
tered by the Frenchman's unerring aim.
"Who will give the signal to fire, since
we have no seconds " asked Allan.
"I will arrange that, although it may not
be a la mode. I have an alarm watch which
strikes any given time, by a regulated move-
ment. I will set it so that it will strike in
precisely two minutes."
Le Bland drew a repeater from his pocket,
and proceeded to set it with much noncha-
lance. When he had done so, he hung it by
the chain upon a bush, so that it was about
six paces from each when both were at their
respective places, as mutually agreed upon.
" Now," added Le Bland, in a voice more
harsh, and with an expression more stern,
" we have only to await the motions of the
repeater; the instant of its striking will be
the signal to fire; and during the interval
you can reflect on the position in which your
folly has placed you."
Norwood made no reply to this remark,
which sounded to him very much like brava-
do, but thought of the fair lady for whose
sake he had involved himself in a deadly quar-
rel. Both parties were now silent, and heard
distinctly the monotonous tickings of the
watch. Our hero, although he prided him-
self upon the use of fire-arms, was fully
aware of the critical position in which he was
placed. The bird which lay bloody and brok-
en before him, was sufficient proof of his ad-
versary's skill. But it was too late to evade
with honor the quarrel into which he had
been led; so commending himself to Heaven,
he fixed his eyes upon Le Bland, and await-
ed with singular calmness the strokes of the
repeater.
A minute of deathless silence had elapsed,
when the Frenchman suddenly dropped his
weapon, and exclaimed:-
"Le DiableI the game is up!"7
DANIEL BOONE; OR, THE PIONEERS OF KENTUCKY.
Norwood instinctively turned his gaze
towards the spot upon which Le Bland's eyes
were fastened, and perceived a man of a figure
bold and striking. He was dressed in deer-
skin hunting-shirt and leggings, and his feet
were encased in the Indian moccasins so
much in vogue among whites at that period.
His head was covered with a low-crowned
hat, with the brim, which was not very wide.
rolled up at the sides. His tunic, or hunt-
inig-shirt, was ornamented about the skirt
and sleeves with a leathern fringe, as were
also the lower portions of the leggings. The
tunic was fastened together nearly to the
chin, and over that part which covered the
neck a collar somewhat deficient in starch,
according to modern notions, was carelessly
turned. A large, leathern wallet hung upon
his right side by a broad strap passed over
his left shoulder. The handle of a hunting-
knife, the blade of which was thrust into a
sheath under the wallet, Nvas visible, while in
his right hand he held a rifle.
" 'Tis Daniel Boonel" cried Le Bland.
"Put up your pistols, and we will defer this
business until another time; for I do not
wish to incur his displeasure."
Allan mechanically placed his weapon in
its accustomed place, and then Daniel Boone
approached toward them.
"Mr. Le Bland, what means this" he
said, sternly, letting the butt of his rifle fall
heavily to the ground.
"Pantomime, sir; nothing but panto-
mime," replied Le Bland, somewhat discon-
certed by the reproving glances of the far-
famed forester.
" Let it end thus, sir, for we want no nm ire
blood shed than absolute necessity requires.
I perceive that there is a quarrel between you
and this young stranger; but drop it right
here, and let it go no farther. If you are
wise, you will take my advice, for I assure
you that your friends at the settlement yon-
der are not numerous.
The Frenchman reddened, and for a mo-
ment was embarrassed by the sharp tones
and keen glances of the pioneer.
"As you will, Captain Boone. I yield to
yo