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THE
FEATHERED ARROW
f|>t fanst fsngtrs.
BY FREDERICK GERSTAECKER,
AUTHOB OF
" PIRATES OF THE MISSISSIPPI," " TWO CONVICTS,"
NEW EDITION.
LONDON:
ROUTLEDGE, WARNE, AND ROUTLEDGE,
BROADWAY, LUDGATE HILL.
NEW YORK: 129, GRAND STREET.
1801.
LOITDON J
SA7I1L XSJ> BDWAEDB, PBIMTEBB, CHANB0S-STEB8T,
CO7IKX-0AHDEK.
PREFACE.
A few prefatory remarks will be sufficient to introduce
tliis tale of the Western forests of America to the notice of
the reader, and to prepare him for what follows.
Arkansas, received into the Union of the United States
so late as 1836, for a long time had the unenviable reputa-
tion, afterwards attributed to Texas, of being a place of
refuge for the offscourings of society of the East and South.
In its forests and morasses delinquents of every kind found
an asylum from the avenging arm of justice ; and within its
boundaries they gave free scope to their evil propensities.
The imputation was not altogether unfounded. Law and
order were set at defiance by the early settlers in this state.
Before the law-officers could seize the criminal, he had taken
flight, perhaps on the back of his neighbour's horse, and
escaped into a neighbouring county, and was seen and heard
of no more.
Even when prisoners were seized, it was a difficult task to
keep them ; for they either broke out of the blockhouse in
which they had been imprisoned, or were liberated on the
first night of their confinement by a band of friends, who
perhaps thought it hardly worth while to blacken their faces
in order to disguise themselves.
Those men were principally addicted to horse-stealing. Ac-
PREFACE.
cording to Western fashion, the cattle and flocks of the .
early settlers were left to graze freely in the forests, finding
their own food, and were therefore subject to little control,
and often to none at all. When, moreover, in 1839, capital
punishment for horse-stealing was abolished, many persons,
in several parts of the State, made it their business to "deal
in horseflesh," and the backwoodsmen were at last compelled
to adopt severe measures.
The laws were insufficient-to protect them in their isolated
farms, often separated by an interval of many miles. The
" men of Arkansas," therefore, formed what was called the
League of the Regulators. They seized all suspected persons,
whipped their prisoners until they either confessed their
crimes or pointed out their fellow-criminals, and hung or
shot the evil-doers, if the crime could be satisfactorily
brought home to them.
It may be well imagined that this arbitrary course of pro-
ceeding led to the infliction of wrong ; and on several occa-
sions innocent persons were dragged from their peaceful
homes, chastised, and imprisoned. Their free Arkansian
blood, of course, rose against such undeserved ill-treatment,
and the inhabitants sought to obtain satisfaction by taking
the law into their own hands. The Regulators were assassi-
nated both openly and secretly. The aim of the Regulators
was, however, ultimately accomplished; and after several
victims had fallen a prey to Lynch-law, the horse-stealers
and other malefactors perceived that there might be,
even in America, more secure and comfortable quarters for
them than any in Arkansas. Many fled to the " Indian
nation"—that is, took refuge with Chocktaws and Cherokees ;
but the majority migrated to Texas; and Arkansas is at this
PREFACE. IX
moment nearly delivered from the presence of this scum of
a free people.
The scenes described in these pages are supposed to have
taken place when the evil had reached the highest pitch, and
self-protection had become a matter of necessity to the
farmers and hunters. The principal events related are by
no means fictitious—they actually occurred, though in many
different places and at longer intervals. The Methodist
preacher, in particular, is a figure purely historical. I was
myself an eye-witness of several of the scenes which are
described; and I once wrote down, on the spot, the names of
six-and-twenty men, x-espectable settlers, which had, by the
assistance of the Regulators and the application of black
hickoiy, been extorted from a suspected person.
The reader is invited, if his patience will bear the ordeal,
to put himself under the author's guidance. He will trans-
port him into the beautiful forests of that magnificent
country ; and if, after perusing the book, he does not actually
feel inclined to get into the saddle and assist the backwoods-
men in endeavouring to follow a trail in the direction of the
distant regions of the Far West, I hope, at least, that he
will, in addition to some less agreeable characters, make the
acquaintance of some good, kind, and open-hearted people,
whose virtues may serve to reconcile him to the darker tints
of this picture of life and manners in the wilds of America.
THE FEATHERED ARROW;
OB,
THE EOREST RANGERS.
CHAPTER I.
THE READER MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OP FOUR WORTHY INDIVIDUALS^
AND LEARNS SOMETHING RESPECTING THEIR MODE OP LIFE.
The rude storms of early spring liad been succeeded by tbe
genial month of May; buds and blossoms burst forth from
beneath the yellow layer of leaves by which the ground, only
occasionally enlivened by patches of greensward, was still
covered. Flower after flower appeared on the branches of
the low log-wood trees, the luxuriant creepers wound their
way from tree to tree, converting with their blossoms the
wilderness into a garden, and filling with their fragrance the
bowers formed by gigantic pine, oak, and sassafras trees.
Although the sun penetrated through the bushy screen
formed by the branches of these gigantic monarchs of the
woods, yet the maze of creepers and brushwood beneath
was only now and then pierced by a stray gleam, which
shot rapidly to the ground. Twilight prevailed in these
inmost recesses of the forest, even when the sun was shining
high in the heavens. This subdued kind of light seemed to
be congenial to certain individuals who had taken up their
station at the base of a large pine tree. One of the party,
stretching out his legs, and gazing at the leafy roof above
him, said :—
" A splendid spot this for confidential meetings—a most
excellent place—as good as if it had been made for the pur-
pose. The swamp near the river certainly prevents any
reasonable being from intruding in that direction; while,
on the. other hand, the brambles and briars on our right
are not sufficiently inviting to induce a person to plunge
into them without some special object in view. Nothing of
12
THE FEATHEKED AEEOW.
the kind is likely to present itself to any one, for we liave
taken care that no game should be left in the locality/
The speaker, as far as one could judge from the partial
view to be obtained of him in the comfortable position he
had taken up, was a tall man, muscularly built, and with
bold, open feature^. His eyes bore a strangely wild expres-
sion, as they glanced unsteadily from side to side, and his
whole exterior betokened negligence. His old and half-
crushed beaver hat had fallen from his head, and his bushy
hair hung about his shoulders in a disorderly manner,
showing that it had not been very recently combed. His
beard was of a week's growth, and his threadbare blue
jersey, from which several pieces of what had once been
yellow fringe depended, was covered with stains of blood,
some of them apparently fresh, and others of older date, for
the former of which a newly-skinned deer at his side might
account. His legs were cased in leathern gaiters, which
had been frequently repaired, and a pair of buffalo skin
mocassins completed his by no means attractive attire.
Another man, who sat at the side of the one whom we
have just described, leaning against the trunk of a tree,
with a large knife in his hand, or, as it was called in the
language of the country, an Arkansas toothpick, was busily
engaged whittling, and he appeared to advantage when com-
pared with his companion. His dress was cleaner, his
leathern jacket, though old and well worn, seemed to be of
better materials and more carefully attended to than that of
his friend, and his general appearance showed that he had
received a better education than is usually obtained by the
wild inhabitants of the woods, or that at least he had not
long quitted the roof of his parents. His youth rendered
this still more probable, as he could hardly be more than
seventeen years old.
The third person of the group was very different from the
former two. Their exuberance of animal spirits was quali-
fied by his gentleness and good-nature. Judging from his
attire,' he belonged to the better class of farmers. His blue
coat, of the best woollen materials, the common dress of the
American husbandman, his pepper-and-salt trowsers, his
bright yellow waistcoat, carefully brushed shoes, new hat,
in fact every article of his apparel, showed that he paid
A GREENWOOD CONGRESS.
13
considerable attention to bis personal appearance, and that,
if in other respects lie assimilated himself to the company he
was keeping, he did not do this as far as the outward man
was concerned. Leaning against a small oak tree, with his
legs crossed, he looked vacantly at the speaker; and the
latter having made the observation respecting the scarcity of
game, stretched himself at full length 011 the moss which
grew round the roots of the tree.
" Or, at any rate, Cotton attends to that just now," lis
replied, in a nasal tone* of voice ; " though it is not proper
that you should on the Sabbath, excepting in cases of
emergency, go about killing the peaceful animals of the
wood."
" Oh ! confound your sermonizing," the hunter exclaimed,
half angrily, while their young companion cast a defiant
glance at the first speaker. " Reserve your moralising for
the settlement, and don't bother us here with your nonsense.
I wonder where Rusch hides himself—I will be hanged if I
can make him out. He promised to be here at sunrise, and
it has been up these three hours. Plague upon him!"
'•'You will not bring him by your blasphemous oaths,"
the farmer rejoined, nodding his head ; " but," he continued,
growing rather impatient himself, " I begin to find the time
rather long; I have to be at the prayer-meeting by ten
o'clock, and the place is six miles off."
" You seem to blend the two occupations very well," ex-
claimed the hunter, with a smile. " Preaching and horse-
stealing agree remarkably, for the Sabbath is but a poor day
for our trade; however, I beseech you to drop the former
when we are together. To say the least of it, it is tire-
some."
" Don't be afraid," rejoined the farmer, leisurely taking
a pinch of snuff from a shell box. " Look !" he continued,
rapidly; "your dog is pricking his ears, he has caught scent
of something."
During this short conversation a grey and black dog reclined
a few steps in advance of the men, on the only sunny spot
where the gap formed by a fallen tree, which had not yet
been filled up by the surrounding branches, permitted the
warm rays of the sun to penetrate. The animal slowly and
. cautiously sniffed the wind for a minute, save a low growl,
u
THE EEATHEEED AKKOW.
making a feeble attempt at wagging his tail, and then resumed
his former repose. His master, who had closely observed the
motions of the dog, jumped up with a contented smile, ex-
claiming:—
" Well, he is coming at last—it is time he was here; Dash
knows him well enough, and he wont get up ; he must be
comfortable in that patch of sun ;—hallo ! here he is. Well,
Rusch, you must think one comes here for pleasure, among
the mosquitoes and wood-lice. What on earth could have
prevented your being here at the right time 1"
The new-comer appeared to be a middle-aged man, and, like
the farmer, whose name, by the way, was Rowson, was decently
and properly dressed. He carried a shot-belt and a long
rifle upon his shoulder.
" Good morning, gentlemen," he replied, in acknowledg-
ment of the greeting of his comrades. "You must excuse
my not coming earlier, it was not possible; that young
rascal Brown, and old Harper, with that cursed red-skin,
were sneaking about in my path, and I did not wish to be
seen coming in this direction. These good people begin to
be a good deal too knowing to suit me, and that sly scalping-
knife is always prowling about in the woods. I really do
not see why we should suffer that Indian to remain in our
neighbourhood. I have an idea that the bullet is already
cast which is to summon him to his hunting-grounds ; but
Cotton," he continued, turning angrily to the hunter, " I wish
you would not call me by that cursed name; it will some
day escape you in the hearing of strangers, and then I shall
be done for. You had better call me Johnson, even amongst
ourselves; you will thus get accustomed to it."
"It's all the same to me," replied the other, laughing; "be
it Rusch or Johnson, you will not escape the halter any
more than we shall. Let us be merry while we are together;
and now to business, for during the last fortnight we have
not made a cent, and it is time to begin work again."
While speaking he had taken a small flask of whisky from
under his blanket; he now drew out the cork, and, nodding
at Rowson, raised the flask to his lips with a look of intense
delight.
Having satisfied himself with a hearty draught, he offered
the bottle to Rowson, who was standing close to him.
THE MORNING DRAfrGHT.
15
" There, prime yourself for your sermon this morning;
you will need it. I am sure I should require the contents
of three such bottles to induce me to be present, and even
then I should make a condition that you waited until I
had fallen asleep before you commenced."
" Thanks," said Rowson, refusing the proffered draught in
q friendly manner. " I should not like to smell of whisky
this morning. Give it to Johnson; he is casting eager
glances at it."
" There is nothing better than a good stimulant in the
morning," said the new-comer, drinking to Cotton in return;
"but Weston," he continued, addressing the youngest of the
company, "what are you doing 1 You are scratching your-
self as if, like a serpent, you were about to cast your skin.
Have you been bitten by a mosquito V'
" By one," said the young man, ill-humouredly, drawing
nearer and taking the proffered flask from Johnson; "by
one; the air here swarms with them; and I am inclined to
think that old Harper was right when he said there were so
many of these disgusting creatures in this neighbourhood
that, by drav/ing one's knife once through the air, one might
fill a plate with wings and legs."
" Iia ! ha !" said Cotton, " you will get accustomed to
that. It is true that you are still quite fresh from the Mis-
souri mountains, where, as I have been told, people can sleep
at night without keeping up a fire to smoke these insects.
Hei-e, that would be a difficult matter."
" Gentlemen, pray remember for what purpose we are
assembled," observed Rowson, somewhat impatiently. " Time
passes, and I must really be off. Moreover, I by no means
consider this such a very secure place; more especially as
Johnson saw the Indian, with his associates, prowling about
in the neighbourhood. I therefore propose that we should
go to work without more ado, and come to an understanding
what we are to attempt, and how we are to begin."
"Weil said, great prophet," cried Cotton, giving the
speaker a smart blow on the shoulder, which caused him to
pull a wry face and to cast a malicious side glance at his too
familiar companion. Nor was he able to suppress his anger,
save by the exercise of great self-control; and leisurely
surveying the men as they stood around him. he continued:
b 2
16
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
"We have lain fallow for several weeks, and not made a
penny—thanks to the officious rascals who are now making
themselves busy under the name of Regulators, not only in
this settlement, but in the whole county, even in the entire
State. Yesterday, as you all know, a messenger arrived from
the island, anxious to obtain a lot of good horses, while we
are idling away our time, doing nothing. This cannot go on
any longer: I want money—so does every one of you; and
to gain by the labours of a year, in the culture of Indian
corn and the rearing of swine, that which is ready at hand,
would be ridiculous. Let us set to work at once. As by
the good name I have managed to obtain for myself—though
I am, after all, but a weak and sinful mortal "
" Oh, can't you leave off your nonsense ?" exclaimed Cotton,
stamping. "You can say your prayers when you are with
Roberts; but no humbug here."
" As by the good name which I have managed to obtain
for myself," repeated Rowson, with a conciliatory wave of
the hand to Johnson, " I have procured the right of admis-
sion to many farms, I have, naturally enough, not wanted
the opportunity of ascertaining the amount of live stock—
especially horses—belonging to their owners. In my opinion,
we can have no better place than Spring-creek, on the other
side of the Petite-Jeanne, in which to commence operations.
Husfield, who lives there, has splendid animals; and I am
firmly convinced that from his farm alone we might get eight
horses, and with these I can guarantee two days to get clear
)f pursuit."
" That would not be a bad plan," said J ohnson; " but you
should remember that it will take us fifty miles farther from
the Mississippi."
" At the furthest, five-and-thirty," rejoined Rowson; " and
we shall have two days and two nights in advance. While,
if we remain in this country, we must expect them upon our
traces in an hour—and that would be, to say the least of it,
disagreeable."
" What should you say if we delayed the expedition till
next week?" suggested Johnson. "I should like to take a
trip down to the Washita."
" Not an hour," exclaimed Rowson. " Why should we
trifle away time which may very soon be precious to us ?"
IIOGTTES IN COUNCIL.
17
" I-cannot understand why you are all at once in such a
hurry," said Cotton, astonished. " You used to let things
grow upon you."
" I want money," answered Rowson, laconically. " My
land has been surveyed, and if I do not pay in the full sum
on the first Monday in June, I may be, as all of you know
well enough, expelled by anybody who pleases, and—there
are in this country certain very kind souls who would de-
light in playing me that trick. Among others, that Harper
—a plague upon him "
" Oh, Rowson, if Mrs. Roberts could hear you venting
curses on the head of a fellow Christian, her good opinion of
your piety would receive a shock."
" You may jeer at me, Cotton—you have the right to do so ;
but if I do not speak the truth in saying that there are some
living hereabouts whose throats I could We have nothing
to do with that just now," he continued, restraining himself.
" Speak out. Will you follow my advice, or not 1 It will
enable us to make three hundred dollars a-piece in the space
of one week, and that is more than we can accomplish in an
honest manner."
" I am willing," exclaimed Cotton. " It is now the turn
for you two to go first; we—Weston and I—risked our
necks last time."
"Yes, yes," said Weston, in assent. "We were very
nearly taken. This time it is our turn to do the easy part oi
the business."
" Stop ; not so fast," interrupted Johnson. "We must
first come to an understanding about the plan, and then I
beg the two gentlemen to remember what a burden was
thrown upon us in undertaking the sale, and that, in con-
sequence, I am not yet free from suspicion. In the first
place, with regard to the plan. How do you propose tc
accomplish it, Rowson?"
" Look," he replied, taking a large bowie-knife from under
his waistcoat, and beginning to whittle. " Two of us—there
must in no case be more, in order that suspicion may not be
aroused, if we should be seen—two of us, then, I say, will
start with our rifles, each being provided with two or three
bridles, concealed in some manner or other about his person,
from this place, in the direction of the Petite-Jeanne, to the
IS
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
mill on the Spring-creek. I mention the bridles, that we
may not have so much trouble in selling the horses as we
did last time. The sharp bark cut the mouths of the animals,
and the people in the island endeavoured to beat us down
in price on that account. It is not far from the mill to
Husfield's, and when the two men arrive at the corner of the
fence, they must go to the left by the first footpath, which
apparently leadsv back again to the wood. It only, however,
makes a curve in order to avoid some fallen oaks, and after-
wards turns again to the farm, conducting directly to the
yard, the opposite side of which is connected with the
house itself. Husfield has about seven-and-twenty horses,
including foals and a stallion, of which eight are in the
stables. These we must not touch; he would be sure to miss
them the very next morning, and he is too well acquainted
with the woods not to find out our tracks. The others are
turned loose, under the guidance of a young three-year-old
stallion."
" Surely," interrupted Johnson, " he is not allowed to have
a stallion running about in the spring."
"For all that, he has," said Kowson. "At present, at
least, I am sure the stallion is still loose, and comes regu-
larly every evening to the fence after some mares. He
trots about outside, making his neighing declarations, and
then returns to the wood, his usual sleeping-place. The
whole herd follow him, and that is just the time to get hold
of the best horses. The people at the house do not look very
sharp after the animals. I have called there twice in order
to be certain upon that point."
"If we could get the mares out of the yard," said Weston,
" we might secure the whole lot, and ride away with them
as fast as their legs could carry them."
" Yes, and next morning we should have a dozen or so of
those rascals, armed with rifles and knives a yard long, close
upon our heels, in a track that a blind man could follow
with his stick," exclaimed Kowson. "Ho, we must adopt a
safer plan, for we must endeavour not only to escape capture,
but also to avoid exciting suspicion; and this can be effected
solely by the exercise of the greatest prudence. Those who
are going to seize the horses must not be seen near the mill,
as some of Husfield's people are generally loitering about
THE PLAIT DECIDED T7P0IT.
19
there; and faces from the Fourche-la-Fave—mine perhaps
excepted—are not in very high repute in the northern settle-
mentis. The best plan would be to cross over to the other
bank of the river, where the road approaches Spring-creek.
This would be advisable for another reason. Anybody pass-
ing that way would be easily led into the idea that the
horsemen had directed their flight towards Dardanella, and
thus the chance of a meeting with some one that knows us
may be avoided. Moreover, at the corner of the fence, where
the road turns to the left, the ground is covered with stones,
and our track over that road could scarcely be traced.
What is to be done at the spot I need not explain, as you
know well enough already."
"Who is to go1?" asked Cotton, discontentedly. "You
give us excellent instructions, as if you did not intend to
make one of the party. We ran the risk last time; it is
nothing more than fair that two others should take the
chances on this occasion."
" Moreover, you are so well acquainted with that country,'*
said Weston, "that, were you to go, the time might be
saved which others would waste in searching for the track
you have just described."
" That is true, very true, in many respects," rejoined Row-
son, smiling; " but remember, young man, that Johnson and
myself, as I said before, were last time exposed to more
anxiety and peril than you two, who only went after the
horses. However, let it be as you say. I volunteer to make
one of the party sent after the horses. You may name my
associate. I only do so on condition that I shall be expected
to bring the animals no further than the Mamell—that is,
to the ridge which divides the waters of the Mamell from
those of the Fourche-la-Fave. There, near the source of the
creek, or salt-pool, we will meet; and thence the other two
may take the horses to the island."
" It would be better for you and J ohnson to undertake
the former portion of the job, then Weston and myself can
see the horses safe to their destination."
" Stop," interrupted Johnson, " I cannot volunteer to go
upon that rascally Husfield's land. You are not, perhaps,
aware that we quarrelled a fortnight ago, on which occasion
I Why, the pistol missed fire, and he knocked me
20
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
down. I owe him something for that," he added, quivering
with rage. " I do not wish to settle that matter on his own
ground; were I to do so, it might go against me in a court
of justice. No, let chance decide who is to go; we can draw
lots with straws."
"Straws; nonsense," ejaculated Cotton; "let the issues
of the chase decide that matter. To-morrow morning we
will all four—or, at any rate, three of us, since Rowson
volunteers to go, at all events—start in different directions
to hunt. We will meet again here on Tuesday morning,
and he who has killed the greatest number of deer, or bagged
the most game, shall be free."
" That," said Rowson, " is a capital idea. I shall make
one, only for the fun of the thing."
" I don't mind," Johnson observed; "we are all good sports-
men, and luck must decide which of us has to undertake the
most dangerous part of our scheme. Good-bye till to-
morrow, then; but we have still to choose our hunting-
grounds, that we may not cross one another's paths. For
my own part, I will ascend the river a little, and beat up
the plain."
"You will come in my way then," said Weston. "I
must go in that direction, as I have been squatting there,
and have left my things—my blanket, my cooking utensils,
and two deer-skins."
"Then I will go towards the Petite-Jeanne. Jones, who
lives on the other side, told me yesterday that he had seen
lots of tracks."
" I shall follow in that direction too," said Rowson,
" though I shall not be able to hunt all day, having promised
to go to Mrs. Laughlin's in the evening, to hold a prayer-
meeting."
" Where will you hide your rifle?" asked Johnson, with
a smile.
" At Fulweal's, I should think," answered Rowson ; " or
I can leave it with Cotton's sister; when I am riding home
in the evening I can call for it."
" Rowson, Rowson !" Cotton cried, "threatening him good-
liumouredly with his fist; " affairs with that widow Fulweal
do not seem quite right. You sneak about in that neigh-
bourhood so much; and when, a short time since, I unex-
A. PIECE OE NEWS.
21
pectedly attended your meeting, you were "both kneeling
together suspiciously close."
" Nonsense," returned Rowson.
" When the young widow was inspired," continued Cotton,
not to be diverted from his subject, " and began to jump, to
cry, and to shout, she would not fall down in her ecstacy
until she knew that she was close to you, and Mr. Rowson
of course lifted her up in his arms. She really might have
hurt herself. Oh, Rowson !"
" Nonsense," repeated Rowson, somewhat out of counte-
nance. Turning quickly to Weston, he added: " Remem-
ber, young man, that the two skins you have now in your
hut count for nothing."
" Of course," the latter replied ; " fair play. To-morrow
morning, as soon as it is light enough to distinguish the
sight at the end of a rifle, the chase must commence."
"Now it is time to break up the conference," said Rowson,
putting his hands in his pockets. "May we soon meet
again."
" Stop, there is something else," cried Cotton, as Rowson
was walking out of the thicket to which he had tied his
horse; " we must not separate without coming to some
understanding as to how we are to act in case those accursed
Regulators come upon our tracks. If things turned out as
I wish, not one of those rogues would be left alive to-
morrow evening."
Rowson retraced his steps, and stood biting his nails at
Cotton's side.
" I had nearly forgotten to communicate a piece of news
to you," he said, after a short pause, casting a glance at his
muscular friend ; " Cotton's speaking of the Regulators re-
minds me of it."
" What is it?" asked Johnson, eagerly.
" Nothing more nor less than that the sheriff of Pulasky
county holds a warrant against our friend Cotton, here."
"The devil!" exclaimed the latter. "A warrant! for
what ?"
" I do not know whether it is for anything in particular.
There are several different matters. I heard whispers about
a fifty-dollar note, a breach of promise of marriage in Ran-
dolph county, and an affair with reference to a man who has
22
THE EEATHEEED AKEOW.
been some time missing, and whose body was lately found.
In fact, there are various little matters of the kind."
" Plague upon it!" said Cotton, stamping; "and this is
the sort of thing you had nearly forgotten. You would have
me go into the settlement quite unconcernedly. I see it is
time for me to be off—Arkansas might become a little too
hot for me. I am getting too well known about here."
" I dare say you have a very extensive circle of acquaint-
ances," said Rowson, smiling maliciously.
<•' Very," replied the hunter, absently. " What does it
matter, after all ?" he continued, stretching himself suddenly.
" In a few days our business will be finished, and, with my
share of the spoil, I can go to the Mississippi, and thence
proceed comfortably to Texas."
" Why not go from here overland ? It wont cost you a
cent, and is not so far."
" True enough; but I have my reasons for not wishing to
come in contact with the Indians."
"I see, Cotton. Do tell us the story," said Weston. "I
have heard so much talk about it, and should like to know
what it means. What is there between you and the
Cherokees ?"
" This is not exactly the time for story-telling," replied the
person addressed, surlily.
"People say," Eowson remarked, "that your arm still
bears the marks of iron "
" Cease your childish prattle. We have other things to
think about now. The search is not after me only, but all of
us. The Regulators have somehow got wind of our proceed-
ings, and are watching every one of us."
" Not me," said Rowson. " None see a wolf in the pious
Methodist preacher."
" None V repeated Cotton, tauntingly. " None ? Why,
what did Heathcott say, when he called you a liar and a
rascal ?"
A shade passed over Rowson's countenance, the paleness
of death replacing its former florid appearance, and he grasped
his hidden knife spasmodically.
"What kind of accusations did he make?" the hunter
whispered, stepping up to his companion, who still quivered
DANGEEOrS FOES.
23
with rage. "You took it all quietly. Fie ! I feel ashamed
of you."
" Cotton," cried Eowson, restraining himself with difficulty,
"you have touched the right chord. That fellow is dangerous
to us. He has not only a suspicion as to whom I am, but
has lately dropped some hints about Atkins."
"What! Atkins ?—the man who never assisted in a rob-
bery, and who spends his time quietly upon his own •farm ?"
" That very Atkins. Heaven only knows why ho directs
his attention that way; but it is true that he does so. I had
good reason for taking the epithets 'liar' and 'rascal' quietly.
If I, being a preacher, had fired up, and returned him his
own coin "
" He would have knocked you down," interrupted Cotton.
" It would have been a great blow to my pious reputa-
tion," said Eowson, continuing his sentence.
" Ay, a blow," rejoined Cotton, "on your skull, or between
your eyes."
"Can't you leave off your chaff?" exclaimed Johnson.
" We did not come here to listen to your tomfooleries.
Eowson was quite right. If he is a preacher, let him behave
like one."
"And steal horses," put in Cotton, with imperturbable
gravity.
" Will you be serious, or not ? I am sick of your talk,"
Eowson exclaimed, angrily. "We have assembled hereto act
in concert for a common object, and not to quarrel. I am
well aware that the Eegulators will meet hereabouts to-day
or to-morrow."
" Hereabouts! Where ?" exclaimed his companions,
quickly, and all with one voice.
" At Eoberts's, or at Wilkins's, or somewhere else ; how
can I tell ? That they will meet is certain ; and they intend
to revive the Lynch-law, which is just now so much in
favour."
" That's more than they dare do," cried Cotton. " Lynch-
law has very recently been strictly prohibited."
" What will they not dare in Arkansas ?" said Eowson,
with a smile. " If twenty, or twenty-five of them, act
together, with a firm determination, do you think the
21
TIIE FEATHEEED AEEO"W.
governor would send soldiers against them 1 Certainly not;
and even were lie to make the attempt, it would be of no
avail. They may do anything they please ; and they wish
to exterminate us, that their horses may come home safely
at night, and that they may be no longer obliged to look
after fellows who carry a bowie-knife, a pair of pistols, and a
light bridle under their waistcoats."
" Viewing the affair in its proper light, one cannot blame
them. Yet their anxiety on that score by no means agrees
with our own ideas of life, and What is the matter with
that dog 1 he has been sniffing the air for several minutes.
Can any one be approaching 1"
" There is nothing the matter," said Cotton, glancing at
the dog, which had again stretched itself out quietly. " He
has perhaps caught scent of a turkey, but troubles himself no
further about it."
" Their views then, I say, not agreeing with ours," conti-
nued Johnson, "we must defeat them either by force or cun-
ning. As to using force, we are too weak for that; although
many about here sympathise with us, few would stand by us
in a serious struggle. I therefore think that with the aid
of Atkins, who could not be better situated than he is for
the purpose, we shall still be able to mislead them all;
and though they have this stupidly proud Heathcott for a
leader "
" Heathcott their leader ?" interrupted Rowson, startled.
" Yes ; so at least Harper told me a short time since, when
I met him at the mill."
" Then this must be the last lot of horses we take from
these parts," murmured Rowson. "The game is getting
too hazardous. I think we must draw the next lot from
Missouri. Weston will have to be our guide in that country,
and I know the neighbourhood about the Big-block and Farm-
ington well enough."
" Are you also known there ?" Cotton inquired.
"Certainly," replied the other, pretending not to perceive
the malicious drift of the question ; "I am known there too,
and all the people thereabouts have a liking for me, on ac-
count of my pious mode of life."
" And the horses, too, have a liking for him," Weston ob-
served. "When he left those parts, three of these good
THE BOND OF GUILT.
25
animals followed him from purely disinterested attach-
ment."
On this occasion, Rowson joined in the burst of merri-
ment which greeted the observation, but soon grew serious
again, and exclaimed in a loud tone of voice :—
" Gentlemen, this cannot go on any longer. Surely you
do not consider that we are about to risk our necks, and that
there is a season for everything, even for merriment as well
as sober seriousness. Listen to my plan; I have re-con-
sidered the matter. It will be best not to take the horses
directly to the island, for it is just possible that, in spite of
our dexterity, these fellows may keep upon our trail, and we
should thus not only endanger ourselves, but also our friends
at the island. It will be better for you to wait near Hoswell's
canoe, about half a mile further up, at the spot where the Hnr-
ricane begins. I have discovered a good way, if we can once
reach this place, of eluding pursuit and of remaining per-
fectly secure. I mean to throw them on a false scent, and
that can only be done by making for the river. Of this we
will speak more fully by-and-by; in the first place we must
see who gets off by his success in the chase to-morrow, and
with the man pointed out by chance as my confederate I will
consult farther."
" What shall we do in case they follow us to Atkins's, and
thus discover our last retreat 1" Cotton inquired, distrustfully.
" Perhaps there may be no necessity for going to Atkins's
at all," answered Rowson. " I have lived long enough in
the woods to know how to draw a few yelping curs off a
trail. When it is once decided who is to be my associate,
let the others repair to the appointed place, and my name's
not Rowson if I do not make my promises good."
"That's a bold speech," said Cotton, laughing ; "in a few
weeks you would perhaps give anything to be called by
another name. At any rate, I have this consolation, that I
do not run a greater risk than the others. Now let us
take the oath not to betray our confederates in case of being
captured. He is a scoundrel who would, even by a glance
or a whisper, be false to his associates ; and may vengeance
reach such a one wherever he takes refuge, ay, be it in the
arms of his mother ! "
" A violent death to him who proves a traitor 1" exclaimed
26
THE EEATHEEEE AEEOW.
Weston, drawing his large knife; "and may his arm and his
tongue shrivel up, and may his sight fail him !"
" That's a strong oath," said Johnson, "but I am quite
agreeable to take it."
" And I too," added Rowson; " but I hope no oath is
required to bind us firmly together. Our own interest,
which is a surer guarantee than oaths, will do that. If this
should one day fail, I can only hope that when it does I
may be in Texas."
"You do not mean that it is possible that any of us can prove
so recreant as to betray his friends V interrupted W eston,
with warmth ; " the very idea is treason and breach of confi-
dence."
" Well, well, I will trust to your fidelity, Weston," said
Rowson, stretching out his hand to him ; " but you are
still young, very young, and do not know in what straits a
man may find himself."
"No torture shall force an answer from me which "
" I am glad that you think so ; but now good-bye, gentle-
men—farewell, Johnson. Where shall we meet to-morrow
morning for the chase V
" At the spot where Setter's-creek issues from the hills;
near a slight elevation you will see a clump of walnut trees."
" I know the spot."
" In that case, be punctual; mind what you are about
until we meet again ; and do not come it too strong to your
poor deluded followers."
" Nor to the widow," exclaimed Cotton.
Rowson did not hear the remark; he had disappeared
in the thicket by which their open place of meeting was
surrounded. The branches closed again as he pushed through
them, and Cotton gazed after him for some moments. At
last he shouldered his rifle without saying another word,
and was about to follow in the same direction, when Johnson
said, looking steadfastly at him, "You do not put much
confidence in Rowson 1"
Cotton stopped short, regarded his comrade earnestly
for some seconds, and replied, pointedly—" No, candidly
speaking, I do not. His sly ways, his ever friendly smirk,
even after the greatest insults, cannot inspire confidence.
The fellow hates Heathcott like sin—stop ! that simile is ill-
SUSPICIONS.
27
chosen—like virtue, I should rather say; and yet I witnessed
a reconciliation between them. Rowson went to Heathcott,
shook hands with him, and assured him that he bore him no
ill-will. I would have been cut to pieces before I would
have done the same kind of thing. The fellow should have
felt the touch of my knife instead of that of my hand.
However, in this affair his own interest is concerned, and,
therefore, I hope he will be faithful. It certainly could do
him no good to betray tis, for a price has not yet been set
upon my head. Ha! ha! ha! ha! Do those quill-drivers
fancy they can catch Cotton in the wood ? it would be a diffi-
cult matter, and is only to be effected by means of treason."
"You have too bad an opinion of Rowson," Johnson
remarked, in a conciliatory manner ; " of course he has his
failings, like the rest of us, but, nevertheless, he is trust-
worthy; and I am firmly convinced that the Regulators
might flay him alive, without getting him to reveal the
name of one of his comrades."
" Be it so. In any case, it would still have to be proved
that I made one of them," said Cotton, laughing ; " but
good-bye, Johnson ; you mean well, I am convinced, and one
may rely upon you in the worst extremity—good-bye ! The
day after to-morrow we shall meet here again, and if we have
but a few hundred dollars in our pockets, life will be better
and more secure. There are many among the settlers here
who now open their mouths very wide, denouncing robbery
and crime, whose lips might be closed by a five-dollar note, and
they would only open them again with the blandest of smiles.
But good-bye ; time presses; to our speedy and successful
meeting !"
Thereupon the men separated, Cotton and Weston going
together towards the bank of the river, while Johnson bent
his steps directly northwards through the brushwood. He
crossed the roughly-constructed main track through the forest,
and disappeared among the steep pine-clad hills.
The place of meeting selected by the horse-dealers, as they
called themselves, was quiet and solitary. For about a
quarter of an hour after the departure of the men whose
conversation we have just related, its stillness was disturbed
only by the gambols of the squirrels and the harsh cry of
the jay, when the bushes suddenly re-opened, dividing with-
28
THE EEATHEBED ABBOW.
out the slightest noise, and the dark figure of an Indian
appeared upon the spot. He listened cautiously in every direc-
tion before crossing the open space, like a deer issuing from
the depths of the forest, which, before springing over a track,
gazes right and left, to see that no danger is near. TheD,
with a stealthy step, he turned as if about to depart, his eyes
being fixed upon the ground, when suddenly his attention
seemed to be attracted by the great number of footprints,
and he narrowly examined the spot. He looked in par-
tieular at the place on which the dog had been reclining.
He then went round the clearing, taking a larger circuit, as
if engaged in counting the tracks that led from it.
The red-skin had a powerful, noble form. The thin,
many-coloured cotton shirt, which covered the upper part of
his body, rent in many places from having come in contact
with thorns, did not altogether conceal his broad shoulders
and muscular arms. This garment was fastened round the
body by a leathern belt, in which was stuck a small, sharp
tomahawk, and, according to the fashion of the white men, a
large knife. His legs were cased in dark leathern gaiters.
Bound his neck he wore a kind of badge, cut in the shape of
a shield, on which a red-deer was engraved in a simple yet
not unskilful manner. No other ornaments decorated his
person; and even the pouch which hung at his right side had
none of those glass beads and coloured leather strings with
which the aborigines so much like to adorn them. His head
was uncovered, and his long black glossy hair hung down in
tresses, reaching from his temples to his shoulders. His
weapon was the common American rifle.
He prosecuted his search for some minutes, and then
stood erect, pushed his hair back from his forehead, cast
another scrutinising glance around, and disappeared in the
thicket on the opposite side to that from which he had at
first emerged.
the two horsemen".
29
CHAPTER II.
SEVERAL NEW ACTORS APPEAR UPON THE SCENE—TEE WONDERFUL
SPORTING ADVENTURE OF THE " LITTLE MAN."
On the same morning in which the events recounted in the
former chapter occurred, two horsemen might have been
seen riding along the county road, scarcely five hundred
paces from the thicket mentioned in our last. They evi-
dently belonged to the better class of farmers. How much
soever they might differ in outward appearance, they seemed
in all other respects to agree remaidcably well. The young thin
man, on his brown fiery pony, which could with difficulty be
kept at the slow pace at which the}7- were travelling, often
laughed heartily at the remarks and jokes of his short
stout companion. The latter was about forty years of
age, with a very full and florid face, the kindest expression
imaginable being stamped upon his features. His round
portly form corresponded with his physiognomy in the most
pleasing manner, and his little sparkling grey eyes beamed
as joyfully and good-humouredly upon the world as if their
owner meant to say, " I am uncommonly merry, and could
not possibly be more so."
From top to toe, with the exception of the well-blacked
shoes upon his feet, he was attired in snow-white cotton, and
had he been offered the world itself, he could not have made
the ends of his jacket meet. The garment had either become
so tight from frequent washing, or, what is more likely, his
round body had increased very much in size, and grown, as
he himself described it, more alderman-like. A yellow straw
hat shaded his face, and a thin neckerchief of the same colour
fastened his open collar, between the ends of which his neck
was visible. Not without a proud, or, at any rate, an attempt
at vain display, a bright red pocket-handkerchief peeped out
from the pockets of his trousers, which were certainly capa-
cious enough to hide half-a-dozen such articles. His com-
panion was a tall young man, with a bold and open expression
of face, and dark fiery eyes. His dress was like that generally
worn by the farmers in the west of America, consisting of a
c
30
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
blue cloth coat, trousers of the same material, and a black
striped waistcoat. He had no shoes upon his feet, but, in
accordance with the Indian fashion, nicely yet simply-worked
mocassins. This, with his not unsteady yet scrutinizing
glance, showed that he was a sportsman, although he had at
the time no weapon, being, like his companion, unarmed.
His head was covered by a black beaver hat, much the worse
for wear, and in his hand he carried a heavy leather riding-
whip.
" My brother is a wonderful fellow," said the little man,
in continuation of an account he had commenced of the
strange adventures of his elder brother, then living in Cin-
cinnati. " He had a mania for buying old things which rose
to an almost incredible height. When I was there last
autumn, his good wife complained to me about it. The house
was full of old furniture, crockery-ware, in fact all kinds of
articles, of the tenth part of which he could not possibly
make \ise; and in spite of this, he used to go every evening
round the auction-rooms buying up anything which he con-
sidered a bargain that fell in his way. Once purchased, he
thought no more of the things. I one day advised my
sister-in-law to send a portion of the lumber secretly to the
auction-rooms, to let it be sold for what it would fetch, and
to put the money by, in case she should ever want it. She
approved of the plan, and I got a cart, and in the afternoon,
when my brother was engaged, I sent the whole lot down to
Front-street, and before dark had finished the job. My sister-
in-law felt quite delighted, and, on her husband's return in
an excellent humour at about half-past ten, his usual hour,
she made a good bowl of punch,— that reminds me we must
one day or other brew some punch here—one hardly ever
gets any ■ the majority of the stupid folks in these parts
belong to temperance societies; but—let me see, where did
I leave off? Oh! I remember, I was speaking about
the punch. Well, we sat discussing the tipple till eleven
o'clock, and my brother related one laughable adventure after
another, for he was a good hand at story-telling. I asked
him several times what made him so merry, but could get no
satisfactory answer. At six the next morning he started
again, and what do you suppose he brought home in three
carts 1 Nothing more nor less than the very lumber I had
A WONDERFUL BROTHER.
31
sent away the evening before ; not a single article liad escaped
him, and he kept on boasting of the wonderful bargain which
he had made."
" That is not bad, uncle," said the young man, with a
smile, casting a rapid glance at the speaker. " And you
really think that I shall believe that 1"
" Oh, you wicked lad, did I ever tell you an untruth ?
Y ou know I never did. I tell you what it is, should I in
future have occasion to speak to you about facts, you need
not grin so. Do you hear V
" But, dear uncle, you must not be angry with me on that
account, I cannot help it. Whenever you begin a story, I
enjoy the comical turn it is going to take by anticipation. It
is sure to prove a merry one. This it is, perhaps, which
sometimes causes me to laugh a little too soon."
" Comical! dear me, comical! I never tell comical stories.
Did you ever hear me relate a comical story 1 I do not know
anything that could be more serious than the last I told.
My brother will ruin himself by this unfortunate failing of
his."
"Your brother is said to be a very clever man of business,
and though in this respect he seems, as you say, to be pos-
sessed by a strange fancy, he is sure to make up for it ten-
fold in other ways."
" A clever man of business ! God bless you, my boy, there
is not a smarter man of business to be met with anywhere; he
is, in fact, too smart sometimes. I very well remember when
we were hunting together in Kentucky, how he used to take
the dealers in with old opossum skins. You know the dodge,
and many a quart of whisky did we get in this manner. I
must tell you of another trick which he played me at Cane
Lake. We were rowing together in an old canoe, with the
view of spearing fish, and shooting stags which came to drink
at the edge of the lake. It happened to be uncommonly
hot, and the sun scorched us terribly. In order to cool
myself, I was going to take my hunting-shirt off; and just
as I was in the act of putting down my powder-flask (a
capital horn one, with a patent spring), my finger caught the
string, and it fell into the lake. There I sat dismayed. The
lake was clear as crystal, and, although it might be fifteen
feet deep, I could see the flask at the bottom as plainly as
32 THE FEATHERED ARROW.
possible. George was always expert at leaping, swimming,
and diving, and on perceiving my disappointment, which also
affected him, as he had no powder left, and none was to he
obtained in the neighbourhood, excepting at a very high
price, he kindly offered to dive for it; and, without more
ado,.jumped overboard. On reaching the bottom, he found
it rather muddy; he had stirred it up, and made the water
thick, and he had to wait a moment while it got clear
again. In the meantime I had taken off my hunting-shirt,
and was sitting patiently in the canoe, when at last it sud-
denly struck me that my brother was remaining a very long
while under the water, and, not without a certain feeling of
alarm, I looked overboard. Now what do you think he was
doing down at the bottom of the lake, eh ?"
" I really cannot say what he could be doing in such a
place, unless he was trying to get back again to the surface
of the water as soon as possible."
" You are mistaken," the old man replied, reining in his
pony, from the excitement of the moment, as if overcome by
his reminiscences. " You are mistaken—he remained down
there, as calmly as if he had been upon dry ground, in a
stooping posture, that I might not perceive what he was
doing. In spite of this, I saw what he was at but too well.
The rogue was slyly pouring my powder into his own flask,
and when he reappeared upon the surface, mine was half
empty. Well, you need not laugh as if you were going to
fall off your horse. Perhaps you don't believe this story
any more than the last. Did your old uncle ever tell you a
lie?"
" Don't be angry, uncle; I believe every word of it.
Wait a moment;—do you see that red object out there—
yonder, I mean—behind that fallen fir-tree—just between
the mulberry-tree and the oak ?"
" Where ? Oh yes; it is a stag, sure enough. If
Assowaum were here with his rifle, he might kill it easily
enough. Under cover of these bushes, one might approach
within fifty paces of it, or sixty at the most."
"I wonder where Assowaum can be!" said the young
man, standing up in his stirrups, and looking back, as if he
expected to see the Indian approaching. " He disappeared
suddenly in the wood, and I thought that he had caught
GAME IN YIEW.
33
sight of some game, "but heaven knows what attracted him.
"What a splendid shot one might take from this !" he con-
tinned, in a lower tone. " I wish I had brought my rifle
with me !"
"Mrs. Roberts would give you a cordial welcome if
you made your appearance on the Sabbath with a gun.
She will not even suffer the Indian to carry one on that day,
although he can scarcely be persuaded to lay it aside. Look,
that animal must either be quite tame, or it has not heard
us !"
The two men, quietly continuing their ride, had now
approached very near the stag, which stood in one of the
numerous salt-pools that are to be found on both banks of the
Fourclie-1 a-Fave, but more especially upon the northern one.
The animal did not seem to suspect approaching danger.
Once indeed it raised its head, and sniffed the air; but per-
haps this was rather for respiration, than from dread of any
peril. The two men perceived that the stag was busily
engaged in licking an orifice in the clayey bank of the brook,
which had been made larger from frequent attempts of the
kind by horses, cows, and stags. For several seconds the
animal remained in one posture, occasionally brushing off
with its tail the swarms of flies that kept annoying it.
Then it again bent down to enjoy the salt taste of the fat
soil. The stag had only recently got its new antlers, and
these, hardly four inches long, did not offer much obstruction
to its explorations. With its head gracefully bent on one
side, it thrust its tongue as far as possible into the orifice to
get at the saltest portions of the soil.
" I wish the Indian would come, Bill," said Harper in a
whisper, with true sportsman-like animation; he added, " I
believe one might get within five paces of that silly tiling.
It does not scent at all. Oh, Bill, you should have seen
how I could creep when I was young. I once went "
" If you get behind that hickory stump, I believe it might
be done," whispered the young main
"Nonsense, boy; do you think I mean to crawl about on
my old bones on a Sunday morning in order to frighten
innocent animals 1 I do not intend doing anything of the
kind."
In spite of this assurance, Harper dismounted, and his
34
THE EEATHEBED AEBOW.
pony stood motionless, as if aware of what was going on.
The short stout man, in his white dress, might have been
seen gliding along upon his toes, his face getting redder and
redder as he endeavoured to screen himself from the view of
the animal behind the trunk of a large hickory tree. His
sole object in thus acting must have been that of hoping to
enjoy the sudden bound with which the stag might be
expected to dash off, on perceiving its danger. The
animal did not, however, get scent of its pursuers, the wind
being in an opposite direction. It again raised its head,
stretched its body, and then continued its meal. William
Brown, or Bill, as his uncle called him, began to feel inte-
rested in the affair. Sitting quite still, that he might
not make the slightest noise, he watched with intense
satisfaction his uncle's progress, who had, as we before said,
reached the hickory stump, within ten paces of the stag.
Here he halted a minute, looking back at his nephew, at the
same time making a comical grimace, as if he meant to say,
" Don't you wish you may get it 1"
The old man seemed to hesitate; for he was either
amazed at the immobility of the young animal, or afraid
to proceed further in his clean shoes, for at this point the
salt-pool commenced, and a little stream ran over the soft
clayey soil, which had been trodden by the different animals
that frequented it, into a kind of adhesive paste. At
length his innate love of sport overcame every other con-
sideration ; for the first time, the idea of the possibility
of capturing the animal entered his head, and without
further hesitation, though with all imaginable caution, he
stepped into the soft soil. Then he plunged recklessly into
the mud, with his highly-polished Sunday shoes, which were
soon covered. Brown raised himself in his stirrups, looking
on with almost breathless attention, and the old man's heart
beat, as he afterwards declared again and again, so violently,
that he was afraid lest the stag should hear it. Suddenly
the animal raised its head, startled at the approach of the
white form, and before it could move a single muscle, Harper,
forgetting Sunday and Sunday clothes, sprang forward and
seized it by the haunches. At that very moment the
animal started up, to escape at a bound its peril. It was,
however, too late; the old man held his prey with an iron
THE HEAD SHOT.
85
grasp. In its desperate efforts to free itself, the stag dragged
Harper along through the mud. In vain, as far as his
short thick neck admitted, did the latter attempt to raise
his head, in order to keep it out of the mud-bath. The
dirt splashed about in all directions, as he, like a vessel
just launched, splashed into it, rising again immediately to
the surface.
" Hold hard!" cried Brown, shouting, and uttering his
usual hunting-cry. " Hold hard, uncle ! Hurrah for the
old boy ! that's what I call sport."
The old man required no additional incitement, for little
did he thiuk of letting go his hold, after having soiled not
only all his Sunday toggery, but also his person. He could
not call for assistance, for had he, Tinder the circumstances,
attempted to open his mouth, it might have led to very dis-
agreeable consequences. Doubtless a strong expression of
determination settled upon his features, as he was being
dragged upon his back through the salt-pool; but they were
so completely covered with his mother earth, that it could
not be perceived.
Brown rushed forward to the rescue, but the aspect of
affairs was so ludicrous, that he tumbled down near the salt-
pool in a violent fit of laughter. Large tears rolled down
his cheeks, and for a minute or two he could not utter a
word. As he was getting up again, he heard the report of
a gun. Thereupon, the stag sprang forward for the last time,
in agony, and, striking out from the old man's grasp, fell in
a dying state into the mud.
Harper also heard the report of the gun, and rising, ex-
claimed, quite exasperated, " Who fired T Being unable to
open his eyes, he turned in quite the wrong direction, thereby
provoking another violent fit of laughter in Brown.
The individual who had fired the shot did not keep them
long in suspense. It was no other than the Indian, and as
he stepped out of a sassafras thicket he caught sight of the
strange figure cut by the respectable farmer, who was stand-
ing with extended palms and closed eyes. This was too
much for Assowaum, and he uttered, in comical admiration,
a loud " Waugh !"
" Bill, Bill—you confounded rascal-—Bill, come here, and
lead me to the spring. Hang it! am I to remain here all
36
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
ilay long, until the mud gets so hard that nobody can scrape
it off ? Bill, I say, you rogue,—do you mean to desert your
old uncle in such a mess ?"
Bill, as he was called, walked about some seconds before
he could recover himself, then crossed over to the further
end of the muddy spot, and held out a stick to the old man,
which the latter grasped quickly, and was conducted by his
obsequious nephew to the brook, where he first of all washed
his eyes, that he might see what was going on. The first
thing which met his glance was the figure of the Indian, who,
without changing his expression, was busily engaged loading
his rifle again.
" So, Master Bedskin," said Harper, " you think that I
am to crawl about in the mud, on a Sunday morning, hold-
ing stags, until you choose to come up and shoot them at
your leisure, eh ? If I manage to catch a stag, at the risk
of my life, do you consider that you have a right to shoot
it ? Why don't you go to my farm, and shoot my cows and
pigs as well ?"
"We shall be too late for the prayer-meeting, uncle,"
Brown observed, quietly.
" Do you think I can go to the prayer-meeting in such a
plight?" cried Harper. "Ho. I shall just tell the Bedskin
a bit of my mind. Is it right to steal up, Indian fashion,
to a gentleman, and to shoot the game which he has already
secured ?"
" You could not have held the stag two seconds longer,"
modestly hinted Brown.
" What do you know about it, greenhorn ? How can you
tell how long I could have held it ? Why, there is my
brother ; he once held a bear a whole night "
" You did not mean to capture the stag alive ?" his nephew
said, interrupting his speech, not without reason, dreading-
lest his uncle should plunge into one of his long yarns.
" And why not? Is not my fence high enough to keep
in a whole herd of stags ? And, besides, can it concern that
Bedskin what I mean to do with my property ? Well, what
are you grinning at, eh?"
The Indian, the cause of all these angry words, said
nothing in reply, being quietly engaged loading his rifle,
which he first carefully wiped. His features relaxed into a
DIVIDING THE SPOIL.
37
broad, good-natured grin, disclosing two rows of pearl-white
teeth, and he replied in broken English:—
" Father is very strong; but the stag is quick, and if he
once got out of the white man's hands, he would not leave
the print of his steps again in the smooth soil of Fourche-la-
Fave. My father wanted venison !"
"The devil take your father!" murmured Harper; "if I
am indebted to any one for the venison, it is myself." Having
said this, he stretched out his brawny arms, and turned to
his nephew. Growing more friendly at the remembrance of
his act of heroism, he added : " Well, my boy, that's a feat
not to be easily imitated. For all that, it is lucky that you
both witnessed it, for the deuce fake me if Roberts and the
rest would believe a single word about it, had I not your
evidence to back my story. They are a wretched lot; as if
I ever told them a lie. They will laugh, grin, and make
signs at each othei', as much as to say, ' That's another good
one of his;'—but now I must wash myself, or the mud will
dry upon me."
"We shall be too late for the meeting," said Brown, look-
ing impatiently at the sun.
" What do I care now about hearing that sneaking fellow
"Etowson preach 1 I could do it quite as well myself; and as
for his piety "
"Do you mean to ride back home first, then?" asked
Brown.
"Of course I do," replied Harper; "so ride on, I shall
be in time yet."
" What is to be done with the venison ?" Brown de-
manded.
" What is to be done with the venison, Mr. Malapert ?
That is easily settled. It will be carried on my pony into
my kitchen. I should think I had purchased it dearly
enough. That is right, Assowaum," he continued, turning
to the Indian, who was dragging the game by its short
antlers down to the brook, in order to wash off the thick
clay with which it was besmeared. " Clean it, so that an
honest man may with decency put it upon his horse. But,
halloa! what is that Mr. Scalping-knife doing—what the deuce
are you up to ?" This exclamation was caused by his seeing
the Indian, who with the greatest coolness had begun to cut
38
the eeathered arrow.
the animal up, having already nearly severed one haunch
from the carcass. " I do not wish to have it skinned: do
you hear me 1 The fellow is deaf, surely !"
Assowaum was not to be diverted from his object, but
very coolly removed a liaunch from the animal, and, attach-
ing it by a slip of hickory bark, threw it over his shoulder.
He replied: " The white man dwells alone in his wigwam,
and Assowaum is hungry."
" I don't care if you. take half of the animal; but you are
splashing me all over with blood," exclaimed Harper.
" That is better than mud," answered the Indian, laconi-
cally, shouldering his rifle and making for the road, leaving
the two men in charge of the game.
Brown assisted his uncle to get the stag on his pony.
This accomplished, the old man sprang into the saddle, and
in the best possible humour adjured his nephew not to relate
the story at Roberts's before he got there, as he only had to
ride home and change his dress, which would not detain him
long. Brown gave the required pledge, and trotted quickly
after the Indian, who had already got some distance in
advance.
CHAPTER III.
THE INDIAN AND THE METHODIST—THE INVITATION TO THE WEDDING.
Assowaum, or the Feathered Arrow, belonged to one of the
northern tribes of the Missouri. When game became scarcer,
on account of an increasing population, in the hunting-
grounds of his tribe, he formed an acquaintance with the
two white men, Harper and Brown, and wandered to the
south. It is not long since the Fourche-la-Eave hunting-
ground enjoyed the reputation of being the richest in
game of any portion of the United States. Yet he had not
quitted his tribe solely on this account; he had been forced
to flee from the vengeance of his enemies, having slain a
chief, who, intoxicated by the fire-water of the Europeans,
had attacked his squaw. Her cries for aid brought a saviour
ASSOWAUM AND AEAPAHA.
39
and an avenger. With her he had now raised a small
wigwam, not far from Harpers dwelling. He lived by the
eliase, and his wife plaited, from the thin reeds that grow
in the plains of the south, pretty baskets, and made small
mats from the elastic bark of the papao-tree. These Asso-
waum carried with his skins down the river to Little-rock,
where he exchanged them with the traders of the rising
town for powder and lead, or other necessaries of his hunting
life ; sometimes obtaining cash for them. His wife had been
converted to Christianity by the Methodist preacher, or, as
he was called, circuit-rider, for he preached in all the settle-
ments of this county, as well as in those of the neighbouring
one. But upon Assowaum himself all attempts were fruit-
less; and ftowson vainly endeavoured to convert this har-
dened sinner, as he called him, from the belief of his fathers
to the " only true" faith of the Methodists. The Indian per-
sisted in wishing to die in the former, and was not to be
shaken in his determination by the threats and exhortations
of the fanatical preacher.
Alapaha, Assowaum's squaw, had early in the morning
bent her steps to the white men's settlement, to hear the
minister preach; and Assowaum now followed in that direc-
tion, partly with a view of seeing her home, and partly for
the purpose of fetching a number of otter skins, which he
had obtained by the chase a few weeks before in that part of
the country, and deposited at Roberts's house. The majority
of the settlers entertained friendly feelings towards the two
Indians, for they led a steady, sober kind of life, and were
willing to render any one a service whenever the opportunity
for so doing presented itself. In spite of this the man was
more serious and reserved than his wife, who played with
the children, and never seemed to tire of their frolicksome
gambols.
" Did you ever see such a figure as my uncle cut just
now ?" said the young man, laughing, when he had overtaken
the Indian.
" He looked like a marsh-tortoise," said the Indian, " only
much dirtier. The old man will tell a pretty story, when he
gets into the huts of his friends."
" Let him alone for that," replied Brown. " It is strange
enough, though, how he managed to keep hold of the animal
40
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
so long. I could not have believed it myself, had I not seen
it with my own eyes."
" Kahween shaughweewee-see'"'—his bones are of iron,"
answered Assowaum; "but the stag, too, is strong; and if
Assowaum had arrived a moment later, he would have found
nothing in the pool but the little man."
"Possibly," rejoined Brown; "but he will never admit
that, and he is sure to maintain that he could have held the
stag all night."
" The old man uses stout wrords," said the Indian.
" Do you know old Bahrens, who built a small house, a
short time since, at the Petite-Jeanne ?" asked Brown.
The savage smiled, and winked at his companion.
" Did you ever speak to him V asked Brown.
" He was telling of his sport at the Bay-de-View and at
the Cash Biver. He said that he shot nineteen stags in one
day, and the smallest skin weighed eleven pounds, when dry,
without the pelt."t
" Oh, he is famous at such tales; I should like to see
uncle and Bahrens together for once," said Brown.
" So should I," returned Assowaum, who seemed to enjoy
the idea immensely.
The two men pursued their way along the broad road for
several miles, without exchanging another word or meeting
anybody. All at once the monotonous and shrill sounds of
a Methodist hymn were heard in the distance. The Indian
listened for some seconds with marked attention, then, re-
suming his former easy gait, he said : " The pale man (that
was the name by which he called Bow son, on account of his
cadaverous countenance) has a loud voice. He is like a
young wolf—let the old ones howl ever so loud, you still
hear liis voice above them."
" You do not like the preacher, Assowaum."
"No; Alapaha loved the Great Spirit; she prayed to
Manitou, who had protected her fathers. She was an obe-
dient squaw; she never crossed Assowauin's path when he
went hunting; and when, in the first dark night after seed-
* He is not weak.
t This is the thin, fleshy part of the skin, which the Americans generally
take off with the skin, and leave on it, in order that the whole may
weigh more, as it is paid for by the pound.
MARION ROBERTS.
41
time, she drew her matchecota round the mondamie-field,
vermin and wild beasts kept away, and the field was blessed.""'
Alapaha now laughs at the Great Spirit to whom Assowaum
prays, and the animals shun his path when he goes into the
wood."
The Indian did not seem disposed for further conversa-
tion, but quietly and rapidly continued his journey, until
tliey reached the outer fence of Boberts's farm. From this a
broad path, going between two fields of maize, led to the prin-
cipal building, from which the singing they had heard before
now resounded clearly and distinctly. William Brown had
no sooner reached the farm, than he threw the reins over a
stake in the fence, and walked into the room in which the
people had assembled. The hymn was just ended, and all
the congregation were kneeling, with their backs to the
preacher, leaning upon their chairs; while Bowson, whom
we met under such very different circumstances in the wood,
was standing up in the midst of them, delivering, with his
eyes closed and in a sharp, shrill voice, a long prayer, in
which he dwelt upon the appalling sinfulness of those pre-
sent, and implored, not the punishment which they so richly
deserved, but mercy.
Brown belonged to another sect, who would not consent
to kneel, even to God; so with folded hands, listening with
pious attention, he stood on'the threshold, but would not
approach nearer, and in vain did Bowson make signs to him
to take a place at his side. He did not seem to pay any
heed to them, but kept his eyes fixed upon the ground.
At length the preacher concluded his prayer, and the con-
gregation rose to depart. The service was now over, and
Brown greeted several of the young girls present, with whom
he was acquainted, and who had assembled from different
parts of the neighbourhood.
" You come very late, Mr. Brown," said Marion Boberts,
the lovely young daughter of old Mr. Boberts, and for the
last six months the affianced bride of the pious preacher,
Bowson.
* Matchecota, a kind of upper garment. Dragging it along the field is
a custom prevalent among the northern tribes, who fancy that it will bring
fertility and drive away wild beasts. Mondamie is a kind of maize.
42
THE FEA.THEHED ABEOW.
"Did you miss me? if you did, I should iiMeed be
sorry that I lost a great part of the service," ahswered
Brown.
" That is not proper, Mr. Brown," replied the young
lady; " I have too good an opinion of you to believe that
you attend this sacred service from other motives."
" I am not a Methodist," Brown rejoined.
" Does that matter ? Are we not all Christians ?" said
Miss Roberts.
" Your future husband holds different opinions on that
point," answered Brown, laying a particular stress upon
future husband, and looking inquiringly into the eyes of
the pretty girl, who avoided his glance, and replied :—
" He may be occasionally too strict in his views. I am, for
my part, more tolerant in this respect, and so is father. It is
true that mother is stricter; in fact, she and Mr. Rowson
agree very well in general."
'• Upon this occasion it was not my fault that I arrived
too late," said Brown ; " I started early enough, but my
uncle met with an accident, which delayed him, and he was
compelled to return home."
:c I hope he was not taken ill ?" said Marion, quickly, and
with some anxiety.
" I thank you very much for the interest you take in
him," answered Brown ; " the old gentleman will be proud
to hear of it; he thinks very highly of you."
Marion blushed at the recollection of the eager manner in
which she had put the question, and said, anxious to change
the tone of the conversation, " Why did he not accompan v
you?"
" He met with an adventure," answered Brown, smiling,
" of which I am forbidden to speak, as he intends relating it
himself. You know his passion for story-telling."
" I enjoy it by anticipation," exclaimed Marion, clapping
her hands ; that will be splendid."
" May I ask what will be splendid ?" inquired Rowson,
advancing, and greeting the young farmer in a friendly
manner.
" It is a laughable adventure which has befallen my uncle,
or rather an act of heroism which he performed, and "
AN INVITATION DECLINED.
43
"Were you yourself a witness of it1?" asked Marion,
smiling j u you know your good uncle "
" But, Marion," observed Bowson, in a serious tone, " is
it right, so soon after service, to be occupied with worldly
and profane subjects 1 Your mother would be very much
hurt were she to know it."
" Mr. Bowson," said Brown, annoyed at hearing a repri-
mand which brought the blood into the young girl's cheeks,
" you are Miss Boberts's intended husband, and the preacher
of the county, and thus doubly entitled to exercise some
control over the young lady; but I should think that an
innocent joke and a merry word could not be displeasing to
God. There is a season for everything. Let us be serious
while prayers are going on, and merry in society."
Bowson would certainly have said something in return,
had not old Boberts at that moment joined the group.
Shaking young Brown by the hand very heartily, he ex-
claimed, " That's right, my boy, so you have come to see us
at last. The "
The old man would very probably have finished his speech
in a manner not by any means appropriate for the day, had
he not caught, at the right moment, the preacher's eye,
which was fixed seriously and sternly upon him. Changing
his tone, he continued, " For four weeks—but let me see ;
how long have you been in Arkansas ?"
" Seven weeks," answered Brown.
" Well, then, for the last four we have only seen you
twice, whereas, during the first three, you came here nearly
every day. By my , it is not after all so very amusing in
this solitary place that one can readily dispense with a good
companion. There is Harper, he comes oftener; what has
become of him to-day ?"
■ " He will be here directly," said Brown.
" Brown," said Bowson, interrupting the conversation,
" in case I should forget it, I invite you and your uncle to
my wedding, which is to take place this day four weeks.
You must come, as we cannot do without you, and as "
" I must decline the honour," said Brown, sharply,
turning away ; " in four weeks I shall probably not be in
Arkansas."
44
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Not in Arkansas! I thought your uncle had bought
land intending to settle here."
" Such is my uncle's intention," answered Brown ; C£ but I
mean to join the volunteers who are going to Texas. I
heard a few days ago in Little-rock that country wishes to
free itself from the rule of Mexico, and for that purpose
desires the aid of the Americans."
" Stuff!" exclaimed Roberts, grasping the young man's
hand. " Let them fight their own battles in Texas, and do
you remain with us. We are in want of brave men at
Fourche-la-Fave, as a defence against the rogues that abound
just now. At the wedding, all the young girls far and near
will be assembled, and the , that is to say, it would be
a very strange thing if you could not find one amongst them
all to suit you. Don't be frightened," he continued, laugh-
ing, as he observed that Brown was shaking his head; " they
are rather scattered, and a man like you, who visits no one,
has, of course, no chance of seeing them. But, bless my
soul, here comes Harper ! Thunder and hem ! How
flushed he is !"
It was, indeed, the worthy man himself, approaching in
a great hurry, half afraid that his nephew had told his
adventure.
" So you managed to hold your tongue, boy," he cried, as
he joined the group.
" I have not uttered a syllable," answered the young man.
" That is well," exclaimed Harper. " I had such a chase
this morning, children."
" A chase, Mr. Harper !" said Mrs. Roberts, in a reproach-
ful tone. For the lady of the house had just before come
forward, and greeted the new arrivals in a friendly manner.
" A chase, and on a Sunday ?"
" Without a rifle, Mrs. Roberts, without a rifle; there
was no harm in it. I must tell you the story from the
beginning; one does not meet with such an adventure every
day. William, remain where you are; you are my witness.
Where is Assowaum?"
" He went into the field to the fire, probably to roast a
piece of meat."
" He must come here, too, by-and-by. If I have na
witnesses, nobody will believe my story—people ought to see
THE INDIAN MEAL.
everything themselves—you should have heard my brother
tell a story."
" Or old Bahrens," said Boberts, laughing.
" Bother that old Bahrens !" returned Harper ; " I an®
always hearing about that fellow; I must go and see him*
some day : he really must be quite a curiosity."
" We shall go his way on Tuesday, in search of some pigs'-
that have got loose," said Boberts; " you may join us if yore
like. Harper, and we will spend the night with Bahrens."
" Agreed," Harper exclaimed ; " but now for my story.""
Just as the little man was, with great self-satisfaction^
relating to an attentive audience his strange adventurer,
Bowson, who did not think it became him to join in the
general merriment, service having only been recently con-
eluded, went by the back-door into the field, or rather the
land which had been cleared; for as yet no corn had beers
sown, and all the felled trees had not been removed.
For the purpose of getting rid of the largest of these as
quickly as possible, some of them being six feet in diameter,
Boberts had ordered them to be burnt. Assowaum had tinned
the fire to account, and taken his station near some glowing
embers, for the purpose of cooking the venison he had?
received from Harper. Alapaha having joined him, pre-
pared, according to the Indian fashion, his meal. Beclining
leisurely upon his blanket, inhaling and then puffing out
the tobacco-smoke from a short wooden pipe of his own-
construction, the powerful child of the forest reposed near
a large trunk of the oak, a symbol of his own race. Not
long before, it had towered over the country as if it were
a king, and now it lay upon the ground, so that the white?
intruder could not tell which was the best method for get-
ting rid of it. As the fire consumed the trunk of the tree,
so did the fire-water the stock of the Indians. At first
slowly, and then with increasing power, it annihilated the
beautiful, proud, and noble tree, leaving nothing but dust
and ashes. The bones of the Indian warrior enrich the
soil which the white man turns with his plough; and the
rude stones on which they sat round their council-fires
became the tombstones of their sunken and past glory.
Such were the ideas and comparisons that might have
flashed across brave Assowaum's mind - for he, unlike-
D
46
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
thousands of his race, had not been corrupted by the vices
of the white men. He was gazing abstractedly at the dying
embers, when his wife suddenly quitted her cooking and
went towards the house. She had perceived the figure of
the preacher approaching,, and hastened to meet him.
Howson held out his hand to her, and breathed a long and
pathetic prayer over her, during which the venison steaks
kept hissing upon the embers and got sadly burnt.
Alapaha was one of those rare Indian beauties, in whom
the distinctive marks of her race, not generally pleasing to
the eye of the white man, were positively becoming. The pro-
minence of her cheek-bones was lost in the fulness of her
countenance, which beamed with health; her lips pouted volup-
tuously, and her black eyes were lighted up by a strange fire.
Her ivory teeth excelled in pearly whiteness those of a negro
woman, and her tall and well-shaped form was not-altogether
concealed by the close folds of a leathern tunic. Her finely-
shaped feet were stuck in mocassins, her hair was fastened
upon the crown of her head by a scarlet handkerchief, and
glass coral beads ornamented her ears and her neck.
" Alapaha," cried Assowaum, in a serious though not angry
tone of voice, " does the Great Spirit of the Christians
teach you to neglect the duties which you owe to your
husband and chief?"
Alapaha returned with rapid steps to her cooking, and
Howson approached the red warrior, who merely saluted
him with a nod, and retained his comfortable and reclining
posture.
" Do not be angry with your wife, brother Assowaum,"
said he to the Indian, kindly; " do not be angry with her
for listening to the words of the Lord. She is concerned
about the eternal welfare of her soul, and you should be the
last person to interfere in such a matter."
" Assowaum is not angry, and he does not seek to interfere
with the performance of her religious duties," answered the
Indian; " but he is hungry, and the meat burns, and Ala-
paha is the red man's wife."
"I have long wished to have another opportunity," said
Howson, with a friendly glance, " of pointing out to you the
blessings of our religion, but you always avoid me. May I
improve the present opportunity V'
TILE DISCrSSIOK.
47
The Indian made no reply, but took the meat which Ala-
paha handed to him in a rudely-shaped wooden platter, and
commenced his meah The preacher reminded him of all
those passages of Holy Writ which bear upon the sinfulness
of men and the mercy of God. He laid particular stress upon
the many miracles which Christ performed during his sojourn
upon earth, until at last, for the salvation of man, He had
died upon the cross. Rowson probably thought that, by
dwelling upon these passages, he should best be able to make
an impression upon the sensuous nature of the primiti ve child
of the forest. The Indian quietly continued his meal, and,
when he had finished, did not interrupt the speaker by a
single syllable, nor even a glance. He listened attentively to
every word, and Rowson, encouraged thereby, continued the
more earnestly to enforce his views by illustrations, which he
imagined—and he was not altogether wrong in his conclu-
sions—would have the greatest effect upon his auditor.
" Has the pale man finished T Assowaum asked, when
Rowson paused.
" I have," replied the preacher. " What does my brother
say in return ?"
Assowaum threw off the blanket with which he had partly
covered himself, stood erect, and approaching the speaker,
said—" In the beginning, the Great Spirit, whom you call
God, created the world. He then made men—the Indians ;
they did not come f/om beyond the sea. He covered tho
earth with a canopy, putting all mankind beneath it. All
tribes were assembled there. One of these sent a young man
to see how things went on above. He found everything
very bright, and was pleased with its beauty. A stag ran
past writh an arrow sticking in its side. He followed it to
the spot where it had fallen down and expired. There he
beheld the tracks of many other animals, and soon met the
man who had wounded the stag. It was the Creator him-
self; and He showed the man how to skin the stag, and how
to cut the meat into pieces. The Great Spirit then told him
to make a fire; but the Indian did not know how to do that,
and the Great Spirit did it- himself. Then he told the man
to hang a piece of the meat upon a stick and cook it. Again
the Indian was at a loss, and let one side of the meat burn,
while the other remained quite raw."
48
THE EEATHEEED AEBOW.
Rowson made a gesture as if he wished to speak, but the
stern glance of the Indian silenced him.
" After He had thus taught the red man to kill the deer,
and to make use of its flesh and its skin, the Great Spirit
called the others out of their hiding-place, and tribe after
tribe appeared, and each elected a chief. God also made a
good and an evil spirit: they were brothers. The former
went out to do good, the latter to destroy his brother's works.
He laid the land waste, caused poisonous weeds to grow, and
did all kinds of mischief. The good wished to exterminate
the bad, but not by force. He therefore proposed that they
should run a race, and that the loser should yield. The bad
consented, and "
" Stop !" cried the Methodist, impetuously, as he rose from
the stump on which he had been seated ; " it is not fit that I
should listen to such tales, especially on the Sabbath. Poor mis-
guided heathen, it is your pernicious superstition which keeps
you a prisoner in a cobweb of lies. Effect your escape "
While the Methodist was pouring forth these sentences, the
Indian remained silent, not offering the slightest interruption:
but he fixed such a Avild look upon the preacher, that the
latter grew terrified, paused in his speech, and glanced
timidly at the house, which was not far distant. AssoAvaum,
however, restrained the fury Avhich was raging in his bosom,
and, merely regarding the preacher Avitli a stern glance, said,
in a firm though subdued tone of voice—
" I listened to you AAdiile you spoke to me of the chief who
changed sticks into serpents, and brought Avater from the
rock—of the fish Avhich kept the man for days in his belly,
and then cast him out again upon the land—of the prophet
who rode in a chariot of fire into heaven—and of the other
who was sacrificed and died, and returned to the earth airve.
Assowaum belieAred everything; and now, when I tell you
how the Great Spirit in this part of the Avorld created his
children, you call me a liar. Begone !" he continued, stretch-
ing out his arm towards the preacher, who seemed someAvhat
confounded ; " the eye of the pale man looks only on the side
where his oavu AvigAvam stands—everything else is black in
his sight."
Without Avaitiug for an answer, Assowaum Avent toAvards
the house, leaving his squaw to bring his things after him.
THE OLD HOBSE-DEALEB.
49
In tlie meantime Harper had finished the narrative of his
adventure, amid the laughter and sympathetic exclamations
of his audience, who, as noon approached, dispersed to their
different homes to dinner. Harper and Brown had been
invited by old Mrs. Roberts, as their visits were so few and
far between, to partake of the simple repast.
"While preparations were being made, Roberts asked young
Brown to go with him to the yard, where he kept his best
horses. In them all his pride and ambition were centred.
He would not admit that any one in the county had better
animals ; and anybody who attempted to make an exchange
with old Roberts was sure to be the loser, for he was a first-
/ate judge of the noble animal.
Before the reader makes a closer acquaintance with the old
man, it may not perhaps be amiss for him to learn a kind of
an infirmity of speech into which he had recently fallen. He
never could keep to the subject with which he commenced.
Those who knew him well were, of course, familiar with this
peculiarity of his, and always interrupting him at the right
moment, brought him back to his first subject. If allowed
to go on without check, he lost himself altogether, until he
came to a dead stop, losing all recollection of what lie had at
first intended to say.
On reaching the yard, Roberts directed the young man's
attention to the particular merits of the different animals—
extolled one as a wonderful bargain, and another because it
had cost him a great deal of money—told of the races
another had won, and the number of minutes in which
another had performed a certain distance. The old man was
quite in his element, especially when Brown gave him to
understand that he was in want of a horse, and wished to
buy a strong and powerful animal, fit to carry him in the
Texas war of independence.
" I can let you have one, Brown, that will just suit you,"
exclaimed the old man, with great glee, forgetting for the
moment that he should lose the young man as a neighbour.
" That chestnut horse there is a capital animal, and not to
be easily killed. It is just as fresh at night as in the morning,
and is only four years old.—But, what do you mean1? Do
you intend going to Texas ? The deuce is in it if we can
allow that. I like to sell a horse when I have a chance,
50
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
but tlie " He looked round to see if his wife hap-
pened to be near to overhear his oaths, and continued :—
" No, Brown, that won't do. Texas is a country in which
no man can prosper. It is only fit for Indians; and what a
set tliey are! I remember well enough when the Creek
nation passed through here ; maize was then two dollars a
bushel, and one could not procure enough of it for them.
Now maize is cheaper; and whoever brings any to Little-
rock "
" The quiet life here does not agree with me, and I must
see the world a little," said Brown, interrupting the old
man. " Afterwards I shall return, I think."
"From Texas, eh? Nobody returns from that part—at
least, no honest fellow. All the rogues and scoundrels go
there now, and the saying, ' Go to the devil!' is quite out of
fashion. People have become more malicious, and think
'Go to Texas!' will do as well. Besides, the land is not
better than ours. I have land in yonder cane-bottom which
I would not sell for ten dollars the acre. It is good feeding
for pigs. You must come next winter and see mine. I
have bought a new breed from Atkins. Atkins let me have
two, and I would have taken more, but his brother, a lawyer,
in Poinsett county I never could understand how he
finds business in Poinsett county "
" Your house will be quiet enough soon," said Brown,
who had been for some moments lost in thought. " STour
son has left for Tennessee, and when Marion marries "
" True enough, I shall find a change. Well, it is not my
fault. I have argued against the marriage long enough. I
do not know how it is, but I cannot bear these parsons.
One of them, about two yearn ago, came "
" He seems to be a decent, quiet kind of a man," said Brown.
"Quiet; oh yes, very quiet!" Boberts rejoined; " but,
between ourselves, I do not think much of him, as a man.
A short time ago, Ileathcott spoke of him in a way for
which, had I been in Bowson's place, I should have run a
knife into him ; but the parson said nothing. Heathcott, it
is true, is a wild fellow. His father was one of those old
Yirginians, who, at the time of "
" Hid you not say the marriage will take place four weeks
Pence?" asked Brown.
A. COSTFIDEKTIAL C02TVEIlSATI03f.
01
" Yes, in four weeks," answered Roberts. " I told him.
that he should not have iny daughter until he had purchased
the land on which he dwells, and had made arrangements to
keep a wife properly. Our wants here are not numerous,
yet a little capital is required. Cash is scarce ; and as for the
banks "
" I wonder how Rowson supports himself, for his preaching
does not bring in anything," said Brown.
" Certainly not," replied Roberts; " but he has a small
capital in Tennessee, eight or nine hundred dollars at least,
so he told me. He expects part of it in three weeks, and
then he shall have my consent. The girl's mother is quite
enchanted with the connexion. I can have no particular
objection, though I do not like the look of the man. It is
strange what an impression outward appearance often makes.
In Tennessee, where I used to live, and where my father had
eighty acres of land, near the Wolf river By the bye,
there is splendid land there, and in Memphis, hardly half a mile
distant, a first-rate market for all produce. Let me see—how
long did I live in Memphis ? Ah, I remember, it was when
the first steam-boat went by. What was its name 1 Wait a
little—I shall soon remember. Oh yes, she was called the
JSTew Orleans. That must have been in 1811. Good heavens I
how fast time passes 1—18111 Then the war came, and we had
to march down to Louisiana, but arrived too late—Old
Hickory had thrashed the Britishers. A capital idea that
was about the cotton-bails! I afterwards talked to one of
those Kentucky boys, who had taken one hundred and fifty
shots; and he gave me his word, that out of all of them not
one had missed the man he aimed at. They are first-rate
shots, the Kentuckians, and I remember, in 1815, during the
frost, which cut off all our fruit—there has never been such
a frost since But, Brown, what are you thinking about ?
You look very serious. Is anything the matter? What
have I been talking about ?"
" The matter with me ?—nothing," Brown replied. " I
have a slight headache. I really believe that I laughed too
much at uncle's adventure this morning. I remember we
were speaking about a horse."
" There will be time enough to talk of that by and by/'
answered Roberts. " But, hallo ! who comes here ? One,
£2 TIIE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
two, three; four, five, six men, all on horseback, and armed
with rifles and bowie-knives, which will be a recommenda-
■tion to my wife. Heathcott, and Mullins, and Smith, and
Heinze ! Lord bless us, these are the Regulators ! There
•must be something in the wind in this neighbourhood, and
we shall soon hear all about it."
The old man stepped quickly through the gate, while
Brown followed slowly, anxious to greet the horsemen, who
were now advancing along the road between the fields at a
short trot.
CHAPTER IV.
THE REGULATORS—A QUARREL AND A FIGHT.
Lynch-LAW—that is, the taking of the law into one's own
hands, or the punishment of criminals by private individuals
—had again become very common in Arkansas, and the laws
-to prevent it had been rendered more stringent: even heavy
penalties had been attached to the formation of illegal juries;
but this was of little use in a State with but scanty means
of intercommunication, and in which the arm of justice could
not reach further than the nearest settlements. Arkansas
had at that time become the resort of bands of robbers, who
had formerly carried on their depredations in Missouri, Illi-
nois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi; and well might
-the settlers deem themselves authorized to wage war against
Ihe enemy who threatened to destroy the peace of their
dwellings. But, like everything else, this had its bright and
dark side. If, on the one hand, many a criminal had been
brought suddenly and unexpectedly before his judges, and
condemned to a just punishment without troubling a justice
of the peace or a sheriff, so it sometimes happened that per-
sonal hatred and desire of vengeance swayed the minds of
-the multitude against innocent people, making them feel the
power which was for the moment wielded by their enemies.
Thus, in White County, the Regulators one day tore an
lionest and industrious farmer from the bosom of his family,
LYNC1I-LAW.
53
bound him to a tree in the presence of his wife, who was
luckily prevented from witnessing the most horrible part of
the tragedy by a swoon, and, amid the wailings and tears of
his children, whipped the unfortunate man in a terrible
manner, in order to extort from him the avowal of a crime
of which he was guiltless. It is true that he afterwards
established his innocence and shot the leader of that band;
but the fright had such an effect upon his wife, that she fell
into a violent fever, and died a few months afterwards. It
had also been rumoured that Heathcott formed one of the
band of Regulators, and had been, in consequence, com-
pelled to leave White County : he was certainly a wild and
rough fellow, with whom nobody wished to have anything to
do—a real Kentuckian, full of bravado and love of conten-
tion, though in other respects honest and brave. The rest
of the band were chiefly composed of farmers from the neigh-
bourhood, all of them being dressed in their hunting-shirts,
and armed with rifles, bowie-knives, pistols, and tomahawks.
Heathcott, in particular, bristled like a porcupine with
weapons, fully bearing out the remark made by Roberts to
Brown, that he looked like a privateer which carried its arms
upon deck, eager to grapple with an assailant.
" Hallo, gentlemen!" exclaimed the old man, addressing
the Regulators, " where do you come from, and where are
you bound ? Are the Indians abroad, that you come so fully
equipped with knives and guns ?"
" Indians—no," answered Heathcott; " but something
much worse—the horse-stealers. Up there on the Arkansas,
four animals have been taken from Judge Rowlove's, and
the tracks run to the south-east; but the rain the night
before has washed them out, and we could not tell whether
they went towards the Hot Springs, or more to the east. In
vain we yesterday searched the wood in every direction; all
that could be done was to send Hostler down the river, and
Bowitt to Hot-Spring County. We are just going to Wilkins'
to consult upon the measures necessaiy to be taken for the
future. Will any of you accompany us T
" I had rather not," returned Roberts. " You young fel-
lows can settle the matter amongst yourselves; my old
bones are no longer accustomed to scour the woods."
" But you have a great number of horses, and who can tell
54
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
how soon these rascals may pay you a visit!" said Heathcott.
" When that happens, you will apply to us for assistance."
"I can wait until it does happen," returned Roberts.
*•' I do not think that my place is comfortably situated for
them, or they would have paid me a visit before. It is really
wonderful that they have spared me so long!"
"It almost looks suspicious," said Heathcott, with a grin.
" ISTo, no," cried the old man, laughing good-humouredly;
I do not see that. Come in, gentlemen, and take some
refreshment. Good-morning, Heinze," he continued ; " good-
morning, Mullins.—Hallo, Pelter! that is a fresh horse you
arc riding. I never saw him before. It is a beautiful
animal."
"I think we will accept your invitation," Heathcott
replied, dismounting, while the others followed his example.
" Wilkins never has anything in the house, so it will be best
to take the first chance that offers. Make no fuss; the horses
can rest awhile here."
While this was passing, Brown had been engaged ex-
changing civilities with some of the Regulators, with whom
he had formed an acquaintance during his short sojourn in
the country. He walked with them towards the house,
where a young negro girl was busily engaged baking maize-
bread and roasting pork for the unexpected visitors.
" Ah !" said Heathcott, as he approached, " are you not
inclined, Mr. Brown, to aid the good cause by arm and eye ?
There cannot be too many of us, since, with the law against
us, we have thus to prove to the State how seriously we view
the matter."
" I must beg to be excused," Brown replied. " In the
first place, I am only a bird of passage, not even yet familiar
with the woods and the general character of the country;
and I must also sincerely confess that I do not exactly
approve of the proceedings of the Regulators, which too often
become irregular."
" Sir," broke in the Kentuckian, angrily, " you will per-
liaps allow that we are the best judges of what we want."
" Certainly, certainly," answered Brown, in a conciliatory
manner; I do not pretend to speak with authority on the
subject, but I am master of my own actions."
"You gentlemen who are always flitting from one State
A QUARREL PREVENTED.
55
to another, are never to be relied upon," said Heathcott,
casting an ominous glance at the young man : " one moment
you are in Missouri, the next in Texas, and you have ac-
quaintances and friends everywhere. You do not join us,
perhaps, on account of your friends."
" Mr. Heathcott," answered Brown, seriously, though with
great politeness, " I do not wish to understand your allu-
sion. It cannot apply to me. As for my conduct, and my
journeys from one State to another, I have no one but myself
to account to for them."
The other farmers now joined in the conversation, and
would not suifer Heathcott to say anything calculated to
wound the feelings of the young man, as they all liked
him, and rather feared than esteemed the leader of the
Regulators.
" Come in, gentlemen, come in I" cried Roberts, standing
at the porch j " you must take things as you find them. I
have had something prepared, that you might not be com-
pelled to wait till dinner-time. Sit down and help your-
selves."
The men did not require a second invitation, but, having
first greeted the females of the establishment, took their places
without further ceremony, and without even laying aside
the weapons which they carried. They were about to discuss
the well-supplied meal, when Rowson, who had been standing
at the fire, near Mrs. Roberts, stepped to the table, joined
his hands, and commenced a prayer.
The greater number of the farmers being themselves
Methodists, and the remainder respecting the custom of the
house, put down the knives and forks, which they had already
taken in hand, and behaved with becoming decency. Heath-
cott alone cast angry glances at the preacher, who, not
seeming to observe them, quietly continued the performance
of what he considered a duty.
Had it not been for the presence of the ladies, the anger
of that rather uncivilized fellow would have burst forth on
the occasion; but he restrained himself, or, at any rate,
reserved his wrath for a more convenient opportunity, merely
commencing his meal before the preacher had finished asking
a blessing. We need scarcely say that his conduct pained
Mi's. Robex'ts very much, and she sat down in her rocking
50
THE FEATHEBED ABBOW.
chair highly indignant, muttering some words about 11 wild
and sinful men," which only reached the preacher's ears,
who had resumed his place at her side, and immediately
nodded approval.
" You do not happen to have such a thing as a drain of
whisky in the house V said Heathcott, after a short pause,
wiping bis mouth with the sleeve of his leathern hunting-
shirt. u Over at Bowitt's we had such cursed hot stuff, that
it almost burned my inside out."
" I keep no whisky," answered the lady, incensed both at
the demand, and the terms in which it was couched. " Mrs.
Bowitt would do much better if she did not keep such stuff
in her house."
" That is just what I told her," answered Heathcott,
laughing, either not imderstanding the old lady's meaning,
or intentionally perverting it. " It is a regular shame. At
the storekeeper's, on the Petite-Jeanne, she might get the
best stuff in the world for a dollar the gallon—genuine
Monongaliela."
" I think Mr. Heathcott might perceive," said Bowson,
mildly, " that a conversation about whisky is not particularly
agreeable to Mrs. Huberts."
" Mr. Bowson had better attend to his own business,"
answered Heathcott, sharply.
" I have ordered some corn for the horses, gentlemen,"
exclaimed Boberts, returning from the stables with Harper
and Brown.
" Thank you—thank you," cried Smith and Heinze,
delighted at having an excuse for getting up, and putting an
end to a conversation that could only lead to disagreeable
consequences.
Smith loitered behind for a minute, while the others went
out, and said, in a conciliatory tone, to Mrs. Boberts—
" You must not take offence, ma'am, at what he says.
We had a sharp ride this morning, and Heathcott may have
taken a little more than was necessary when he got to
Bowitt's."
The old lady made no reply, but rocked herself more
violently, while Bowson thanked the man for his friendly
remark, and assured him that he bore Heathcott no grudge.
THE HORSE ROBBERIES.
57
«He is a rash young man," he continued, " and does not
mean so badly as one might infer from his words."
" I shall be much obliged to him not to honour my house
again with his presence," Mrs. Roberts exclaimed at last.
" I bring up my child piously, and do not wish her either to
see a bad example in my own house, or "
" Dear mamma !" said Marion.
" That pious people," the old lady continued, paying no
heed to her daughter's ejaculatory interruption, " who preach
the pure gospel, should be insulted under my roof. You
may tell Mr. Heathcott so."
Mrs. Roberts once more rocked herself energetically, as
if anxious to see how far she could go without losing her
balance.
Smith, a quiet and peace-loving man, a Methodist himself,
approved of what Mrs. Roberts had said too well to offer
any remarks. He joined his companions outside, where
some were sitting on chairs, others on stumps of trees and
on water-troughs, talking of what concerned them most, the
rapidly-increasing horse robberies.
£; The rogues must have a receiver here in the county,
otherwise I do not see how they could always manage to
elude us," said Mullins.
" Yes; and it is a puzzle where they take the animals,"
cried Roberts. " A horse is not a bird, that can fly away
without leaving a track."
(l Only have patience," returned Heathcott—" a little
patience; these matters will all come out in the end, and we
shall catch the fellows when they least expect it; and then
I'll be hanged if I spare one of their lives. It is a shame
that capital punishment for horse-stealing was abolished last
year in Arkansas. It was as good as telling people to help
themselves. We wont allow it any longer."
" I do not know ; it is a hard thing to take a human life
for a horse," suggested Brown.
" Hard—the deuce !" cried Heathcott, making a deep gash
in the bark of a tree with his knife. " Whoever steals my
horse, steals a part of myself. I have just sold three, and
have the money about me. It is, in a certain sense, all my
fmtune, with which I mean to settle. If the horses had
-58
THE PEATHEREE AREOW.
been stolen, all my future prospects would have been
-destroyed, and that would be worse than death itself. No
mercy—death to the scoundrels ! Let them see that we are
in earnest, and those that we do not hang will soon get out
of Arkansas."
"You seem to put small value upon a human life,"
observed Brown.
" I do," answered Heathcott, working away with his
knife.
" Then you cannot set a very high price upon your own,"
said Harper, laughing; " otherwise you would not throw it
into the scale against that of any rogue."
" High enough to give a taste of nine inches of cold steel
to anybody who might be dangerous to me," said Heathcott,
looking round the circle savagely. " This is a free country,
and every one has his opinion; and I will be hanged if I
don't hold mine, that is certain.—Hallo ! there's Mr. Bowson
again," he added, with a sneer, as he caught sight of the
figure of the preacher, with his hat on, and prayer-book
under the arm, emerging from the door; " and he is one of
those sneaking fellows, too, who hang out the sheep's skin,
and only occasionally give us a glimpse of the fox beneath."
Bowson turned to the negro lad, who was then just coming
in, and requested him to bring his horse. Heathcott, incensed
by the preacher's silence—for the latter acted as if he had
not heard his remarks—jumped up and asked angrily—
" Well, Mr. Sanctimonious, I should think I was worth
an answer, though I am but a sinner."
Before Bowson could utter a word in reply, Brown jumped
up, grasped Heathcott by the collar, and pushed him vio-
lently into his seat, so that he fell back and cut himself.
The rest rose suddenly, and the Kentuckian, seizing his
knife, which had dropped from its place during his fall,
sprang over the trunk of the tree,, and was about to grapple
with his opponent, when the latter, without moving an inch,
drew a pistol.
Heathcott, who had not for a moment suspected that
Brown was armed, stopped short, and was just going to take
up his rifle, when the others seized him by the arm, declaring,
■with one voice, that they would not tolerate murder.
" Get away," cried Heathcott—"get away ! let me get at
BEOWN DEFIES THE KENTTJCKIAH.
5a
the scoundrel. This cries for blood; I must and will have
his heart's blood—ay, the very eyes out of his head !"
" Let him go," Brown exclaimed, putting up his pistol, and
drawing" a knife similar to the one Heathcott held,—"let
him go, and we shall soon see which is the best man !"
" For God's sake, Mr. Harper, do not allow such a hor-
rible thing !" Marion exclaimed, rushing, pale as death, from
the house, and taking hold of the old man with trembling
hands. " That wicked Heathcott will kill him."
" Calm yourself, dear child," said Harper, soothingly,
" and by all means return into the house j this is now no
place for a young girl. If the bullet once rushes out of the
gun, no one can tell where it will go."
" He will kill him !" cried the young woman.
" Whom ? your intended 1 Oh no, the quarrel is with
my nephew."
Marion covered her face with her handkerchief, and
allowed Bowson, who had come to her aid, to lead her back
sobbing into the house.
" Stand aside!" shouted Heathcott, greatly agitated.
" Give me my rifle ; I must shoot that dog !"
" Let him go," cried Brown, his warlike spirit kindling
within him,—" let him go ; he has enough knives about him
for his defence. Stand back, men of Arkansas; do you
mean to prevent a fair fight ?"
" Well," said Mullins, you may fight it out, but he shall
not have the rifle. We wont allow murder. As for a fight,
that is another thing."
The next moment Heathcott was released, and the men
formed a circle round the two disputants. The Kentuckian,
before so savage, seemed to quail under the calm and fear-
less gaze of his opponent; and though he grasped his knife
firmly, and cast angry glances at Brown, yet he remained as
if suddenly glued to the spot on which he stood, and did
not offer to attack. A painful pause ensued; the men,
almost breathless, stared at the disputants, while Marion,
standing at the doorway, pale as death, gazed with fixed
eyes at the circle they had formed, awaiting the upshot.
Her emotion was indescribable, and she trembled violently,
although her hands were folded over her breast.
Heathcott was in a painful situation. Evidently afraid
GO
THE EEAT1IEEED AEEOW.
of his opponent's steel, and still more so of the sneers
with which he knew that his comrades would greet his
refusal of the challenge, he was undetermined how to act.
At this moment friends interfered, and stepping between
them, separated the combatants.
" Come, Heathcott," said Heinze, " you are' both in the
wrong, and it is a sin and a shame that two honest fellows
should be allowed to hack each other while there are rogues
enough abroad upon whom they might more reasonably vent
their anger. Come, it is time to go, and it is very wrong
to spoil the Sabbath of these people who have received us
so kindly."
" That is the only thing that has kept me from chastising
the greenhorn," said Heathcott. " But, never mind, I shall
be even with you; and Heaven shield you if you come
within reach of my gun !"
" Heathcott, Heathcott!" Mullins cried, in warning
tones ; " that is a bad and dangerous speech—a very dan-
gerous speech."
" Let him talk," said Brown, scornfully putting up hi3
knife j " let him boast; it is the only enjoyment he still has
in life."
" Come, Bill," said Harper, leading him into the house
against his will,—"come, Bill, let these men be off. You
have now satisfied your honour, and I am glad that my
sister's son knows how to behave so manfully; but you
have done enough. Think of the women,—Marion has
swooned."
" Marion in a swoon !" cried Brown, quickly, hastening
towards the house. " But, I recollect," he continued, more
cautiously and stopping suddenly, " her intended is with
her ; I did not think of that. She will soon recover."
The Begulators had in the meantime quitted the place,
and Bowson also got ready to depart. Harper accepted
Boberts's invitation to remain and assist in the proposed
search for the pigs, as well as to visit old Bahrens, of whom
he had heard so much.
Bowson uttered a long prayer before mounting his horse,
partly to ask forgiveness for the desecration of the Sabbath,
partly to return thanks that no blood had been spilt. Be-
fore getting into the saddle, he approached young Brown,
marion in teaks.
61
and said, " You took my part to-day, and I tliank you;
altliough that bad man may be plotting revenge, do not fear
anything; Heaven will protect you—rely upon its aid."
" I thank you," replied Brown, cordially ; " but I rely as
much on the fellow's cowardice and my own strength. He
will keep out of my way, I do not doubt, and I am not of a
quarrelsome disposition, so it is not likely that we shall
meet again."
CHAPTER V.
MARION AND BROWN.
Rowson rode off in order to preach at another settlement,
and Marion reclined pale and exhausted in an arm-chair.
A tear occasionally stole down her cheek, and fell upon her
delicate hands, which rested closed upon her lap. A deep
sorrow was depicted upon the calm features and in the
compressed lips of the beautiful girl.
Harper, Roberts, and Brown sat in the chimney-place,
where the negro girl was engaged lighting a fire, and Mrs.
Roberts stood at her daughter's elbow, smoothing her dark
brown hair.
" Come, child, weep no more," she said, in a soothing
manner; " all has ended happily. Mr. Rowson cannot fall
in the way of these men again, as he has gone in another
direction. Take a turn in the open air, you will feel better;
perhaps Mr. Brown will attend you in a short walk. You
are very feverish. How flushed you are at this moment!
Come, come, a great girl like you ought to be ashamed of
these tears."
On hearing the last sentence, Marion hid her face in her
mother's breast and sobbed aloud.
" Mr. Brown, will you take the silly child into the open
air a little ? I really wish Mr. Rowson could have remained
with us to-day; but, of course, the service of man must give
place to that of God," said Mrs. Roberts.
On peroeiving that his assistance was required, Brown
rose from his seat, approached the young lady rather bash-
fuily, and offered his arm.
JB
€2
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
" That is right, my child," said her mother, " that is
right; hold up your head, you will he better when you get
into the open air; and I should advise you, Mr. Brown,
to walk quickly, that she may have good exercise. God
forgive these wicked people for raising such disturbances in
our quiet abode."
Harper had in the meantime grown very meditative, and
gazed abstractedly at the fire j while Boberts, who, having
commenced a conversation bearing upon the recent dispute,
had, in his usual manner, got back to the revolutionary war,
was just going to relate an anecdote of Washington, when
the two young people quitted the house, and walked silently
and quietly along the broad track which skirted the river
towards the other settlements.
The sun was verging towards the west, and the shadows
of the gigantic trees fell across the road; tribes of merry
parrots flew from tree to tree, making a great noise; grey
squirrels sprang boldly from branch to branch, or nibbled
some stored-up nuts, the husks of which dropped with
a rustling noise through the leaves; and quietly and cau-
tiously raising its beautiful head, a deer now and then
crossed the road with its youngj, or remained standing for a.
minute looking right and left, then slowly disappearing in
the thicket, as if conscious that those who approached were
not enemies. Unbroken repose lay upon the landscape,
and the lofty crowns of pines and oaks waved majestically
in the south-east breeze.
" We are under great obligations to you, Mr. Brown,"
said Marion, breaking the silence, which was growing pain-
ful; " you nobly and bravely took Mr. Bowson's part, thus
exposing yourself to great danger."
" Hot so great as you seem to think, Miss," answered
Brown, with hesitation; " the fellow is a coward, and was
only trying to draw Mr. Bowson into a quarrel, because he
because being a preacher he could not retaliate."
" You meant to say something else," Marion remarked;
"speak out. You do not consider Mr. Bowson a brave
man V'
" He is a preacher, Miss Boberts," returned Brown ; "and
would get a very bad name in the neighbourhood if he
were to engage in quarrels."
TESTIVEB M01IEXTS.
G3
" Not to engage in, but Never mind, you took his
part," answered Marion. " I am very glad that you are
such good friends. Where did you get acquainted1?"
" Acquainted ! friends I" returned Brown ; " I hardly
know anything of him. This is the first time we ever
spoke."
" And you risked your life for him," Marion exclaimed,
stopping short, and looking up at the young man's large blue
eyes.
" I heard that he was engaged to you," answered Brown;
" I saw you turn pale, and I am of a somewhat violent
temper; anger got the better of me, and I may probably
have been a little rasher than usual, but Dear me, Miss
Boberts, you are ill again. Will you rest a moment on this
stump
Marion allowed Brown to lead her to the trunk of one of
the trees which had been cut down for the purpose of
clearing a road, and had been rolled to the side, there to be
destroyed by the slow hut sure tooth of time.
Another long pause ensued, which was broken by Maiion's
asking, "You wish to leave us, Mr. Brown1? Father was
saying that you intended to join in the war for the indepen-.
dence of Texas."
" Yes, Miss Boberts, it will be better for me to occupy my
mind thus. There are many things I should like to forget,
and war affords the best means of so doing. I shall perhaps
deal in horses in partnership with your father."
" You do not seem to be happy," the young girl remarked,
timidly, looking earnestly at her companion. "You lived,
in Kentucky a long while."
" I left Kentucky with a light heart," returned Brown.
" And have you suffered so much in Arkansas ?" replied
Marion. " I am sorry to hear that. I always liked the
place exceedingly."
" You will continue so to do. In a few weeks you will
be united to the man of your choice ; and if with a loving
heart the desei't is said to become a paradise, how much
more may such be the case with the beautiful forests and the
lovely elimate of Arkansas. There are happy people in the
world, and "
"And whom do you reckon among them?" asked Marious
E 2
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Ilowson !" said the young man, startled at the boldness
of his speech.
" The mosquitoes are very annoying about here," ex-
■claimed Marion, rising quickly. " Let us go further on, Mr.
Brown. We shall soon be obliged to return, for the sun is
setting."
Again the couple walked for some minutes in silence.
" You live with your uncle, now, do you not, Mr. Brown?"
Marion asked at length. "At least, mother told me so."
" Yes, Miss. We lead a bachelor kind of life; a rude mode
uof existence."
" Your uncle is a very nice man, always merry, always
ready for fun, and there is something so honest and open in
his look, that I liked him from the first moment I set eyes
upon him. I never saw him in such a serious mood as this
•evening. You look very gloomy, to-night, too j it is all owing
±o those wicked people."
"Mr. Ilowson intends settling in these parts. I heard
him tell Mr. Roberts that he expected to receive a part of
his fortune."
" Yes," whispered Marion. " Father wished it should
he so. Indeed, father was altogether against this con-
nexion."
" It is not right of your father to put himself in the way
•of his child's happiness."
" But he pretended that I should not be happy," answered
Marion.
" Is not love the greatest happiness V
" People say so."
" People say so ? Do you not love the man who is to be
your husband ?"
" Mother's heart is bent upon this connexion. She has
been attracted by the virtuous mode of life of the pious
man, and docs not think she could do better for me than to
persuade me to marry him. I had, indeed, met many in the
neighbourhood, but none made any impression upon my
heart. The wild and rude hunters the raftsmen, the otter-
hunters, and even the uneducated farmers who have settled
near us, were not likely to win my affections. Mr. Itowson
was the first who, by his gentle bearing and kind behaviour,
gained my esteem. He often visited this part of the country,
THE COURSE OF WOOIJto.
preached here frequently, and my mother learned to esteem,
him. Indeed, she pei-suaded him to settle amongst us, and to
choose a wife. He demanded my hand, and mother accepted
the offer. I had never before thought of a matrimonial
connexion with him; I always regarded him more as the?
parental friend than the lover, and the proposal took me by
surprise. Besides, I may perhaps confess to you there was.
that in his eye which produced a kind of dread in my
mind, more especially when I looked at him suddenly and
unexpectedly; but again, when regarding him more closelyf
I noticed something in his expression mild and soft, which
allured me. Yielding to mother's repeated solicitations, I at
last gave my consent, but father refused his ; he did not like-
the quiet, taciturn man, and several very serious scenes-
occurred between him and mother with reference to this-
matter. Candidly speaking, it was of little consequence to
me which of the two gained the day ; for though I thought-
that I might be happy with Mr. Bowson, it did not strike
me that I must necessarily be unhappy in losing him. When
father, at last, agreed to give way, and only insisted that-
Mr. Bowson should have enough property to maintain a-
wife without preaching, I promised to accept Mr. Bowson,,
and he is, as he told us to-day, in hopes of receiving shortly
a sufficient sum, not only to buy the land on which he dwells,,
but also to stock it, and to procure the necessary agricultural
implements. There will then be nothing to prevent the-
fulfilment of his wish, and I shall become his wife."
Marion uttered the concluding words in such a low and
trembling voice, that Brown involuntarily halted and looked
at her. She had turned her head aside, and the large bonnet
which she wore completely concealed her face.
" You will be happy," he whispered, with a deep sigh.
" We must return, Mr. Brown," said Marion, after a shorv
pause. " Look, the tops of the trees are already gilded by
the rays of the setting sun, and in these woods darkness
follows at once. Mother would be anxious."
The young couple directed their steps towards the house.
After walking a few minutes, Marion said, with a smile, " I
have now told you my whole histoiy, in a few sentences, and
thus shown the confidence I place in you; but confidence, as-
Mr. Bowson says, demands confidence, and it would be only
66
THE EEATnEEEE AEEOW.
just that I should ask the same of you, that is, if you have
no secrets which you would not consider safe in the keeping
of such a chatterbox as myself."
"My life has passed away quietly enough," answered
Brown; " in fact, almost too much so. Born in Virginia,
my father, while I was still a child, removed to Kentucky,
and was one of those who, with Daniel Boon, made the
first settlement. I was hardly big enough to carry a rifle
when I was compelled to fight against the Indians, for they
harassed us night and day. For a long time we defied their
cunning and their force, yet once, in an unlucky night, they
intercepted my father, surprised and killed him. At day-
"break their battle-cry aroused us, and we heard the crackling
of the flames which were consuming our block-house. All
my people fell under the tomahawks of those red savages,
and only by the merest chance did I escape their attention,
and thereby the scalping-knife. I fled, and reached the
nearest settlement. From this time we succeeded in driving
the savages from their retreats, and compelled them to leave
us in peace. In those days much innocent blood was spilt,
and I do not yet know whether the white men were justified
in taking such harsh and cruel measures against the Indians.
It is true that they revenged themselves in a most horrible
manner. Afterwards I joined my uncle in Missouri, where
we lived for several years. Hearing of the rich soil and
healthy climate of Fourche-la-Fave, we resolved to come
hither. Uncle was always urging me to marry, for the
bachelor-life we led had become a burden to both of us, but
I could not find a person corresponding to the idea I had
formed of the one who was to be my future wife. I could
not make up my mind to marry, excepting for love. I was
adding home late one evening through a part of the country
which I had not previously visited; clouds obscured the sky;
I lost myself, and alighted at a cottage from which I did,
indeed, again find my way, but in which I left my peace and
quiet for ever. I saw in that cottage a girl;—I saw—but
why describe an angel I could not possess ? That lady, Miss
Boberts, was engaged. I remained a few days longer in
Missouri, and then went to Texas, and thence to Arkansas.
Thus my somewhat troubled mode of life may be explained,
and you must kindly excuse my numerous defects. It is hard
A STJDDEK INTRUSION.
67
to think one should find happiness, and then see it vanish,
while the dream was still so beautiful."
Marion's head was bent down, and hot tears escaped from
under the long and silken eyelashes, but Brown did not see
them, for close at their side, in the thick brushwood of sas-
safras, a rustling noise attracted his attention ; a stealthy
step was heard upon the dry moss, and at the very moment
that the young man, apprehensive of danger, stood still and
laid his hand upon his weapon, the thick branches opened,
and a large panther sprang into the path, and glared fero-
ciously upon the young couple who had dared to disturb its
repose.
With a stifled cry, Marion, frightened to death, threw her-
self into Brown's arms. He supported her with his left hand,
and with his right drew the pistol that he had before aimed
at the Kentuckian. The panther wagged his long tail, in a
half-angry and half-playful manner, as if undecided whether
to attack or flee from the place.
Brown aimed at the animal's head, bent down as if about
to spring. Being an experienced hunter, the sudden appear-
ance of the panther by no means frightened him; he fired,
but the trembling of the beautiful girl he held in his arms
caused him to miss the panther's head, and the bullet passing
through its right shoulder, entered its flanks. The panther
sprang up in terrible agony, and afterwards, as if the unex-
pected blow had completely cowed it, gave a shrill yelling
growl, which was answered at no great distance, and disap-
peared with a bound into the thicket. The track of blood
which it left behind, showed that the shot had not been with-
out effect.
" The danger is over, Miss Marion, the animal has fled,"
said Brown, in a low tone of voice, trying to raise the trem-
bling maiden who reposed upon his breast. " My shot has
driven it away. Marion ! what is the matter with you %
Marion, collect yourself for Heaven's sake—Marion!"
The long-repressed feelings of the warm-blooded daughter
of Arkansas now found vent, and sobbing, she leaned upon
the shoulder of the beloved, and whispered, as if in deep
sorrow, "Oh, I am very, very unhappy!"
"Marion, you will kill yourself and me!" the young man
exclaimed. " Oh, that the happiest hour of my life should
G8
TIIE EEATHEKEI) AEBOW.
be one that shows me all my misery at a glance. Yes,
Marion, I do love you—love you with all the ardour of a
heart that knows no other happiness on earth than that of
possessing you; which in you beholds the star that could
have illumined my future, and who now, despairing, looks for
the last clear ray, as it disappears from his horizon, never to
rise on him again. It is time to separate," he continued, with
emotion; " I must not remain here ; my presence could only
create embarrassment, and render both you and me miserable.
Early to-morrow I shall quit Arkansas, and I will try, in the
wild confusion of battle, to render the remembrance less
painful; as for forgetting you, Marion, that I shall never be
able to do."
The young girl rested on his bosom, sobbing, and for some
time the lovers remained in a close embrace. Brown at last
led her back to the stump upon which they had been before
seated. Marion, in bitter agony, kept her face hidden in her
hands.
" Do you love the man to whom you are engaged V' Brown
inquired, gently, taking Marion's hand, and drawing her
nearer to him. " Did you ever love him 1"
" Never—never !" exclaimed Marion, passionately, putting
her hand upon her heart. "I had no will in the matter,
and knew no one whom I might have preferred to him;
while my mother advocated his suit with real admiration,-
and everybody else spoke well of him. I imagined that it
was love I felt. Then you arrived. I admired your
frank and open conduct; I learned to know your honest and
true heart, and became wretched. The future appeared
gloomy, a life of endless misery with that man whom I
could no longer love, had he even acted with less cowardice;
dark mists shrouded my former happiness and contentment,
and all pleasure in life departed; but so it must be," she
continued, rising. " Even this meeting is improper. I am
betrothed to another. Let this be our last interview; it is
better that it should be so. Spare me, I am but a weak
woman, and I shall die of grief.'
"You are right, Marion; we must separate. I owe it to
your heart and your honour. only desire to see you safely
home, and I shall not again cross your path. You must
allow me to take one memorial of this lour with me into
THE LOVE-TOKEN.
69
my dim and joyless future. Spare me a lock of your hair,
that my eye may have something to dwell upon," when the
heart prays for you and your welfare."
Marion bent her dear head towards him, and he easily
cut off with his sharp liunting-knife a small lock. " I thanlc
you," he then whispered, " and may the Lord bless you on
your long and thorny path. May Hows on make you as
happy as you deserve; and may you in your prayers some-
times think of the poor young man who will perhaps, ere
long, have spilt his blood in the sacred cause of liberty.
Farewell; may God bless you !"
In violent grief he embraced the beloved one, and their
lips met, for the first time, in a long parting kiss. Marion
withdrew from his arm, and hastened towards the dwelling,
near which they had already arrived. Harper and Roberts
met them immediately after. They had heard the shot, and
being afraid that some accident had happened, went out in
search of the young couple. Roberts took his daughter's
arm, while Harper and Brown followed at a little distance.
" Uncle," said Brown, after they had walked on in silence
for some time ; " uncle, I shall set off to-morrow morning."
'•'Nonsense," exclaimed Harper, stopping, looking at his
nephew with alarm. "Nonsense," he repeated, but in a
doubtful tone of voice. " Where do you wish to go to V
" To Texas," answered Brown.
" Will you leave your old uncle alone here 1 Is that right V*'
" I must go," Brown replied.
" You must 1 Wherefore ?"
Brown was silent, and turned away his head, grasping the
old man's hand.
" So I am indeed to remain behind alone, sad and solitary
in my hut. That is hard, Bill; it is not proper treatment.
I shall disinherit you, Bill," continued Harper, after a short
pause, making a painful effort to smile. " I shall really dis-
inherit you."
Brown grasped his uncle's hand, and looked up into his
face, his own eyes being dimmed with tears. The old man
was poor; everything they possessed in common, in land,
stock, and money, being in reality the nephew's property.
" Do not be afraid, uncle ; your old age will be protected.
You knoAv that a week ago I had a letter from my lawyer
70
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
in Cincinnati. I have won ray lawsuit, and payment cannot
be much longer deferred. This very evening I shall write
to Wolsey, and tell him to send everything to you. You
nan look after it till I come back, and if I do not return
Well, we will speak of that presently. To-morrow morning
I shall go to the Petite-Jeanne, and thence to Morrison's
Bluff, on the Arkansas, where I have business to transact.
In a week, I shall be back at your house on my way to
Texas ; in the meantime, you can settle with Roberts about
that chestnut horse."
" Hallo, there," cried Roberts, who had reached the
house with his daughter. " Hallo, there ; you walk as if
you had a weight at your heels. Come, Brown, supper is
ready."
"Do you really mean to go ?" asked Harper.
" I shall start directly. I have a letter to write, and
some bullets to cast, as well as some bread to bake, that I
may take provisions with me."
" Are you certain of returning here in a week ?"
" You may take my word for it. Must I not fetch the
horse 1 Until then, good-bye, uncle ; in a week I am sure
to return. Do not tell Roberts that you expect me back;
I may not have time to call upon him, and he might take it
amiss if I did not."
" Ah ! what is Brown doing in the stable, Harper ?" asked
Roberts, when the latter entered without his friend; " supper
is getting cold. My wife has already complained."
" He is off," said Harper, gloomily. " Heaven knows
what has come into his head."
" Off! and this evening ?" exclaimed Mr. and Mrs. Ro-
berts in a breath; " and why V
" He has business to-morrow at the Petite-Jeanne, and
he is afraid of being late if he remained here to-night."
" It is strange that all this should have come into his head
so suddenly," said Mrs. Roberts; "this afternoon he was
quite agreeable to spend the day with us."
" He told me of his determination in our walk," Marion
remarked, taking off her bonnet, "and said that he was
k>rry he could not remain with us. He must have very
pressing business."
DEPARTURE OP THE GUESTS.
71
" On second thoughts, I fancy I had better accompany
him. I am cook at home, and I must get some provisions.
He may be away some days."
" But, Mr. Harper," said Mrs. Roberts, somewhat annoyed,
" I cannot make you out, either of you. At any rate, take
some refreshment."
" I had rather not, Mrs. Roberts; to-morrow morning, if
you have no objection, I invite myself to breakfast. I
will make one of your hunting-party, Roberts. Tim, bring
my horse, and quickly," he continued, addressing a little
negro boy. " I shall be here to-morrow morning at six. Am
I to bring the Indian with me V
" He may be of great use in looking for the pigs," Roberts
observed.
" Only a cup of coffee before you go, Mr. Harper," said
Mrs. Roberts. "You will not get anything warm at
home."
" There can be no doubt on that point, Mrs. Roberts,"
answered the old man, advancing towards the table, and
emptying the cup of coffee which had been offered to him.
" It is, unfortunately, true. A bachelor's is a miserable kind
of life. I think I shall get married."
" Ah, ah! that's a good idea," said Roberts. " Ride
about the neighbourhood, and pick out a lady. I am sure, if
you go in your new coat, which the tailor at Little-rock
made you (by-the-bye, you never told me what it cost—the
Little-rock tailors know how to charge) a short time ago,
when I was there "
" Good night, Mr. Roberts—good night, Mrs. Roberts—-
good night, Miss Roberts," were heard in the tones of
Brown's voice outside the house, where he stood with his
horse.
"Do come in a minute, and take a cup of coffee. Your
uncle "
" I had rather be excused, madam. Good night to all,
once more."
"Stop; I am going with you," said Harper.
" You, uncle!"
"Yes; and the horse is ready. Until to-morrow morn-
ing. Hark ye, Roberts; do not take that small-bored rifle
72
THE PEATHEEED AHItOW.
with you; you had better cast bullets to-night for the other.
It is miserable sport with such small shot. Good night to
all," he continued, mounting, and settling himself in the
saddle. " Good night."
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts stood at the door; and Brown
again bade them good night, waving his hat as he caught a
glimpse of the figure of his beloved. He knew that her
was resting upon him. He struck his spurs smartly into
the flanks of his faithful animal, which, with a sudden
spring, jumped up, and in a few bounds disappeared
from the light that streamed from the open door of the
cottage.
" Stop !" cried Harper. " Are you mad 1 Do you mean
to break your neck and legs? You must go steadily, if I
am to keep up with you. What a hare-brained fellow he
is !"
For some time after the horsemen had disappeared, the
group could hear the old man talking and grumbling, urging
his horse onward, in order to overtake his nephew.
" Wonderful!" cried Mrs. Roberts, sitting down with her
husband and daughter to supper. " Why, the behaviour of
those two is very strange. They might have spent the
Sabbath in a better way than riding home, and "
" Nonsense, old woman; that young fellow Brown is
annoyed about Heathcott, and I think it natural enough,
since the fellow boldly threatened to shoot him whenever he
could, and he is bad enough to keep his word."
" Do you really think so, father ?" Marion inquired, turn-
ing pale.
" The lad is a match for him," said the old man, without
noticing the change in his daughter's countenance. " He is
a good brave fellow, and has his heart in the right place.
Since he first came with his uncle, about six weeks ago,—I
remember I had just finished fencing-in the new piece of
ground—capital ground it is, and will yield a splendid crop,
especially if the weather continues favourable—well, the sun
set beautifully to-day, and perhaps "
" Will you take another cup of coffee, Roberts ?" asked his
wife.
" No, I thank you."
"Well, then we will have evening prayers," answered
uncle and nephew.
73
ihe matron, taking clown from tlie shelf a carefully-preserved
testament and prayer-book.
Oh ! with what fervour the poor unfortunate girl prayed
on this occasion! Iiow earnestly she implored happiness and
peace on the head of the beloved ! When at last she sought
her couch, she bedewed her pillow with tears, and, like a
child, fell asleep, tired with weeping, with folded hands, and
the name of the dear one upon her lips.
CHAPTER VI.
THE BEAU HUNT—A STRANGE DISCOVERY—THE INDIAN'S ACUTENESS.
Tiie next morning dawned bright and clear. The first rays
of the sun stole over the tops of the mountains. The whip-
poor-will uttered its usual sad and discordant cries, the owls
screamed from the thick wood in the low grounds, and at
intervals the angry cries of the wild turkeys were heard
from the bushes. At length the smaller singing birds awoke,
and deep in the forest, in a solitary farm-yard, a cock crowed
its shrill morning notes in the fresh air. The dew had
fallen heavily ; every blade had a row of clear crystals, and
large drops fell from the higher branches, making a dull,
heavy sound on the leaves scattered below. Flowers and
buds exhaled the most fragrant odours.
Two horsemen rode slowly along the county road. These
were Harper and Brown. Both were dressed like western
hunters, in leathern hunting-shirts, gaiters, and mocassins,
with rifles on their shoulders, and their broad knives open
at their sides. Brown had told his uncle everything. He
could not be reserved on such a matter with his kind friend.
Without exchanging a word, each being occupied with his
own serious thoughts, they had arrived near the salt-pool,
where Harper, the day before, met with the adventure with
the stag. From this spot a narrow path led across the ridge
towards the Cypress river, and thence to the Petite-Jeanne.
Brown halted here to take leave of his uncle.
"Good-bye, boy," the latter at last exclaimed, after they
had i3 *ken hands cordially. " Do your business, and return
74
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
with a mind at ease. You will learn to forget the girl. I
"believe it will be difficult; but, dear me, one forgets so many
things. I could tell you a very sad story on that point, but
we are both of us in low spirits enough without another
sorrowful tale. While you are absent I will get everything
you can want. I will buy the chestnut horse. I will myself
fetch the blankets from Little-rock, or send a trustworthy
person for them. You shall have the pouch ; and, by your
return, Alapaha will have tanned the hide for your new
hunting-shii't. She only wanted some stag's brains to finish it,
and I hope that we shall get at least four stags to-day. Well,
God bless you, my hoy! Come back quickly, and take care
of yourself. If you fall in the way of the Regulators (the
fellows went that road), do not commence a fresh quarrel.
It will lead to nothing, and can bring you no honour."
" Be not afraid, uncle; the fellow will keep out of my
way. Should he run against me, I shall know how to act.
Good-bye! If the money arrives from Cincinnati during
my absence, you will know what to do with it. I shall he
hack in a week. Remember me to Marion, for the last
time; then I shall try to forget her. Good-bye, uncle ; when
we meet again, I hope that we shall bothjiave regained our
former spirits."
The men separated, and Harper remained in the road until
his nephew's tall figure, seated on the little shaggy pony,
had disappeared behind the sharp ridge; then he went on
his way, shaking his head, and whistling in a shrill manner
an old air, without paying much heed either to tune or time.
The muscles of his face alone moved, and it was evident
that the poor old man was trying to master the grief which
he felt at the prospect of losing his nephew. He soon
reached Roberts's house, which he found in a great bustle.
Two neighbours bad arrived for the hunt, and Harper was
received with a loud shout. The men shouted, the dogs
howled, the ducks and geese gabbled, and the old cock flew
frightened on the roof, and looking about, stared in amaze-
ment at the noisy set below. Breakfast was ready, consisting
of hot coffee with fresh cream and brown sugar, fried bacon,
and bear steaks; some venison, pickles, honey, and butter.
The guests needed no second invitation, and the empty
dishes soon showed how excellent their appetites were.
OTP TO THE HTTXT.
75"
Every one then put on liis shot-belt, took his rifle, and
mounted his horse. The animals were found at the door,
in charge of a negro. Harper alone, before following the
others, stepped up to Marion, who was sitting at the fire,
and pressed her hand in silence. The young girl looked at
him timidly, but his glance reassured her; she saw in him
an image of the beloved, and with a sigh hid her face in
her hands. The next minute the hunters were ready, and
with a small-horn, Roberts called the dogs together. They
jumped upon the horses, howling and moaning, and away
the party went with a merry shout into the deep, green,
boundless forest.
Harper's sadness disappeared as soon as his horse trotted
under the dark shadow of the trees. He was now only a.
hunter—and in Arkansas a hunter has no time for care and
sorrow. They went right across the mountain-ridge which
divides the waters of the Fourche-la-Fave from those of the
Cypress river, rode up the latter stream to its source, and
then followed the mountain-ridge along the Petite-Jeanne,
until they descended, and reached the low-land, in the broad
and fertile valley of this river.
" I wonder where the Indian can be, Plarper," said
Roberts, at last. " Did you not say that he was to meet us
at the Petite-Jeanne ? Heaven knows where the fellow has
got to ! I should think our trail is broad enough; he can
easily follow it. "What is the matter with Etty, eh, Curtis ?
Look how she wags her tail. If Poppy were only here—
those wretches are on some wrong scent."
Saying these words, Roberts jumped from his horse, and
went to the spot where Etty, a young bitch, was engaged
inspecting a fresh trail. A bear had passed that way in
the morning towards the river, about two miles distant, and
•might have rested on this spot for a short time, as the dog
was not to be coaxed away.
" Hang it!" exclaimed Curtis, who had also dismounted,
" that must be a powerful animal, and does not appear so
very light either. Only look how he has pressed his paws-
into the ground. Oh ! our poor pigs ; they will have paid
dearly for this. And yet—no, this one is not a bear track after
all. A man has been here—perhaps an Indian; and another
here. It could not be Assowaum; but where the deuce
7G
THE TE-CTTTFrUEE A-KTIOW.
are tlie dogs? The bear can hardly have got across the
river. Sound your horn, Roberts."
Roberts sounded a few notes upon the instrument, and in
a moment the panting of the dogs was heard, and im-
mediately Poppy sprang into the clearing in which the men
were collected. The others soon followed, for Poppy was
the leader of the pack, and they yelped about the place
where they had caught scent of their prey. A young beagle,
getting a better scent than the rest, began to howl, and,
with the swiftness of an arrow, ran upon the wrong trail
into the forest, towards the hills. Poppy, for the first time
for many long years, was deceived, and pursued the younger
dog in great haste, as if unwilling to be second. The others
could be no longer restrained, and giving tongue, they
quickly disappeared in the broad thicket which skirted the
hills.
Roberts in vain called after them, and sounded his horn
till his veins almost burst and his face grew purple ; his
associates seconded his efforts, but the pack were beyond
control.
" Curse the dogs !" exclaimed old Roberts in a rage,
throwing his cap upon the ground. " They are running
away on the wrong scent. Such a thing never happened
before, and we shall be the laugliing-stock of the neighbour-
hood."
" What can have possessed the animals V said Curtis.
" It was that livei'-coloured dog led them astray," said
another hunter, a storekeeper from the Eastern States, who
had recently arrived on a visit to Curtis, and wished for once
to join a regular Arkansas hunt. "The liver-coloured
animal first set off towards the hills."
" Curse the liver-coloured animal!" cried Roberts, angrily.
" That is Curtis's dog; the cur has no more idea of a bear
track than a sheep has of the Cherokee language. If that
dog was mine, Curtis, I would be hanged if I did not
shoot it."
" Well, I only wish Mrs. Roberts and Mr. Rowson could
hear you at prayers," said Harper, laughing.
" Let Mr, Rowson mind his own business," returned
Roberts. " I should not pick my words even if he were
present."
TIIE ISDlAtf KE-APPEAES.
"Wliat would you say if Mrs. Roberts were here1?"
"She does not visit the swamps of the Petite-Jeanne, "
answered Roberts. " But we are standing here like a bear
in an orchard, not knowing which way to go. It is not-
likely that the hounds will return for three or four hours,-
Then they will be as tired as well, as dogs."
" Poppy, at any rate, was stupid enough to follow my
dog," said Curtis, somewhat sharply.
" Yes, when an animal like that takes the lead, and makes-
a noise as if it had found heaven knows what. Let Poppy
look to that—she will catch it."
" Whist, whist!" cried Harper, stretching out his left arm,.,
and laying down his rifle. He put his hand to his ear—
"Whist! I hear something that does not sound like the-
barking of dogs. I hear it again. It is Assowaum; and
now I would bet anything he has called the dogs off. Sound
your horn, Roberts. He does not know exactly where
we are."
Roberts again blew his horn, and was answered by a shout'
which seemed to proceed from the neighbouring hills.
" Hurrah! That was Assowaum's voice; and if he has-
fallen in with the dogs, he is sure to bring them back with
him. Poppy knows him well enough."
Harper's conjecture proved to be correct. In less than a-
quarter of an hour the Indian made his appearance, bringing;
the pack with him. The dogs seemed to leave the trail
unwillingly, and Assowaum was leading Poppy.
"Where did you find the dogs, Red-skin T asked Roberts,
with great glee.
"A large bear crossed the hills," answered the Indian.
" Deep tracks, and not hungry. He has turned over iw
stones looking for worms. His track leads directly to-
the river. The thicket affords a quiet retreat in that
direction, and there are not many mosquitoes. Assowauns
knows the spot."
" How did you fall in with the dogs V
"When Assowaum finds the trail of a bear, he knows-
which way the animal has passed. I met Poppy, and as he
jumped upon me, I laid hold of him. When the bees swannr
they always follow their queen. So it is with dogs, and
when their leader quits the track, the others abandon it-
F
78
TIIE EEATHEEED AEXOW.
also. Assowaum lias Lad many a piece of venison in lii3
Lut. They know him; waugk i"
With these words he stretched ont his hand and pointed
at the pack around him, all of which, with the exception of a
few young animals, had returned.
" That Assowaum is a capital fellow !" said Harper, rub-
king his hands gleefully—" a capital fellow !"
"Let us set the animals on the right trail, and like
lightning ''
" They will return to the hills," said Assowaum. " I
shall lead Poppy. The others will follow, and if we once
put them upon the right scent they will not lose it again."
The Indian's advice was adopted, and Poppy seemed to
understand that he had made a very stupid mistake. He
let his tail hang down, and looked mournfully at his guide.
Assowaum would not trust him alone until he had followed
him for about two hundred paces, and he perceived that
the dog was not to be much longer kept back. He then let
him loose, and animated by his wild hunting shout, which
re-echoed through the forest, the large and beautiful animal,
whining and yelping, followed the trail, and, pursued by the
whole pack, soon disappeared in the thicket.
"How to your horses," cried old Roberts, who seemed,
twenty years younger than before. " Huzza, Poppy—Auhu-
peeh !" He threw out the last syllable with such force,
that even the horses, as if delighting in the pleasures of the
chase, bounded off. Through thicket and swamp, over fallen
trees and pools, in places where the forest was matted by
prickly creepers, as far as the reed thicket, which, three
hundred paces wide, bordered the river, went the chase.
AH, with the exception of the storekeeper, sat firmly in
their saddles. Immediately after entering the thicket of
briers he lost his balance, and his piercing cries for help
caused the hunters to return to render aid. Harper reined
in his horse for a moment—only for a moment ; in the
next the faithful animal again felt his spur. Ho Arkansas
hunter on a hot bear scent would return to a fallen comrade.
When they reached the reed thicket, they all had to dis-
mount; and leaving their horses to shift for themselves, the
men forced their way through the labyrinth—in some places
so thick as to require the aid of a knife. The hunters had
BRUIN AT BAT.
7a
indeed reason to advance as quickly as possible, for from the
middle of the thicket a great clamour resounded.
The dogs whined and barked—the dry reeds crackled—
the leaves rustled—and the men shouted, in order to animate
the dogs. One might have fancied that a hurricane was
passing over the wood, or that the wild huntsman with his
ghostly company had made his first appearance in the
pximitive forests of America.
The bear was at bay. The hounds had surprised him in
his lair, into which he had just before retreated; and he
must have been taken completely by surprise, for the first
two dogs, Poppy and Etty, were almost upon him before he
could prepare himself for the encounter. Etty was only
good for speed and on a trail, but worth little in a real fight.
Poppy, though a heavier dog, had no greater pleasure than
that of seizing a bear by the haunches, for he very prudently
kept out of the reach of his fore-paws. As Bruin was about
to retreat, with his nose close to the ground, in order to
force his way under the creepers, Poppy took such hold of
his haunches, and held so fast, that the animal turned round
with a snarl to strike the hound with his paws. Poppy, not
inclined to wait, as soon as he saw that the bear was at bay,
had attained his aim, and with the swiftness of lightning
darted aside, thereby escaping the dangerous blow, but
repeated the attack as soon as the bear again sought to make
its escape. Of course the two dogs could not have detained
the bear any time in this manner ; but the rest of the pack
came up, and Bruin had to think seriously of making his
escape, if he wished to get off with a whole skin.
The bear dashed towards the river, now close at hand,
through the densest part of the thicket. The hounds again
and again pressed forward to the attack, though only a few
of them dared to approach the enemy. He was at last
obliged to turn into an open space, and to dash into a shallow
slough, the steep banks of which had the effect of retarding
the dogs, as in case of an attack they could not escape his
blows. For a time he distanced his pursuers; but the
hunters got the opportunity of cutting off his retreat, as the
noise of the pack showed in what direction the bear had
started. As the bear made another attempt to turn to the
left and approach the river, Roberts rushed out of the.
so
THE PEATITEBED AEEOW.
thicket, close upon its heels, aimed and fired. At this
moment the report of another gun was heard, and Curtis's
bullet whistled towards the beast. Though both shots took
effect, yet they did not inflict a serious wound, for Bruin
jumped up with a faint growl, that almost sounded like a
sigh, and at one bound gained the crest of the slough, struck
down the dog next him with a blow of his paw, and fled
towards the river,
Roberts lost no time. With a spring that would have
done credit to a panther, he cleared the slough, and got near
the animal with open knife, just as it reached the bank of
the river. A third rifle cracked, and Roberts just then
came up with the exhausted animal, plunging his steel into
its flanks. In the heat of pursuit he had not observed the
locality, and the bear with a last effort, and in agony, not
even opposing the two dogs, Poppy and Watch (the latter
was Harper's animal), who rushed upon him, ran down the
steep bank into the river-, and bear, Roberts, Poppy, and
Watch disappeared together into the muddy stream of the
Petite-Jeanne.
"Waughl" cried Assowaum, as, holding on to a small
branch by his left hand, he looked over the bank. " Good
luck ; the white man holds tight."
Before any of the hunters could reach the place of action
they returned to the surface ; and Roberts, not in the least
degree disconcerted by his sudden immersion, dragged the
dead bear towards the land, with the two dogs, which had
not relinquished their hold even-under the water. Then he
looked at the steep down which he had been so suddenly
precipitated. He met Harper s eye, who was looking on with
astonishment, and exclaimed—
" Hallo, Roberts ! What the deuce are you doing there ?
How are we to get the animal up T
" If I could only get up again myself, I should not
much care," answered Roberts. "We went down easily
enough; but there may be some difficulty in returning."
" Wait a bit," said Assowaum. " I will aid you."
" Wait!" cried Roberts, with a comical expression. " I
should like to know what else I can do. When one gets
into such a scrape as this, nothing but patience will da"
" Is the bear fat T Harper inquired.
HUNTER ASTD PREY RESCUED.
81
" Pretty much so," said Roberts, feeling the animal's
flanks, as it lay near him in the stream. " Will you not
come, and convince yourself?"
" Thank you, I will take your word for it," said Harper,
laughing. " I am in no particular hurry."
Assowaum constructed a kind of ladder from the branches
of hickory he cut down at his side, and then climbed up a
small oak-tree, and cut off a thin branch of the wild vine.
Having let these down to Roberts, he told him to tie the
dogs to the vine-slip. By the aid of a belt and a pocket-
handkerchief this was easily done, and the animals were
drawn up to the top of the bank.
"Now for the bear," said Harper. " How shall we manage
with it ? The animal weighs three hundred pounds at the
very least j and I do not see how it can be got up without
ropes."
"Well," answered Assowaum, "we can leave it there. Do
you see those two large pieces of dry wood, on the brink of
the river ? We can roll them into the stream, make the bear
fast to them, and Assowaum will go with them down the
river. Bahrens lives a mile and a half lower down. You
can follow on horseback, and by sunset we shall all meet at
Bahrens's house."
" An excellent idea, Assowaum," ejaculated Roberts,
nimbly climbing up by aid of the branches, and joining his
comrades. " An excellent idea. Bahrens has just finished
making a road down to the river, by means of which we
shall be able to get our game on shore comfortably."
"A moment, Assowaum," cried Curtis, as the Indian
began to put his project into execution. "Just as you get
near Bahrens's house, at the spot at which we cut down the
cypress-tree last summer, make the spoil fast, and come to
the house. Bahrens is so fond of boasting about the game
he kills, that we should like to see what he has in the larder.
Take care he does not perceive your prize."
The Indian gave a knowing nod, said nothing more, but
set to work to carry out his plan. The logs were rolled into
the river, the bear was made fast, and in less than a quarter
of an hour he set off down the stream. The wood kept the
bear afloat, and partly swimming and partly wading, Asso-
waum steered the raft on its course.
82
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" An Indian is of use in the forest," Harper observed,
as Assowaum disappeared behind a bend in the river. " How
practical these fellows are ; and, if they once hit upon a plan,
they are certain to carry it out. Hallo, here comes Hart-
fort, the storekeeper. The deuce take me, if I had not
altogether forgotten him."
" Tell me what you are doing here," the storekeeper said,
making his way through the brushwood. " Where is the
bear V
" Assowaum is steering him down the stream to Bahrens's
house," said Roberts in reply, " and we will return to our
horses, and ride along the bank till we reach the old hunter's
dwelling. This is the easiest way of getting there. The
place is so concealed by the wood, that one can only hit
upon it by chance, or ia the morning, when the cocks are
crowing."
" What is the use of my coming to a bear hunt," saicl
Hartfort, " if I do not get a glimpse of the animal ?"
" You shall see the bear, man," answered Harper, "and
taste it too. Let us be off; the sun will set in less than an
hour, and I should like to get out of this thicket before
it is dark. Hallo, dogs ; get up, and you shall have a good
supper to-night. Good dog, Watch ; good dog, Poppy; set
the others a good example."
The dogs, which had all lain down exhausted, jumped up
at these words, and followed the hunters, who availed them-
selves of a clearing to skirt the river some hundred paces,
and were about to turn towards the hills, when the store-
keeper suddenly stopped, and taking hold of Roberts by
the arm, said—
" Whist! don't you see there ?■"
" What V asked Roberts.
" That red thing in the thicket."
" Ay, a stag ; it has just started. Fire before the dogs get
scent, or it will be too late."
The storekeeper quickly raised his rifle, stood a moment
taking aim, and as the gun went off, the stag gave a bound,
and disappeared in the thicket.
" He is hit! he is hit!" the storekeeper shouted, running
to the spot at which he had first seen the stag " Do you
see the blood, and Poppy, good animal, has caught scent."
TRACES OE BLOOD.
83
The dogs, however, seemed to behave very strangely, for
while Etty and a few others followed the fleet stag, Watch
stood sniffing the ground, without paying heed to the cries
of the others, and Poppy even sat down, raising his nose and
howling most piteously.
"What the deuce is the matter with the dogs?" said
Roberts, going towards them with astonishment. " I sup-
pose he is howling because you have missed the stag."
" Missed !" cried the storekeeper, in a rage, " does that
look as if I had missed? And here—and here," he con-
tinued, pointing to spots of blood—"do you call that
missed ?"
" There is blood enough," said Curtis, surprised; " but
did not the stag go the other way, in the direction taken by
the dogs ? It struck me that I saw his light form glancing
between the brambles."
" You are right," said Harper; "he went between those
cypress trees."
" Then this must be some other blood," said Curtis; " and
it goes towards the river."
" Impossible ! the bear did not pass that way."
" Certainly not, but a good bit higher up."
" Is there no track ?"
"None. But soft, the sportsman must have passed this
way; here is the print of a man's foot," said Curtis, stooping
down, "and here is another. There must have been two
people; and they seem to have kept on both sides of the
blood-marks."
" What does this mean ?" said Roberts; " the ground is
perfectly even, and yet there are no tracks in the blood."
"You are right," said Harper. "It is not game they
were pursuing, but an animal which they killed and carried
away. See how deep the tracks go into the ground. They
bore towards the river, and I should not at all wonder if it
turned out to be Bahrens, and we may to-night find a good
piece of venison at his place."
" Bahrens never wears anything but mocassins," Curtis
remarked, " and these are the marks of thick shoes on one
side, and on the other the new kind of boots like those
which Brown bought a short time since at Little-rock. For
all that, they may have taken their game to Bahrens's house."
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Come along now, and leave the tracks," exclaimed
Roberts; " the sun will soon have set, and we must try to
get out of these cursed reeds. If they have carried the game
to Bahrens's house, and if the old man was indeed one of the
party, we shall find them to-night, and hear a long story,
that is certain. Let us away."
" Just look at that dog, how strangely it behaves," said
Harper. " Are you not ashamed of yourself, Poppy 1 The
.'animal howls enough to make one mad."
Poppy did not seem to pay any attention to the remark,
but kept sniffing at the drops of blood, and began again to
whine so piteously, that the hounds returning from the false
«cent collected around, and joining in the cry made a great
■noise. <
" Gentlemen," said Roberts, suddenly, looking narrowly at
his dog, " there is something wrong here. Poppy is much
-too sagacious to make this outcry for nothing. This is not
brute blood—it is that of a man."
"The devil it is !" said Curtis.
" Let lis follow the traces down to the river," continued Ro-
berts; " we may thus unravel the mystery, or at least be able to
mark the spot, that we may renew our researches to-morrow."
They followed the traces easily enough. At certain inter-
vals" small bushes had been trodden down, showing that the
burthen was a weighty one. The marks were on both sides,
.as if the load, whatever it was, had been supported between
the two men, not one going before and the other behind, as
game is generally carried.
" The sight of the blood sends a chill through my veins,"
said the storekeeper.
" That arises from your not having been long enough in
Arkansas," said Curtis. " If, like me, you had lived ten
years in the State, you would think differently on the
matter. I have seen many a corpse in my time, and have
helped to bury many a murdered man. One really gets
accustomed to the thing. Only upon one occasion was the
fcight too much for me."
" Now keep the story to yourself," cried Roberts, a little
ruffled; "we have something horrible enough beneath our
-gaze, and don't want your grand inquest story. Leave the
dead in peace."
A DARK DEED.
85
"You must tell me the tale," said the storekeeper; "i
like such stories."
" Another time," answered Curtis. " There is the river;
we shall soon find what we are searching for."
" Here they put the burthen down," said Roberts, pointing
to a spot in which the brushwood and the grass had been
crushed to the ground. " Deer or man, from this place he
was thrown into the stream."
Curtis knelt down upon the ground and examined it
closely. He suddenly started to his feet, exclaiming—" It
was a man!—don't you see the impression of a button ? I
can trace it distinctly in the smooth surface of the bank.
There it is, close to yonder dark spot of blood, near that
yellow leaf."
" I see it," cried Roberts, having directed his attention to
the place indicated by his comrade. " It was indeed a man.
Here is the spot where his hand rested—I can see the mark
of the nail quite plain. Gentlemen, a murder has been com-
mitted here, of that there cannot now be any doubt, and we
must return to-morrow to investigate the matter more tho-
roughly. It is too late now; if we remain here ten minutes
longer we shall be compelled to encamp for the night, as it
will be impossible for us to make our way through the
thicket in the dark. To-morrow, at daybreak, we will
endeavour to ascertain who the victim is, and who are the
murderers. Let us be off at once, as this is not a good place
in a dark night."
The hunters required no further invitation. They cut
their way silently through the reeds, and came up with their
horses, before the twilight faded from the sky. They
mounted, and at a sharp trot passed along the open part of
the forest, between the reeds and the thick brushwood at
the base of the hills, arriving before dark at the ford of the
Petite-Jeanne, on the opposite side of which old Bahrens's
cottage stood. Its owner was known in the neighbour-
hood by the nick-name of Story-telling Bahrens.
86
the feathered arrow.
CHAPTER VII.
TWO GENUINE BACKWOODSMEN—BAHRENS AND HARPER—TALE-TEtLING MATCH.
The old man stood at the door of his cottage, evidently ex-
pecting the hunting party, and kept looking in the direction,
in which they would first appear. Assowaum sat at his
feet, busily engaged putting on the mocassins, which he had
taken off on his excursion down the stream.
Bahrens was one of the real pioneers or squatters of the Ear
West. About five years before, he had settled in Poinsett
county, in the most wretched swamps, where no human habita-
tion was to be met with in a circuit of twenty miles. He had
lived there by the chase very contentedly for some time.
Something of which he did not like to speak then occurred;
he called it family affairs, and he was compelled to quit that
part of the country. The dwellers on the Eourche-la-Eave
said something about his love for horse-flesh, but there
could be no ground for the suspicion; for, in the first place,
they spoke in utter ignorance of the country in which he
had lived, and in which there was no opportunity for such
occupation; and, in the second place, Bahrens had always borne
the reputation of an honest man, and none of his neighbours
could prove anything against him. Most of his acquaintances
were, indeed, of opinion that he sometimes trenched a little
upon the truth, as Roberts expressed it; but he himself ob-
stinately denied the charge, and was always ready to swear
to any of his stories. It was remarked that he would never
make any bets about them, although given to betting on
other matters. He attended chiefly to the breeding of stock,
only cultivating a very small piece of ground, about five
acres in extent, on which he grew maize for himself and his
family. He also kept horses, but only a few, because he
thought that the air of Arkansas did not suit them. His family
consisted of his wife, two daughters, and a son; the latter
had quitted the family roof two years before, and as he could
neither read nor write, no news had been received of his
wanderings.
The dwelling was one of those log-huts so common in
the Ear West of America, constructed from rough and
THE OLD MAN S DWELLING.
87"
unhewn trunks, its roof being made of rudely-shaped planks,
kept in their places by a heavy weight. A thin bluish
smoke arose from the chimney, and a man was busily
engaged cutting fire-wood, in order to keep up a cheerful
flame on the hearth during the evening. Scores of young
pigs, kept from the house by a low fence, stood near this
barrier, grunting in expectation of their usual supper, a few
stalks of Indian corn. In a separate enclosure the eldest
daughter, a pretty black-eyed girl, was milking a large white
cow, while her younger sister held a little calf by a short
piece of rope, and prevented it from interfering with the
milking operations, to which it seemed to entertain a par-
ticular objection. At the side of the house, perched on the
large trunks that lay in the half-cultivated field, might be
seen a number of buzzards, having apparently either been
disturbed from their evening repast, or induced to leave it
only to return on the morrow to their loathsome meal.
The hunters appeared advancing towards the house, and
Roberts shouted to its owner—" I wronged you, after all, I
fear. I thought that we should find you without any pro-
visions; but the buzzards there show that you have some-
thing in store, unless one of your cows has sickened and died."
" Well met, boys; welcome. I am glad you have for once-
looked in upon old Bahrens—a cow dead, Roberts! no meat
in my place! You don't know old Bahrens. When I lived
on the Cash river, I could on the average get from eight to
nine hundred pounds of flesh a day with my rifle. Curtis
knows that to be correct; don't you, Curtis V
" Certainly I do; tame animals into the bargain."
" Tame ones of course, including game—such as buffaloes,
and cattle run wild. But dismount, dismount; make your-
selves at home. Give the horSes a feed, Betsy; do you hear ?
Stay with them until they have done their meal, and keep
back the pigs, or they will turn the trough over again as
they did yesterday."
" There must be some carrion about here, Bahrens," cried
Roberts, when the first salutations had been exchanged; " I
can smell it."
" Carrion! God bless you," answered Bahrens, laughing,
" you have a good nose ; there is nothing of the kind here j
the buzzards always come when anything is killed."
$8
THE EEATHERE1) ARROW.
" Killed !" exclaimed Curtis, horrified ; " does that which
you have killed smell in this manner1? What are yon
about, Assowaum ?" he continued, as the Indian smothered
a laugh.
" Mr. Bahrens has killed a little pig," returned the Indian,
evidently enjoying the joke; " but buzzards are stupid
animals; the pig was only killed the day before yesterday,
and they are here already."
"Is that to be our food?" Roberts inquired, laughing.
" Where are the stags ?"
" Which stags ?"
" Those you shoot every day, as you said a short time
since."
" Oh, I have sprained my foot, and this has kept me at
home the last three days," answered Bahrens.
" This is a friend of mine, Bahrens; Mr. Harper, one of
my neighbours, who wishes to make your acquaintance.
Harper—Mr. Bahrens, the man of whom I have told you
so much. I believe you will be great friends."
The newly introduced pair shook hands, Bahrens saying,
" I will be shot if you have not an uncommonly good-looking
face, Mr. Harper."
But, Bahrens," said Curtis, interrupting him, " to-mor-
row at break of day we must be at the slough, near the
three cypress-trees. A murder has been committed there ;
at least appearances justify the suspicion."
" A murder ! that would be dreadful."
" It can hardly be otherwise ; we found the traces too
clearly, but had not time to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The place is not far off, and in the morning we can easily
ascertain whether we are right or not. At any rate, it would
be impossible to do more to-day."
" Dear me, that is strange," said Bahrens. " I passed that
way this morning, and did not observe anything."
" I thought that you had sprained your ankle," said Curtis,
smiling.
I did, three days ago ; do you think, blockhead, that I
am to hop on one foot all the rest of my life ? the idea is too
ridiculous! but come in, boys. The mist is rising very
thick this evening, and we shall be comfortable at the fire-
side." '
SHA.TIP PRACTICE.
"No, old fellow," said Roberts, tapping him on the
shoulder; " if you are so badly off for provisions, we will
first make our own contribution. Assowaum, let us have
the bear ; we cannot hide it any longer, or we shall starve,
for it is getting dark."
To the joyful astonishment of Bahrens, the Indian brought
the fat animal to the river's bank, and by their united efforts
it was dragged up to the house, and in a short time some of the
choicest joints were handed over to the females for culinary-
purposes.
'•'Good evening, Mrs. Bahrens," said Roberts, stepping
into the house, and greeting her. " How are you ? I have
not seen you for some time. Are you still in health ?"
I do not know how I should manage otherwise," she
replied, taking off the large bonnet which she wore while
cooking, and wiping with her apron the perspiration from her
brow. " I am glad you have given us a call. I hope soon to
pay you a visit; but my old man does not like leaving home."
" My wife has been expecting you and the girls this long
time, Mrs. Bahrens," answered Roberts, shaking hands.
" How are your daughters, eh ? They have, I suppose, got
accustomed to this solitary mode of life, for in the Cash
swamps it could not have been more cheerful. That is a
horrible part of the country when I was there last, and went
by Strong's—the man who owns the large farm. How many
negroes did he buy last summer ?"
" Stop him, for Heaven's sake, stop him !" cried Bahrens.
" He is running away again with the reins loose. If you do-
not stop him, in five minutes he will be at the war of inde-
pendence."
" Bless me, Bahrens, one cannot speak a reasonable word
for you."
" You deserve something, lads," said Bahrens, " for having
made such provision. Lucy, bring out the jar from under the
bed. Take care, girl, and don't break it. Now we shall
have a merry evening. Bear's meat and whisky—auhupeeh !""
cried the old man to the dogs, who were making a great
noise outside.
" The dogs are tearing one another to pieces outside," said'
Curtis, at last. " They are all hungry • let us give them
gome food, Let them have the pork; it is not fit for men l"
00
TIIE rEATIIEKED AMIOW.
" What! my good meat!"
" Oh ! nonsense about your meat. I thought you killed
so many stags ?"
"Yes ; but my sprained ankle."
" There he is again, with his sprained ankle. It is an
excellent excuse; but, Harper, why do you sit so quiet; are
you thinking of the murder ?"
" Yes ; seriously speaking, I cannot drive the blood spots
out of my mind. They really looked horrible."
" Horrible, Mr. Harper ; you should have been with me
on the Cash river," said Bahrens. " Two or three bodies
floated by every day : such horrible sights, some of them
without a head."
"Where did they all come from? I thought it had been
such a retired spot ?"
" The bodies ? Well, you don't suppose I inquired into the
rnattex*. It was no business of mixxe."
"Stop !" exclaimed Roberts, laughing, "keep your stories
till after dinner. Let us first look to the horses; the supper
will relish better if we do."
This piece of advice was immediately followed; and when
the men returned, they were summoned by the good woman
to supper. They soon sat round the small table on barrels,
boxes, logs of wood, and roughly-constructed chairs. A large
dish, containing roasted meat, cut into small pieces, formed the
centre-piece ; while maize bx-ead, pumpkins, and some honey
and milk made up the rest of the repast. The whisky bottle
went round ; and though nothing was said, the clatter of the
knives and plates, and the well-picked bones, showed how
well the guests had worked.
When they had finished, they got up, and the females, who
had wisely reserved something for themselves, assembled at
the vacant board, and without taking the trouble to get fresh
plates, soon demolished the rest of the beai-'s flesh. Mrs.
Bahrens, though about fox-ty years of age, still showed
traces of early beauty, and her slender figure was clad
in a by no means cleaxx cotton gown, that had once been
white j her beautiful brown hair was negligently twisted
round her head, and her large dark eyes lost much of their
lustre from the general untidiness of her appearance. Her
daughter's were somewhat better dressed, and more tidy; but
ARKANSAS V. ^MISSOURI.
91
even they would have been all the better for a little soap
and warm, water.
Yv lien the dinner, or rather the dishes, were taken away,
for the former had entirely disappeared, Bahrens pushed the
table back a little, so that the guests might form a half circle
round the chimney, and exclaimed, "Well, gentlemen, the
best is coming now—the stew." *
" You have no butter," said his wife.
" The devil 1 that is true; but, hallo ! what do we want
with butter—we have bear's fat! Whisky mixes better with
bear's fat than butter. This is the country to live in, gen-
tlemen. There is nothing like Arkansas."
" Why, Mr. Bahrens," Harper said, who, observing the
preparations for his favourite beverage, began to grow warm,
" I do not know. Missouri is not to be despised. I lived
there a long while, and "
"Missouri!" cried Bahrens, in amazement. "Missouri!
Hear me, do you compare it with Arkansas V
" It is close to it."
" Close to it! Yes, but it is just as if some one had
drawn a line between the two States, making the one fertile,
and the other barren. Missouri ! Missouri ! Why, what are
you thinking of? How long have you been in Arkansas?"
" About six weeks."
" That makes a difference ; you have not had time to look
about you. The land here is so rich, that when we want
candles we have only to stick a wick into any pool, and it
will burn fast enough. If a man in Arkansas tills his ground
with industry and attention, he may rely upon getting a
hundred bushels per acre."
" That's a good crop."
" A good crop ! it is nothing at all. If he does not take
much care, and lets the maize grow as it likes, he will get
seventy-five bushels; and should he not sow at all, he will
get about fifty. The land can't be exhausted."
Harper fidgeted a little on his seat, while Roberts and
Curtis glanced furtively at each other, at these remarks.
" There is another advantage," said Bahrens; " we only
need sow in June, the maize grows so fast. Peas grow with
"* In the Far "West, by the expression "stew," is meant a beverage com
gosed of whisky, hot water, spice, sugar, and butter.
92
THE EEATHEEED AlillOW,
railroad rapidity, and such pumpkins ! Ten men can standi
round one of them."
"An astonishing country," said Harper. " Everything is
on a grand scale. Such mosquitoes, and such wood-lice, are
not to be met with elsewhere."
" Everything on a grand scale !" Bahrens repeated, quite
in his glory, boasting of the land in which he lived. " Every-
thing on a grand scale ! I should say so. On a hot summer's
clay, the mosquitoes fly so thick that they will often stick
together, falling in lumps from the air; and the wood-lice I
have seen with my own eyes standing up on their fore-legs,
and listening to the cow-bells ; and as to the fleas, why, they
go to water in the evening like other animals. Bless me,
what rivers we have ! they roll the sea back with wonderful
power when they join it."
" But they do not join it," said Harper.
" Bo not join it! Where do they go, then ?" asked Bahrens,
with eagerness. "Bo they lose themselves in the sand,,
eh ? Where does the Petite-Jeanne run to ?"
" Into the Arkansas," answered Harper.
" And the Arkansas ?"
H Into the Mississippi."
" And the Mississippi?"
" Into the Gulf of Mexico."
" Well, is not that all the same 1 Take, for instance, the
southern part of Missouri. Have any of you been in the
southern part of that State ?"
" Most likely all of us have," answered Boberts.
" At the Eleven Points river, too ! I wont exaggerate ;
but the country about there is so rocky, that we had to lift
the sheep up by their hind legs, one after the other, to assist
them to get at the small pieces of grass between the stones.
The wolves got so thin and weak, that they had to lean against
a tree whenever they wanted to howl. Look at the difle-
rence between Missouri and Arkansas. How did we manage,
for example, in the winter, when we had nothing to give the
poor animals to eat ? How, just guess."
" You let them run about in the wood," said Curtis.
" Of what use would that have been, I should like to
know 1 The ground was so hard that no bark grew upon
the bushes and trees. No, I adopted quite a different ex-
WOtfDEBFUL SPOItT.
93
pedient. You know Tom, tlie fellow who went in such haste
on business into Texas; that tall Tom, don't you remember,
Roberts ? He was so tall that he was obliged to kneel
down every time he wanted to scratch his head. That same
fellow had been an optician in Philadelphia, I believe, and
had brought a lot of instruments. I set him to make me
a lot of large green spectacles, which I put on over the
cows' eyes; I gave them shavings to eat, and I will be
hanged if they did not take them for grass, and grew quite
fat upon them."
" Dear me !" ciied Harper.
"We are better off, here," continued Bahrens, with delight;
" and as for the chase "
" Hallo !" interrupted Harper ; " nothing must be said
against the chase in Missouri. It cannot be better anywhere
else."
" Indeed !" said Bahrens, with a sneer. " If a bear here-
aboufs has not more than three inches of fat upon his back,
he is called lean. As for the stags "
" They are caught by the leg," Roberts remarked.
Bahrens looked at the speaker with astonishment, and
Harper seemed greatly pleased.
" Well, Roberts, you must agree to this," continued
Bahrens—"but the water boils, Betsy; brew the punch;
you know how we like it—you must agree to this, Roberts,
that none can beat me in hunting. I have quite given up
shooting small game, having a particular plan for catching it."
"Like the boys with us," said Harper; "they catch
rabbits in traps."
" Traps !" repeated Bahrens, with a sneer, " traps are not
wanted; you must come to Arkansas if you wish to learn
•something. When there is a little snow upon the ground, I
go into the wood, just out of sight of the house "
"Which is not very far," Curtis remarked.
" There I place small pieces of beetroot, covered with
snuff. In the morning, there are plenty of dead rabbits.'
"Do they eat the snuff?" the storekeeper inquired in
amazement.
" Eat it! no, they only smell it, and it makes them sneeze
so much, that they break their necks."
" The reference to the breaking of necks," said Harper,
G
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" reminds me how I served an owl a short time since. For
three nights running the animal carried off a hen, and I had
watched in vain. At length, early on the morning of the
fourth day, it came flying to the house; it was raining a little.
I was soon made aware of the fact by the commotion amongst
the hens. I seized my rifle, and went out. I found that
the owl was sitting in a low hickory bush, but I could
only see its head, and as I did not wish to kill it, but to give
the dogs some sport, I went round the bush trying to find
a good spot to take aim. The leaves were equally thick on
all sides, and the owl kept its large rolling eyes fixed upon
me. I had gone round the tree three times, when all at once
something rustled in the branches, and down came the owl.
Hang me if she had not, by following me with her eyes,
twisted her own neck off."
" There is nothing very strange in that," cried Bahrens,'
who did npt seem to have the slightest doubt as to the truth
of the story. " When I was a young fellow, I could run a
race with any bustards, and if they began to fly, and did not
rise too high, I was sure of catching them."
" As for running," said Harper, "I wish you had seen my
brother chasing partridges."
"You do not mean to say that he caught them?" said
Bahrens.
" No," replied Harper, " certainly not; but at every spring
he got a handful of feathers out of their tails."
"Here comes the stew, gentlemen," said Roberts. "Thank
you, Betsy, you have made it strong. No more water,
thank you—it takes away the spicy perfume. Really,
Bahrens, you were quite right; the bear's fat is an improve-
ment. There is something so mild, yet fiery in it."
At this point the conversation ceased, while the group
gave themselves up to the pleasures of the drink. At last
Curtis broke the silence, and said, "Mrs. Roberts and Mr.
Rowson ought to see that decent personage, Mr. Roberts,
sitting here and drinking whisky-stew. They would make
nice faces at him."
Roberts, who was already enjoying his third glass, and
consequently beginning to feel the effects of the liquor, re-
marked, "Mr. Rowson may go—wherever he likes. This
much I know, he shall not interfere in any of my affairs.
love stories.
95
As far as my wife and daughter are concerned, he may do as
he likes, or rather, as they like."
" I believe they agree in their tastes," said Curtis.
" I am afraid so. That bland sneaking fellow has always
been a thorn in my side. He is for ever speaking ill of the
Roman Catholics; I don't think there is much to choose
between them."
"That Rowson is desperately in love with your daughter,"
said Curtis.
" Of course he is. They wish to have the affair settled in
a month, and I have no objection."
" Listen, Roberts," said Bahrens; "X was once dreadfully in
love with a towns-woman from St. Louis. I was then trading
about the Missouri and the Yellow Stone river, and used
to squat about three miles west of the city. Would
you believe it? every third day I received a long letter,
full of love and devotion, and the only pity was, that
I could-not read it, and as for the Indians with whom I
lived, they did not know how to distinguish the outside
from the inside of a letter. There must have been an
amazing deal of love in those epistles. I tied them toge-
ther when I went away, and put them into a bag; when,
on my return home, I opened the bag, it contained nothing
but ashes."
"Well, gentlemen, I think it is bed-time," said the store-
keeper, yawning. " We must be up to-morrow at daybreak,
and I really feel as if I was tired."
" It is getting late," said Roberts, stepping to the door and
looking at the stars. " It must be past ten."
"Wait a minute," Harper cried. "As we are speaking of
love, it reminds me of a story of something that happened
to my brother, when he was quite a youngster. You should
have known him; he was a sly dog. At eighteen he had
already promised marriage to three girls. One day he
went to a Quaker in Philadelphia, who strangely enough
happened to be brother of one of these girls. The man
recognised him, was very friendly, and invited him to
dinner. After the meal, he got up, on the excuse of doing
some business, and went and fetched a constable, to have my
brother taken up. What do you think he found on his
return V
g 2
T1IE FEATHERED ARROW.
u I suppose your brother had absconded V said Bahrens.
" Yes, but not alone. He had cut away with the Quaker's
-wife."
" It is astonishing how that man can lie," said Bahrens,
in a whisper to Curtis, who was standing near him.
" Let us to bed, then. Where shall we sleep, Bahrens V
" You must settle that amongst yourselves. There are
only three beds, and one of these belongs to the girls, the
other to me and my good wife, and the third should be given
to the two oldest men of the party, Roberts and Harper.
After all these tales Harper will sleep well; and the other
three gentlemen, Curtis, Hartfort, and Assowaum, will find
skins enough to lie upon. That is right, Betsy, get the
•couches ready, and to-morrow we will rise with the dawn."
Assowaum, who had not spoken a single syllable all the
.evening, but seemed to have enjoyed the conversation very
much, sipping his whisky, prepared to roll himself up in his
blanket. As he approached the spot on which he wished to
lie down, and passed close before the fire, he stumbled and
nearly fell down.
" Hallo, Indian," said Harper, laughing, " have you taken
loo much whisky V
" It is not good to take too much of anything," said the
Feathered Arrow, stretching himself out, and rolling a log
under his head, " but too much whisky is just enoughand
with this very philosophic remark, he turned upon his side,
and in a few minutes had fallen asleep.
" Do you prefer any particular part of the bed 1" asked
Harper, when they had undressed.
" No," replied the other, quite unsuspiciously.
" Then you may get under it," said Harper, laughing,
while he crept under the deer-skins with which it was
covered.
Roberts did not, however, seem inclined to follow this
advice, for he soon lay at Harper's side, and in a few moments
nothing was heard but the crackling of the fire and the deep
and regular breathing of the sleepers.
The night, with a single exception, passed quietly enough,
when Curtis jumped up, and with a loud oath drove out all
the dogs, which had gained admission one by one, and taken
up their places near the hunting-party.
MOBNIKG DUTIES.
CHAPTER VIII.
MORNING IN THE LOG-HUT—EXAMINATION OF THE BLOOD-SPOTS—ASSOWAUJB"'
DIVES FOB, THE CORPSE.
The crowing of tlie cocks in the bushy peach-trees by which
the log-hut was surrounded, announced the approach of day.
From the wood the birds replied, and the friendly stars in
the east began to grow paler. In the hut described in the
last chapter, the three women—Mrs. Bahrens and her two
daughters—arose, in order to be dressed before the others
got up. They stepped cautiously over the sleeping hunters^
and rekindled the dying embers. A cheerful flame soon
blazed up, which was speedily nourished by fresh supplies of
fuel. A large tin coffee-pot was placed on some embers
raked out of the fire, and some hastily-prepared dough put
to the fire to bake.
" I have told your father fifty times, I think," murmured
Mrs. Bahrens, putting the roasted coffee-berries into a stone
mortar and crushing them with the handle of the tomahawk
—" I have told him fifty times to bring me a coffee-milL
from Morrison's Bluff, or Little-rock; but he always forgets.
He remembers all about his hunting materials; but if I
want anything, I may ask a hundred times without pro-
ducing any effect. He was over there yesterday again, and
did not forget the whisky; but the coffee-mill "
" Don't grumble, old woman," cried Bahrens from his bed
—" don't grumble."
" It is true what I say."
" Ho, it is not," said Bahrens. " In that corner where the?
salt-cellar stands—more to the right—yes, there—what do>
you call that ?"
"Bless me, a coffee-mill!" said Mrs. Bahrens; "yet you'
let me crush the berries here."
" How could I see what you wete doing, with my eyes-
shut ?"
" Listen, Roberts," said Harper, sitting up in bed. " You
have monopolized the clothes. You are not at all impu -
dent."
98
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Give me lialf of the Led, at any rate," said Robeiks, half
asleep.
"The half, indeed," said Harper; "but not taken out of
the middle. In that case I should have to crouch on both
sides to get my portion. That's not fair."
" Now, boys, get up," cried old Bahrens, stepping to the
chimney and holding up his whisky-bottle; "here is the
elixir of life—a comforter for the stomach."
This had the desired effect, and all jumped upon their feet
with the exception of the Yankee storekeeper, who remained
motionless, and snored as if the stillness of death reigned in
the house.
Curtis shook him some time without making any impres-
sion, and at last remarked with an oath that the fellow was
so long one could only wake him by degrees. As the rays
of the sun tinged the tops of the trees, the men assembled
round the breakfast-table; while the girls were engaged out-
side, feeding the horses and driving the pigs and hens away
from the trough.
" Tell me, Bahrens," said Roberts, during the meal, " what
about our pig-hunt 1 If we have to search for the traces of
the murder, we must let the pigs alone, and then my old
woman will begin to grumble."
"We must take another opportunity for doing that; and I
fancy we shall find them all about two miles down the river,
with the exception of those which have been devoured by
the bears. The day before yesterday I saw a lot of swine
with your mark upon them, and—I merely mention this
by the way—among them that sow of your father's, Curtis,
out of whose neck a bear had torn a piece of fat."
" Is that animal still alive ?"
"Yes; and she had eleven nice pigs with her."
" The devil!" exclaimed Curtis. " Listen, Bahrens. Doi/t
mention it; for I spoke to my governor yesterday about the
sow, and he thinks that she is dead. I shall buy her of him
' as she runs in the wood'—that is, taking the chance of find-
ing her. I shall get her for a silver dollar, and quietly drive
her home."
" That's not a bad idea, returned Harper, laughing.
" He means to cheat his own father."
"It is not cheating," the storekeeper replied. " If he can
AssowAtrir discovers the trail.
00
make a dollar by honest means, lie will not clieat anybody.
His father is not obliged to see the sow."
"Ho Yankee would condemn such a proceeding," Bahrens,
who had listened attentively to the discussion, observed.
" But let us away, boys; the sun is up, and we must lose no
time. If a murder has really been committed, it may still
be. possible to catch the guilty party; although it does not
appear probable. I rode that way yesterday morning, and
Mr. Brown must have passed in the same direction."
" Brown I" exclaimed Harper, suddenly, " Brown! How
did he get in that part 3"
" He said that he was going over to Morrison's Bluff."
" So he did; and if he came from the Fourche-la-Fave, it
must have taken him out of the way. But let us go; we
may get back by noon."
The men took leave of the women and rode through the
ford, Assowaum sitting behind Harper, that he might get
across, and thus proceed more quickly; and they all set off
at a smart trot towards the place in which they had noticed
the suspicious spots the day before.
" Stop," cried the Indian, springing to the ground; " this
is the spot; you must go no further, or you will cut up the
soil."
The hunters soon alighted, and fastened their horses to
the wild vine, so that they could not break the bridles.
Assowaum took the lead, stopping at the first trace. He
examined it attentively, looking at every leaf and blade of
grass ; then rose again, and followed the trail with a light
step to the commencement. He had not been long at this
spot ere he uttered a deep guttural " waugh !" which attracted
the hunters to his side. He pointed "at the signs that had
arrested his attention, which left no doubt that a bloody
deed had been perpetrated. It was at the foot of an over-
thrown pine-tree, where brambles and thorny creepers
formed a kind of maze; a horse had evidently gone round
this little thicket, as the prints of a hoof led half-way round.
Something—probably the murderer's bullet—had checked
the career of the horseman; but the unfortunate man had
not fallen at once to the ground—the horse had jumped aside.
" The bullet must have hit the horse," said Roberts, " or
the rider would have fallen."
100
TIIE EEATiibitJiJJ AKUun,
Assowaum silently pointed to a hickory-tree that stood
near, on the light grey bark of which, about eight or nine feet
from the ground, traces of blood were clearly visible.
" Indeed," cried Harper, horrified, " he hit that tree with
J) is head ; and here is the place where he fell down."
The soil was much trodden, and it was evident that the
murdered man had struggled violently. The state of some
branches showed that, in despair, he had clutched them,
stripping off the leaves as they slipped out of his grasp. He
had then fallen upon his knees. At this spot the dark
blood-stains quite covered the ground, and he had fallen
never to rise again. But no; here, again, where the red
stream of life stained all the bushes, and quite bathed a
neighbouring cypress-tree, another effort had been made.
Under that cypress the victim had succumbed, and the dead
body must have lain there some time, as might be seen from
the impression it had left. The hunters stared in silence at
these horrible evidences of foul play, for it was evident that
no equal fight had occurred; at the best it must have been
a desperate defence. The victim had been torn from his
horse and murdered.
" Come," said Assowaum, following the trail to the bank
of the river, and closely examining each foot-mark ; " two
persons carried the body."
" That much we discovered yesterday ; the traces go down
to the bank of the river."
" Hei'e they rested ; two men stood here 3ome time. What
is this 1 There is a knife, with marks of blood upon it."
" A penknife, by heavens ! They cannot have killed the
man with that."
" Show it to me," said Roberts, stretching out his hand.
" Perhaps I may know who the owner is."
Harper stepped forward, and they both looked at it atten-
tively.
" I never saw it before; it is quite a new one," Roberts
exclaimed.
Harper did not know to whom it belonged, nor did any
of the others.
"I will take care of it," said Harper, at last. "It may
give us a clue to identify the villains. I shall wash off the
stains of blood, they look so dreadful."
A Ml'STEBY CLEABED TJP.
XOX
" What is that 1" cried Assowaum, pointing to a spot in
which the earth had been recently turned up, and which was
not far from the place where the dead body had been put
down.
" They have buried the body there," said the storekeeper,
" No suclx thing," returned Curtis, who had stepped nearer.
" The hole is hardly large enough to bury an opossum, much
less a man. They have been digging here, and with a large
knife too; that much is certain, but the earth which they
dug out has been removed. What can they have done with
it V
Assowaum examined the intermediate space attentively,
and said, drawing himself up—" The air in a man's clothes
will support his body in the water, and it will then hang on
any projecting bush or tree ; but when the body is filled
with earth it sinks."
" Horrible! horrible!" exclaimed Roberts. " This explains
the mystery of the small knife. They made an incision in
the body with it. Gentlemen, this is a horrible deed ; who
can the unfortunate man have been 1"
" The stream hides liim," replied Harper, in a hollow tone
of voice. " Who knows whether it will ever come to light l
But what is the Indian doing 1 What are you at, Asso-
waum ?"
"Making a rope to dive with," the Indian "replied, peeling
the bark from a small papao-tree and knitting it firmly
together.
"In search of the body?" asked Roberts, with astonish-
ment.
" Yes," replied the Indian, pointing to the knife which he
held in his hand, " he is down there;" and saying this he
divested himself of his clothes, and was about to spring into
the water, when the storekeeper, who had watched his pre-
parations narrowly, cried out—
" Stop; you wilL not be able to pue that cord round the
body, it will take too long a time—here is a hook and
with these words he pulled from his pocket a parcel contain-
ing all kinds of fishing-tackle, from which he selected one of
the largest fish-hooks, and gave it to the Indian.
" Waugh !" cried he with glee, making the hook fast to the
strong papao-bark. He then looked for the spot at which
102
THE FEATHERED AKliUW.
the body had been thrown into the river, and the next
moment disappeared beneath the waters. The stillness of
death reigned for several seconds ; not one person in the
group thought of uttering a word. The bubbles in the
stream caused by Assowaum's plunge liad ceased, for the
river at this part was very deep, and only occasional air-
bubbles showed where he was at work. His black glossy
hair appeared suddenly above the surface, he breathed
heavily, and struck out towards the shore where the men
were standing. Then he climbed up the steep bank, still
holding the hook in his hand.
." Where is the body ?" asked Roberts.
" I felt it," was Assowaum's answer. " My hand touched
it as I was groping ; but the water lifted me up too quickly.
It is certainly down there. Will one of you fetch me a
stone 1" he continued, after a short pause, sinking down
exhausted under a tree. " I am tired, and should like to rest
a little."
"Do you wish to make another attempt?" Harper in-
quired, with surprise.
The Indian only nodded his head, while Hartfort i*an to
a heap of stones, and, having selected one of the heaviest,
gave it to Curtis, who tied it to a short rope, making it fast
with a noose.
" There, Indian, if you hang that over your left wrist, it
will sink you, and when you want to come up again, let go
your hold. Look, in this manner."
The Indian did not require much instruction. He followed
the white man's advice, leaving the end of the bark-cord in
Curtis's hand, with only the fish-hook in his light, taking
great care not to get his arms entangled. Gliding down the
steep bank, again he disappeared in the river. This time he
remained under the water much longer than on the first
occasion, for, on account of the heavy weight he had with
him, he was obliged to grope slowly along the bottom, feeling
with his feet for the object of his search. At last there was
a jerk at the rope, several air-bubbles arose, and once more
the dark head of the Indian appeared. He struck out
quickly towards the bank, xising from the water and look-
ing back with horror. His face had assumed an ashy appear-
ance, and as he pushed back his long curly hair, his eye
THE VICTIM EEC0G2TISED.
103
looked wild and wandering, as if he himself no longer be-
longed to this earth, as if he was the spirit of his tribe rising
from the dark deep, because unwilling to share that watery
grave with an enemy of his race.
" The rope is made fast," cried Curtis, who held the other
end in his hand. " Assowaum has found the corpse."
While the Indian silently gazed at the surface of the
water, the men on the bank of the river slowly and cau-
tiously drew in the rope, taking care that it did not break.
The body—to the dress of which the hook was attached—
rose, and was soon visible above the water. The stream
divided, and the next moment Assowaum took hold of the
•corpse by the shoulder and drew it on shore. The men
had jumped down, and as the Indian turned it over, so that
its pale face might be seen, a cry of terror arose from every
lip. With one voice they exclaimed, " Heathcotb !"
" Heathcott!" cried Harper again.
For several minutes the men stood still, silently contem-
plating the awful spectacle. The unfortunate man's body
had been cut open and filled with earth and stones. There
was a large wound over the forehead, and a bullet seemed to
have pierced his breast. Roberts bent over the corpse, ex-
amining the latter.
" What sized bullet does Brown's rifle carry V he asked,
in a low tone of voice, as if afraid to pronounce his name
before the corpse.
" Thirty," answered Harper.
Roberts pointed to the wound in the dead man's breast.
" Do you think him guilty 1" said Harper, looking
anxiously round the circle.
" Guilty! by heavens, no," answered Curtis. "No one in.
all Arkansas would give a verdict of guilty against him,
after the threats which Smith told me this man breathed
forth. I should have shot him myself. I am only sorry to
see a strong-built fellow lying there, who could thus throw
away his life, when he might have become a useful member
of society. But a plague upon it; when such fellows, who
are known to keep their word in quarrels and murders, say
in plain terms that they will shoot a man wherever they
meet him again, they deserve nothing better than a bullet.
That is my opinion. He need not have cut the poor fellow
104
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
open; the buzzards would have done that quite as well, and
much more quickly. Only see how they gather round us;
this time they are mistaken. They will not be allowed to
have this fellow for a banquet. We shall have to report the
case. And are we to leave him here ?"
" We must not remove the body," answered Itoberts. " It
is not allowed. The best plan will be to cover him with
boughs, and report the case to the justice. He will send
the constable to fetch the corpse. I do not wish to have
anything more to do with the matter. What are you look-
ing for, Hartfort?"
The storekeeper was kneeling down beside the corpse,
examining very carefully the leathern hunting-shirt, which
hung in damp folds over its breast.
" This man," he said, rising with great gravity, 45 carried
in his pocket four hundred and seventy dollars in notes, all
as good as silver. I saw them myself yesterday morning, in
Bo witt's house, and he cannot have lost them, for the pocket
is well secured. It has been torn open, and the money takeu."
" Who dares to say that my nephew has committed a x'ob-
bery ?" cried old Harper, as the paleness of death stole over
his countenance. He jumped up, drawing his knife from
its sheath. " Who calls my William a thief?"
" Stop, Hai-pei'," said Bobex'ts, soothingly, placing his hand
upon his arm. "We have every reason to believe that
Brown shot this Heathcott; but the money may have been
taken by another; there were two persons engaged in the
murder."
" Who coxxld have been his compaxxion ?"
" Heaven kxxows; it is more than we can tell. Here are
the footprints of two men, the one wearing boots, the other
shoes; that much is certain; and while Brown was commit-
ting the deed of vengeance, the other may have found axx
opportunity for securing the money himself."
" Brown would not have sxxffered that."
" Certainly not, if he had happened to detect it. Be that
as it may, the money was there; for when at my house he
said that he had with liixxx the ptxrchase-nxoney for three
horses. Browxx heard the remark; but I believe the yoxxng
man to be too honest to comxxxit such wrong. As I said
before, xxo oxxe knows who might have beeix his associate."
STRANGE SUSPICIONS.
105
" It is horrible," Harper exclaimed, covering his face with
his hands; and, quite overcome by his feelings, he reclined
against a tree, at the foot of which sat Assowaum in a
musing position, with his legs crossed, his head on his hand,
and his elbow resting upon his knee.
"Let us begin our sad office," said Curtis, getting some
boughs together. " I do not feel comfortable in these parts,
and should not like to spend another hour at the side of
that pallid face."
" That's right, Curtis," Roberts exclaimed, helping him to
place over the corpse a rather heavy branch that was broken
from its parent tree. " A few more like this, well arranged,
will keep the ravens and buzzards away until the afternoon;
and as for wolves, they are not likely to come this way in
the daytime."
Curtis, Roberts, and Hartfort soon finished their work;
having cut with their knives a quantity of branches, and
formed a protection for the body; while Harper and Asso-
waum remained inactive. The sad duty was at last performed,
and the men prepared to depart. Harper followed them, but
almost unconsciously. The old man's strength seemed gone;
he did not complain ; but his pallid cheek, his fixed glance,
too plainly showed what was passing within. He did not
for a moment doubt that Brown was the murderer; indeed,
this fact would not have rendered him odious in the sight of
the Arkansas people. He knew how ready men are to think
the worst of everything and everybody, even when no strong
proofs of evil are to be found. In this case, an unsuspicious
person could not help entertaining fears. It was, indeed,
terrible.
Harper got into the saddle and allowed the animal to go
in which direction it pleased. He did not even notice that
the Indian remained in his sitting posture at the foot of the
tree.
For some time after the others had disappeared in the
thicket, Assowaum sat looking intently upon the ground;
but when the last sound of the retreating steps of his com-
panions had died away, he got up suddenly, and once more
commenced examining the tracks and marks. With a small
knife which he carried in his belt, he marked upon his toma-
hawk the exact length and breadth of the footprints.; then,
106
THE EEATIlEItED AEEOW.
convinced that nothing had escaped him, he shouldered his
rifle and plunged into the thick forest, in quite the opposite
direction to that taken by the hunters.
CHAPTER IX.
a business affair—rowson's indignation at the murder, and
marion's weakness.
We must now once more conduct the reader to the thicket
at which the story opened. On the same morning in which
the hunting-party at the Petite-Jeanne fished the dead body
out from the river, the four associates met at the usual place,
in order to arrange their plan. Cotton and Weston were
the first to reach the spot. Johnson and Rowson did not
keep their associates long waiting, and on their arrival were
welcomed by the two others with a joyful " Hurrah !"
" Silence; hush !" said Rowson, quietly; " don't make as
much noise as if you were on the county road, and did not
care who heard you."
"Well, I really do not care," answered Weston; "what
would it matter if we were found here together, after all ?"
" To you not much, probably; but my mother-in-law is a
remarkably pious woman, and would not think it a very
great honour if she discovered that I numbered you two
amongst my friends and acquaintances."
" Your mother-in-law!'' exclaim.ed Cotton, astonished.
" Just tell me, Rowson, is it true, what people say, that
you think of marrying old Roberts's daughter ? I heard
the report, but could not bring myself to believe it."
" Why not, Mr. Cotton ? This is the last piece of busi-
ness we shall do together. I mean to become an honest
man."
" High time that you did, no doubt," replied Cotton, laugh-
ing; "almost a little too late, I should say. But heaven be
merciful to the poor girl!"
" I beg, Mr. Cotton, to protest against this impertinence
on your part. This is a point upon which I cannot allow
vulgar jesting."
THE PLOT THICKENS.
107
"Peace!" cried Johnson; "we have not come here to
permit these bickerings. Our business is serious. What-
was the result of your hunting expedition, Cotton ?"
" Four stags and one fox."
"You might have spared that poor fox. And yours,
Weston?"
" Two stags and three bustards."
" Then I have lost," said Johnson; " though I might plead
as an excuse that I fell yesterday morning from one of those
steep ridges ; I mean to say that a stone gave way, and I
slipped. I scratched my arm, and the accident, though
slight, has of course interfered with my success in hunting."
"Hold—no more on that subject!" exclaimed "Weston;
"if such excuses were to be taken into account, a man
might plead that his horse had fallen lame when about to
start on a race."
"Where have you put your skins?" Johnson asked, ill-
liumouredly.
" They are hanging up at Cotton's hut. If you will not
take my word for it, come with me ; but I should think "
" Yery well—it is all right—I was only joking. Rowson
and myself, then, are to lead off the dance. Good gracious !
what an uproar it will create in the settlement! Only let us
have four-and -twenty hours' start, and all Arkansas wont
find the animals again. Rowson has hit upon an excellent
plan. Above all things, don't forget the place, near Hoswell's
canoe. On the appointed evening, it will be your care,
Weston, to keep your horses in that dilapidated cot on the
Horsecreek. Leave as few tracks as possible. You know
well enough how to manage that cleverly."
"Where shall I have to wait in the meantime?" Cotton
inquired. " I should not like to remain idle long. Oh, I
know, I can go and pay Atkins a visit; and I can rest
there a little."
" There is game enough in that part of the country, so
you will not stand in want of meat," said Johnson.
" How about the Regulators ?"
" They may go. to the devil. They will never get scent;
the opportunity will have passed away, and with all their
wisdom they will have wasted their time. Ho doubt there
will afterwards be a great stir in this part of the county."
108
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" If my plan succeeds," said Rowson, " the Regulators will
not be in a position to do us much harm ; they will run
upon a false scent, and if one of those dogs goes wrong, the
whole pack will follow, yelping and making a great outcry.
It would be a capital joke to make fools of them, more par-
ticularly that swaggering fellow Heathcott."
"Well, we will do our best; but when do you mean to
break up V
"At once," cried Johnson; "the sooner it is done, the
better. The Regulators are beginning to hold their meetings
again, and if the whole county is once fairly aroused by that
cursed Heathcott and his fellows, it will then be much too
late for us to begin our business."
" At any rate, I must call once more upon Roberts before
anything is done," said Rowson, " and that shall be this very
morning. It wont take me out of my way at all. Johnson,
in the meanwhile, can go across the wood, and we will meet
again at the sources of the Cypress-brook, near the spot on
which the red beech-tree stands."
" We are to lead the way then V Johnson observed.
" Of course," replied Rowson ; " that is to say, there ; but
not back again."
" No, I hope not," observed Cotton ; " and now, boys,
good-bye. I will hasten to my work."
"When will you be at the place of meeting?" asked
Weston. " I should not like to stay long in that part with
the horses."
" At any rate, I shall not be there before Friday evening,"
replied Rowson; " that is, if no obstacle upsets our plans.
We cannot reach the place on foot before Thursday evening;
and if we do not then find an easy opportunity, we shall no
doubt be detained as late as Saturday. I hope, however, that
everything will run smoothly; and then on .Friday evening
we shall be at the appointed place. In that case I hope to
see you again soon."
" Good-bye," said Cotton and Weston, disappearing amongst
the bushes.
Rowson followed them with his eyes for some time, and
then said to his companion, with a shake of his head—
" Johnson, this must be the last time that we undertake
anything in concert with that feliosv Cotton. The people at
HONOTTE AMONGST THIEVES.
109
the island do not wish to have anything to do with hini.
They have discovered that he is addicted to drink, and when
in that state he lets out all sorts of dangerous things, and is
apt to be quarrelsome."
" That young fellow Weston is not much more to my taste,"
replied Johnson ; " I believe that if he finds himself in a
scrape one of these days he will blab. I do not trust him."
Let us hope that his discretion will not be put to trial,"
Rowson observed, very gravely. " Who knows what any of
us would do in such a case? There must be something very
tempting in the idea of being able to save one's own skin by
sacrificing that of a few others. With us two the case is of
course different; I do not think that a certain person's evi-
dence would do either of us much good, and where "
" The less we say about that the better," J ohnson observed
very quietly, looking at the priming of his gun. " Where
shall we find the horses ?"
At Fulweal's—Weston knows that already, and will be
there to fetch them."
"Well, then, you may go straight to the county road,
and follow it. I will keep in the wood. It is better we
should not be seen together."
" Good luck to you, till we meet again."
" Thank you—the same to you."
Rowson reached the place where his horse was fastened,
mounted quickly, and trotted towards the road. On reach-
ing this he gave his horse the rein, and the animal galloped
along, until his owner saw from afar the bright roof of a
peaceful dwelling, where his sweetheart lived. He imme-
diately checked the speed of the animal, approached the
house at a quieter pace, and dismounted at the door. Although
received by Mrs. Roberts with joy, and by Marion with
kindness, he did not stay long with them, but told them
that he had merely come to say good-bye for a few days,
being partly induced by his calling to travel over the
northern part of the county, in order to preach the word ;
and partly compelled by private business to go to the
Arkansas river, in order to receive a portion of the money
which he expected.
" Soon, my dear Marion," he exclaimed, taking the hand
of the girl tenderly, while she turned rather pale; " soon
H
110
THE FEATHEEED AEEOW.
the most ardent wish of my soul will be gratified; and we
shall, by the help of Heaven, have one home. It'is not good
for man to be alone. The wandering life I now lead does
not suit my health; moreover, from being so much on horse-
back, I am often compelled to seek shelter in places in
which I would rather not be seen."
" The men of Arkansas," whispered Marion, " like to sleep
in the open air. Does Mr. Kowson object to that V
" Oh no, dear Marion ; but it does not agree with me. I
have passed the years of early youth, and need not look for
difficulties and hardships any one can avoid. But farewell,
dear child, may Heaven take you under its protection!
Before we separate let us once more pray that our exertions
may meet with a blessing."
Having said this, Bowson brought forth his little black-
bound prayer-book, which he always kept in his pocket, and
began praying in a loud voice. The women knelt down;
but Marion's thoughts carried her far, far away. She did
not listen to the rough voice of the preacher, who seemed to
repeat the phrases from his prayer-book with as much
feeling as the organ-grinder listens to his own tunes. Her
gaze was fixed upon the' blue dome of heaven; and while
her lips touched her small and delicate fingers, her heart
communed with her Creator.
" Bub the horses down a little; in another hour I must
start again," said Boberts, outside, to the negro. " Come in
a moment, Harper, and rest yourself. What do you want at
home now 1 Come, I am tired myself, and long for a little
repose. But—halloo !—there is another prayer-meeting," he
continued, in an undertone, turning to his friend; "the
deuce take that preacher! That man cannot find anything
in the world to do but to walk upon his knees; I wonder
whether this is really pleasing to Heaven ! Tom, go and get
us tAvo chairs out of the house," he continued, in a louder
voice, addressing the negro, who was busily engaged removing
the saddles from the horses.
Bowson, who had heard the noise made by the arrival of
the two men, finished his prayers earlier than he had in-
tended, and just as the negro boy entered the room, the
ceremony terminated. Boberts and Harper entered Avithout
any more ado.
ACCUSATIONS.
Ill
" Good morning, ladies," said Harper. He looked pale
and exhausted; his eyes were sunk in their sockets, his
knees could hardly "bear the weight of his body, and he sank
back into a chair.
" Mr. Harper, what in Heaven's name is the matter with
you f
"Nothing; I think it will soon pass away. May I ask
you to give me a glass of water ?"
Marion took the pumpkin which lay near the water-
bucket, and handed it to the old man.
" A murder has been committed," said Roberts, drawing
his chair to the chimney. " A murder—a horrible murder !
—Heathcott has been killed."
" Heathcott !" cried Rowson, looking up with amazement.
" Heathcott ! who told you so f
" I saw his corpse myself," said Roberts. " Brown killed
him. What is the matter with that girl ? Marion, non-
sense ! Why need she faint away at hearing of a murder 1
—it is not the first by a good many she has heard of."
Harper approached him as he was speaking, and said—
"Do not mention the money; let us first see whether we
cannot find some trace of the other criminal."
" Do not fear," replied Roberts; " I feel certain that on
that score Brown is quite innocent."
Rowson stood still for some moments, as if absorbed by
pious and reverential thoughts. At last he raised his eyes
with a sigh, and said—" It is horrible !—horrible !—that one
50 young should be both a murderer and a robber already."
" A robber i" exclaimed Harper, starting up wildly.
" Did not Heathcott mention here that he carried a large
sum of money about with him 1 Do you believe his mur-
derer has buried the money with the body ?"
Marion looked anxiously at her father, as if expecting him
to make some reply. But Roberts was silent, and remained
gazing silently into the chimney fire.
" Heathcott was a sinful man," continued Rowson; " and
it is horrible that he should die thus—perish in his sins—
it is indeed terrible ! Where was the awful deed com-
mitted, Mr. Roberts?'
"We found the traces at the Petite-Jeanne, and Assowauin
brought up the body out of the river."
h 2
112
THE PEATHEKEH^XEWvv.
The preacher was silent for several minutes, and, lost in
thought, gazed upon the ground. Then he rose suddenly,
and with his eye fixed upon Roberts asked—" But how do
you know that Brown is the murderer ?"
"He was seen that very morning in that part of the
country," Roberts replied, with a sigh; " and two were con-
cerned in the murder. Moreover, Brown had a quarrel
with the murdered man the day before the deed was com-
mitted, and on that occasion Heathcott breathed terrible
threats against him."
" Shameful!—infamous !" exclaimed Rowson, in pious in-
dignation. "I will go myself to the Petite-Jeanne; per-
haps the murderer may yet be caught."
" It was on your account, Mr. Rowson, that the unhappy
young man commenced the quarrel with him who is now
dead," said Marion, looking steadfastly at her intended.
"You, therefore, least of all, should judge him rashly or
hastily."
" Marion !" exclaimed her mother, annoyed at the bold-
ness of one generally so quiet. " Max-ion, how dare
you r
"Let the child alone, sister Roberts," l-eplied Rowson,
mildly; " she judges according to outward appearances. Bo
not blame her; God alone sees the heart, and can probe it."
" It -would not do you much good even if you were to
catch my nephew," said Harper, rising angrily. "We are all
ready to swear to the threats Heathcott poured forth against
him. A jury would and must give a verdict of not guilty.
Besides, be is to return in a week, and then he will defend
himself."
" He will return ?" asked Rowson, quickly.
" Heaven be praised! then he is innocent !" exclaimed
Marion, in the joy of her heart.
" Miss Marion seems to take gi-eat interest in that young
man," Rowson observed.
" In every innocent person," replied the young girl, blush-
ing slightly at the eagerness with which she had advocated
the young man's cause.
" That is good and proper," replied the preacher, kindly.
" May the Lord bless you for it, my dear child, and preserve
you in your pious belief. You have not had such bitter
painful misgivings.
113
experience as we have; and Heaven grant tnat you never
may." _
Having said this, Rowson stepped up to Mrs. Roberts,
whispered something in her ear, kissed his intended respect-
fully upon her forehead, and followed Roberts and Harper,
who, after saying farewell, had mounted their horses again.
Rowson got upon his little fiery pony, and rode slowly
down the large road, which led through the fields of maize
to a narrower path. The latter ran in a north-westerly
direction towards the Arkansas river.
" Mother," said Marion, after a painful pause, when they
were once more alone—" Mother, I cannot love that man.
My heart knows nothing of that affection which I should
have to promise at the altar."
" Child !" exclaimed the matron in amazement, seizing her
daughter by the hand, " say your prayers ; nothing in the
world has so good an effect as a fervent prayer when the tempter
approaches. You know that we have both given our word to
Mr. Rowson. You know that all his happiness is bound up
in you; and at the side of such a pious man you will surely
attain that purity of soul, of which you now stand in so much
need. Mr. Rowson, as he just told me, entertains strong
hopes of getting his affairs in order before the appointed
period, and in a fortnight the wedding can take place. Be duti-
ful as you have always been, and you will be as happy as
you deserve."
At these words Marion fell upon her mother's breast, and
wept bitterly.
CHAPTER X.
ELECTION OP A SHERIFF AT PETTYVILLE—THE PURSUERS UPON THE
RIGHT TRACK.
It was election day at Pettyville. A sheriff and clerk were
to be appointed for the county, and three candidates had
already come forward for the first, and two for the second of
these appointments. One was a thriving farmer from the
neighbourhood, Kowler by name, who had made himself
very agreeable to the electors by giving them a dinner on
114
THE EEATHERED ARBOW.
the 4th of July, the anniversary of the declaration of
American independence. He always carried a small flask of
whisky in one pocket and a piece of tobacco for chewing in
the other, and he was said tobe very liberal with both of them
wherever there was the least chance of getting a vote. The
second was a German who had resided many years in America,
and kept a store a little higher up the river. The third was
a farmer belonging to Arkansas—one who had before filled
the office, but had not been re-elected, because he drank
rather more freely than even his very indulgent fellow-
citizens deemed proper. Three times a week they would
allow him to indulge, but every day seemed to them too
much. It was, however, pretended that he had reformed,
and accordingly many votes were promised to him. Vattel,
such was his name, was a very good-natured sort of a fellow,
who enjoyed his joke, never got angry at a trick played upon
him, and also knew how to support the dignity of his office
in case of need.
Two o'clock had been fixed upon for the commencement
of the polling, and the farmers and hunters who had already
arrived, and were assembled round the little hut, where a
table was set out covered with writing materials, passed the
time as well as they could. It was one of the ordinary kind of
log-houses, with a bed in one corner and a table in another.
Rifles hung from the walls. On all the nails, or rather pegs
(for there was not much iron in the house), pouches and
powder-horns were suspended. Several backwoodsmen were
reclining, some on blankets, some on the rough deals, con-
versing with great animation on affairs relating to pasture,
hunting, and the gold-diggings that had then been recently
discovered in the hills of the Fourche-la-Fave.
The most characteristic group consisted of several men
reclining near the bed. Upon it, his left foot touching the
ground, sat the long lean figure of a man, in a rather old
light blue frock-coat of worsted stuff. The back was, how-
ever, made of quite a different material from that of which
the sleeves and collar were composed. On his head he
wore an old felt hat, with holes cut in three different places
for purposes of ventilation. A similar experiment had been
tried upon his shoes, though the cutting operation appeared
to have been made not so much on account of fresh air as
JM.US1U HATH. UnAJtUVLS.
115
of corns; and his trousers, fastened round his knees by
sundry leathern straps, looked as variegated as a map of the
United States, of which it was Robin's proud boast to be a
free-born citizen. An old dilapidated leathern pouch hung at
his right side, and a very little knife with a wooden handle
was stuck in his belt, by which the aforesaid trousers were
prevented from separating themselves entirely from a body
to which they seemed to have taken so strong an aversion.
Notwithstanding his very independent exterior—if the
word independent may be used with regard to a man who
seemed to hold everything by a very frail tenure—he
appeared to sit quite comfortably on his by no means
easy seat, and struck the cords of a violin in so rough a
manner, that the dogs, which were sunning themselves out-
side the hut, got up in dismay, evidently in a dilemma
whether to leave the good sunny place, or to listen to the
screaming noise any longer. The men in the interior of
the hut did not care about the ear-distressing sounds. They
chatted and laughed, and did not pay any attention to the
player. To this there was, however, one exception, and
that was a young farmer, who, with all the signs of greatest
ease and comfort, lay stretched at full length on the bed,
with his feet towards the player. He seemed to take a
particular interest in the musical performance of the artist,
who, on his side, was quite absorbed by his intense exertions.
This strange auditor followed the tune by whistling to it,
though in quite a different key. The player confined his
efforts to one and the same air, and had played it over
and over again for the fiftieth time; when even his patient
auditor grew tired of it, and giving this second Paganini a
gentle knock with his foot, in order to be sure of attracting
his attention, exclaimed—
" It is too bad, Robin. I have been lying here half-an-
hour, and am compelled to keep whistling the same tune.
Do you know nothing else 1 Well, that's right. 'Yankee
Doodle !'"—and, falling back upon his cushion, he began
whistling the new tune with all his might.
" What is the last news about the dead body ?•" asked a
farmer from the mouth of the Fourche-la-Fave. "I have
heard nothing more about it."
"Well, nothing further has been done," replied another.
116
THE PEATHEKEH ABEOW.
" The men who found it covered it over with branches, and.
then all of us went out to endeavour to discover the trail
in order to detect the other fellow who had a hand in the
game. But you know that there was such a dreadful rain
in the afternoon, that nothing further could be done."
" Then it was Brown, after all, who shot him V
" Certainly," said the justice of the peace, joining the
group. " That is plain enough. "Who could put up with
such horrid threats ? I should like to find out who his
accomplice was. That fellow, at least, had no provocation,
and one really does not know who it could be."
" The Indian did a very capital thing in diving as he did,
and hooking out the dead body. I don't know how much
they would have had to give me, in order to induce me.to
do such a thing."
" Those Bed-skins are accustomed to such work. Had it
not been for him we should never have found out who the
victim was, for nobody would have guessed Heathcott."
" If the Indian had not behaved so well in the matter, I
should have suspected him," said the judge. " Brown and the
Bed-skin are hand and glove together. In this case, however,
it' seems that they could not have been confederates, or
Assowaum would have taken care not to bring up the dead
body from the bottom of the river; for by so doing he
would have raised a witness against himself and his
friend."
" Have the Begulators chosen another leader yet 1"
"They were to meet last Sunday at Bourth's to talk
everything over. It appears they have found some tracks in
this neighbourhood."
" I wonder whether it is true that Heathcott was robbed
as well as murdered ?"
" He had some money with him that morning, that much
I know," said Cook, the man reclining upon the bed, who
left off whistling for a minute. " Money he had, I am sure.
He carried it in a little red leathern pocket-book, fastened
inside his hunting-shirt. It was not found on the body,
of course—the murderers had taken care of it."
" Brown had nothing to do with the theft, I will swear to
that," said the judge. "I believe Brown to be an honest
fellow; and I am rather astonished that he should seek
A QUESTION OE SCHOI-AESITIT
117
any assistance in putting that boasting fellow out of the
way."
" Robin," said Cook from, the bed, turning partly round
and giving his friend another knock with his foot—" Robin, if
you do not soon leave off your 'Yankee Doodle,' I shall really
fetch the dogs in to help you. Do you know nothing but
these two pieces ?"
Robin commenced playing "Washington's March," and
Cook was quiet again.
" Gentlemen," the judge exclaimed, " it is now time for
us to begin—it must be two o'clock. We want a secretary;
who amongst the present company can serve as such 1 You,
Cook, eh ? You can write ?"
"Yes, my own name, but as I am not on the list of can-
didates it would hardly be worth my while to exercise my
knowledge."
" Smith, you then ? or Hopper, or Moor? What the deuce!
can none of you keep a register ?"
" There comes Hecker, the German—he can write," said
Robin, pointing with his bow to the open door.
"Here ! Hecker," cried the judge, "have you an hour to
spare to keep our election list ?"
" Yes, two or three," replied the new comer, stepping in the
doorway. " I only wish to be at the salt-pool on the other
side of the mountain by dark. If I leave here at five I shall
be able to get there in good tinje."
" Well, then, put your rifle in the corner. Is it loaded ?"
" Do you think I would carry an empty reed about with
me ?"
"Well, put it in a place of safety. I am always afraid of
these accursed things doing some harm."
Hecker, a young German, as any one might perceive from
his appearance, gained a living in that part of the country by
the chase. He took from its sheath his large and broad
hunting-knife, which incommoded him in sitting, put it down
on the table before him, and said to Smith, who sat near him,
"Is it quite impossible to induce either Robin or Cook
to cease that horrible music of theirs ? The dogs will
certainly get sick of it."
"It would be rather difficult," the other replied, laughing;
" they both of them believe it to be first-rate. Hallo, there
118
THE rEATHEB.EE ABBOW,
comes Wells ! what can bring him here ? He does not care
about elections."
" He has been killing wolves," exclaimed the judge. " Well
done, Wells, that is good of you—the animals do harm
enough."
" Good evening to all," said the hunter, stepping into the
cottage and throwing the wolves' heads on the table. " Good
evening, judge; there—give me the certificate,* or rather
buy them of me : for I have not manv taxes to pay that
I know of."
Wells was a slender, well-made man, with grey lively eyes.
In other respects he was much more like an Indian than
a white man, and many declared that there was as much
of the former as of the latter in his veins. His dress also
resembled that worn by the half-eivilized red race of the
wilderness. Like them, he walked bare-headed, his long
black glossy hair flowing round his shoulders. When the
weather was very bad he bound a strip of bark round his
temples in order to tie it up. Strange and romantic tales
were told of his mode of life, especially in latter years,
which he had spent chiefly in Texas. At the time of which he
is introduced to our readers, he was living quietly and upon
a well-cultivated farm, which, with the aid of his two sons,
lads of eleven and nine years of age, he farmed. He only
worked in the summer, and then only during the few weeks
of planting time. The rest of the year he followed the
chase, and set traps for the denizens of the forest, more
particularly wolves. Otherwise he was a harmless kind of a
fellow, and- a favourite in all the country on account of his
friendly, though rather rude disposition, as well as of his
unlimited hospitality.
" Listen, Weils," said Hecker, laughing, wiping off with
his sleeve the wolf's blood from the sheet of paper; " if
you do not mind particularly, you may as well put these wet
things under the table; it will enable one to write more
comfortably."
" Oh, I have dirtied the paper, have I ? I am really very
sorry. Well, you can write upon it for all that; it is only
* In Arkansas three dollars premium is given for every wolf's head.
This is not, however, paid in cash, hut by a certificate, which is received
in lieu of money in liquidation ot taxes.
THE ELECTION PROCEEDS,
119
that corner that is soiled. Here, judge, three times three
make nine."
"Yes; nine dollars for three 'wolves' heads; that is just
enough. But you must first swear that you have killed them
yourself, and in this county."
" I cannot do that, then; for I only caught them, and my
dogs worried them to death."
" It is all the same, whether they were killed by your own
hand, by your dogs, or by your traps; swear to that."
" Well, I will be hanged if it is not true."
"How, really," exclaimed Cook, from the bed, giving
-Robin another knock with his foot, "that deserves the
4 Yankee Doodle.'"
"My dear Wells," said the judge, smiling, "that is not
the regular kind of oath. But the clerk will see to the
matter. At present we must attend to our election. Hec-
ker, you will write; and who are my two fellow-committee-
men?—aha !—Smith and Hawkes—sit down; we can begin
now."
"What is the day of the month?" asked Hecker.
" The twenty-seventh."
" And what day of the week ?"
" Well, bless me, don't you know that? It is Friday."
" By dwelling in the forest a few weeks one soon loses, all
calculation with respect to these things," said Hecker. " I
thought it was Sunday."
One of the farmers now stepped forward. Hecker wrote
down the name.
" Good evening, Heslaw; he does not require any par-
ticular proof of qualification, does he ?"
"Ho; not he."
"For whom do you vote as sheriff?"
" Vattel."
" And as clerk ?"
" Hopper."
" Bobin, pray stop that noise," said the judge, somewhat
impatiently; " it sounds frightfully."
" I have no resin," said Bobin, quietly, and without dis-
turbing himself. " Smith, just reach under the table, if you
please; on one of its legs hangs a little leather pouch; there
must be some in it."
120
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Oh, you had better give up your fiddling altogether; it
makes one's head ache."
"You may keep your ears shut if you don't want to hear
it. The deuce take you !" said Robin, quite incensed, leaving
the room in anger.
"Your name?" asked Smith of another who approached
the table in order to vote.
" Cattlin."
" How long have you been in the State ?"*
" Seven months."
" And how long in the county ?"
" Eight weeks."
" Can you swear to these assertions ?"
" Oh, yes."
" Take his oath, clerk."
The formula was repeated to the voter in a rapid manner,
and he was at the same time presented with the Bible to
kiss. The cerpmony ended with the usual and solemn " So
help you God."
" He stands very much in need of his aid," said Cook,
yawning, and turning round on the bed.
The election went on thus, at certain intervals, for about
two hours. All present had recorded their votes; and
the two clerks were just about closing the register by ap-
pending their own names, when the crowd outside announced
old Bahrens, who came trotting along on his little pony.
"Just in time, gentlemen," he exclaimed, stepping into
the room. "Just in time! Hurrah for Yattel ! That's
the man, boys ! True enough, he takes his glass some-
times; but there is no harm in that; and he soon is all
right again. Write down Yattel, I say."
" It was high time you came, Bahrens," observed Hecker.
"I was just going; it is past five o'clock, and I have got
half an hour's walk."
" Where are you bound ?"
" To the nearest salt-pool. Will you go with me ?"
" Oh, the deuce take your salt-pool! We will remain
here together; is it not so, boys ? This evening we will
have a spree. I sha'n't go home until—until I can no longer
* In order to be entitled to vote, a residence of six months in the State,
and of six weeks in the county, is required.
THE EAGLE AND THE EEL.
121
walk; and then I shall be more likely than ever to stay
where I am."
" That is right, Balirens," said Cook, who had stepped to the
table ; " that's what I like. I have brought two deer-skins;
we will turn them into drink. We' can't have a dry election.
Haven't you shot anything V
" 11 no ! But I witnessed a chase this afternoon which
has taken all the pleasure of shooting out of me. Stop,
Hecker, that story you must hear; you will still be in time
for your precious salt-pool. Besides, you are certain not to
shoot anything."
" Well, what was it T
" You mean that I have just seen 1 Only think. About an
hour ago I came to the Fourche-la-Fave, up there where the
steep cliffs are. I saw an eagle flying in circles over the
water. I stood still, and got ready for a shot, for I thought
he might come within reach of my gun; and when they
hover in the air, beating it with their wings, one can get a
pretty good aim. All at once, down comes the eagle like
lightning, beats the water for a moment with his large
wings, then rises again with an eel in his beak."
"Well, there is nothing wonderful in that. I have seen
that often."
" Stop; don't be in such a hurry, you gentleman from the
other side of the great water. Let me finish, if you please,
and you will then perceive whether this is a wonderful thing
or not. I grant that it is - not very extraordinary that an
eagle should catch an eel; and if one is always either out in
the forest, or hanging about the rivers and lakes, one may
witness the same often enough. But listen. The eagle rose
higher and higher, taking the eel with it, which it at last
swallowed. Now, thought I, the matter is done with, so I
put down the hammer of my rifle, and shouldered it ; when
all of a sudden—upon my word, it is true—the eel again
appeared out of the eagle's beak. The latter did not at first
observe this ; but on catching sight of its prey, it went im-
mediately in pursuit—you may well look astonished—and
before the fish could reach the water, had caught it again."
" Bahrens !" exclaimed the judge, interposing.
" You think that's all V the other continued, not heeding
the interruption. " The eel and the eagle did not agree
122
THE EEATHEBED AEEOW.
with, each other very well. As soon as the latter thought
he had fairly swallowed his slippery prey, it made its escape,
and "
" And what was the end of all this ?" asked Hecker,
laughing.
" What was the end 1 Do you think I have nothing else
to do but to watch such goings on all the afternoon, and to
endeavour to ascertain whether an eagle can digest an eel ?
I left them at the struggle, and came away."
" May I go now ?" Hecker inquired, slyly.
" Go—if you like—with your sneering face. How, boys,
who will fetch some whisky ? I don't like sitting down
in the store over there; it is not comfortable. Hecker,
come and take a good draught, for watching near a salt-
pool the whole night is no joke. Upon my word, I can
never manage to shoot deer in broad daylight. I shall give
up the attempt soon. Staying out in the wood during the
night, with a fire at hand at which I may not even warm
myself, is rather disagreeable. To be always in fear of falling
asleep, and of letting my fire go out in the meantime, while
some stag comes to the salt-pool and hears me snoring—that
is not exactly to my taste. Well, I wont hinder you ; you
may have your own way. I shall not nurse you, if you fall
ill; but stop—wait and hear how I fared once at a salt-pool
in Texas."
" Be quick about it," said Hecker, shouldering his rifle.
" I should not like to lose any time."
" It would indeed be a pity. If you should happen to escape
the thunderstorm which is rising over yonder, you would
no doubt regret it. But listen. I was out one night—at
that time I was just such another fool as Hecker is now, and
used to stay out day and night, with my rifle, watching at
some salt-pool. There was plenty of game in the neigh-
bourhood, and I went to the place somewhat early, as I was
anxious to get together a fair number of skins by night.
Before daybreak, I was crouching down near a good lump
of pine-wood, under a hastily-constructed shelter. All at
once, and at no great distance, I heard a horrible noise and
outcry, as if several thousands of panthers had set up a howl
in the wood. In fact, instead of hearing the noise, I
might, perhaps, with more accuracy say I felt it, and—but I
EBAWIHG THE EOHG-BOW.
123
must first observe that I was about a mile from a large
cotton-field in a very low, swampy part of the country. To
return to my story. Before I had recovered my senses, it
flew past, and came down upon me like a thunderstorm.
"What do you think it was ?"
" It would be impossible to guess."
" Why, wild geese ; there were some thousands, to speak
within bounds. They broke down my tent, put out the fire I
had only just before succeeded in lighting with the greatest
difficulty, and did not seem to pay more attention to me than
if I had never existed. I was not idle; I took out my hunting-
knife, and began to lay about me right and left. Those
nearest to me perceived that they had made a mistake. It
was, however, too late, for before they had fairly recovered
from their fright, and could utter a cry of alarm, I had deci-
mated them. When the remainder of the flock flew away,
I counted fifty-one geese, and fifty-eight heads whidi had
been left behind."
" What! seven heads more than bodies ? where then were
the geese ?"
" Those to which the heads belonged ? I found them on
the morrow. They had come in so close together, that the
dead birds had been carried with the living a good way—
that is to say, about five hundred paces. Good night, Hecker!
good night! How that fellow runs! and how he throws his
legs about!"
"Bahrens, you are still the same," said the judge, laughing.
"You talk nothing but nonsense, and you can draw the
long-bow still."
"What's the use of my telling a story if you do not believe
a word of it? what do you keep your mouths open for?
Here comes the whisky at last."
" It arrives very opportunely just after Bahrens's story,"
said Curtis. " I should like to tell you what happened to me
last night. It is true, upon my word, and you need not
grin, Bahrens."
"How do I ever make excuses and apologies before com-
mencing my stories? Ho, that only creates suspicion," said
Bahrens, with a nod of his head.
"You do not stand in need of such aids," the judge observed,
laughing; "all comes the same to you; but go on, CurBs, go
124
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
on, and be so kind as to leave a drop of that stuff in tlie
tumbler."
"Yesterday evening I was over at the Petite-Jeanne," Curtis
began, " looking after the pigs, of which Bahrens told us a
short time since—the very animals, indeed, we were in pur-
suit of when we discovered the body. Well, I kept crawling
about the bush all day, and I saw plainly enough where they
had been rubbing up the ground, but I could not find
any of them. At last, towards evening, when it was
growing dark, I caught a glimpse of some light object in a
little papao thicket, and it turned out to be the old sow with
her pigs. I only saw ten, Bahrens, although you spoke of
eleven j perhaps the bears have taken one. Having ascer-
tained that she really bore father's mark on her ears—a hole
in the right, and a slash in the left one—I let them alone, not
wishing to disturb them, more especially as nothing could be
done with them that evening; I threw them some Indian
corn which I had brought in my pouch, and I looked about
for some comfortable resting-place.
" I never could bear the Petite-Jeanne swamp, it is so wet
and disagreeable. Mosquitoes abound there ; one can scarcely
see through the swarms. After a long search I found a dry
place, lighted a fire, wrapped myself in my blanket, and laid
down. I had not taken the dogs with me, because I did not
wish to frighten the pigs, nor had I any intention of hunting.
Being regularly tired out, I soon fell asleep. How long I
may have slept I do not know, for the trees stood so thick
that I could hardly catch a glimpse of a few stars between
the branches. All at once I awoke, and I fancied that some-
thing was creeping about me. I listened long and atten-
tively, cocked my rifle and drew it near me, but as I could
hear nothing further, I at last felt persuaded that I had been
th-eaming, and I laid down again. I could not, however, get
rid of the strange feeling, and not having my dog, I was by no
means in a very agreeable situation, more especially if by
chance an old panther should have tried to give me a hug. just
as one did Dissolt not long ago on the Washita. Half asleep,
half awake, I lay listening for the slightest noise; when,
suddenly, I thought that I heard the same sounds again. I
took the handkerchief from my face very quietly, and I
fancied I heard some one breathing hard very near, and
ATT UNSEEN ENEMY.
125
the next moment I felt the hot breath of some living being
upon my face. By the dim light I perceived a black object
bending over me; and what with fright and surprise, I
really remained motionless for several seconds. It could
not be a panther, that much I knew; for that animal would
have taken my life long before. I could not form any dis-
tinct idea; I did not even remember the knife in my belt,
which would at least have enabled me to make some kind of
defence'. There I lay motionless like a dead man, keeping my
eye fixed upon the dark object just above me, whose brilliant
eye I could distinguish even through the gloom. I am not
generally easily frightened. But here I was, like one
charmed, and so powerless, I must have fallen a prey to
any animal that might have wished to have a taste of my
flesh."
"Well, what was it, after all?" the group inquired with
one voice.
"All of a sudden I again caught a glimpse of the stars
above me, and no longer felt the hot breath. Soon after,
I heard the steps of my visitor retiring in the distance. It
was evident that he had left me, and I breathed as freely as
if I had risen from the dead."
" Did your fire still burn V
" Only very faintly, as the wood I had got the evening
before was not quite dry."
" What did you do afterwards ?"
" I do not remember all the particulars. At first I thought
of getting up and stirring the fire ; then I wanted to draw
my knife from its sheath, and put it at my side, or keep it
in my hands; then I wished to lean my back against a
tree. I do not know how it was, but I did none of these
things; I fell asleep again, and when I awoke it was bright
day."
"That is strange," said the judge; "what could your
visitor have been ? Did you not look for the tracks ?"
" Strange /" Bahrens muttered. " I should have told that
story, and you would have declared that it was nonsense
and lies: another tells it, and it is merely strange."
" Of course I looked for the tracks," replied Curtis, " but
I did not discover anything ; the ground was dry, and the
leaves lay very thick. At some distance from the spot I
I
126
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
came upon the tracks of an uncommonly large bear, and that
must have been my nocturnal friend."
" That is just what those beasts do," said Smith, laughing;
" I know it by experience; for, two years ago, I kept a tame
bear. Several times he rose in the middle of the night,
came to my couch, and looked straight into my face. They
are funny animals, those bears."
" That reminds me, Curtis," said the judge, "you promised
to catch a young bear for me this spring ; my wife very much
wants to have one. Don't you intend to do it ? or is the
season past ?"
"Yes, it is indeed too late; in May the little wretches
run as fast as horses. For six weeks in February and March
I watched on that errand; I even went over twice to the
mountains, to look in some holes I know, but could find
none. I should like to have a little tame Bruin myself,
they are so amusing."
" Nonsense," said Bahrens; " they soon grow clumsy.
The first year they throw the vessels and earthen-ware from
the shelves, draw the cloth off the table with everything
upon it, upset the beehives, bite the pigs, and injure the
peach-trees. No—I don't like young bears. There are many
other animals that are less mischievous, and afford quite as
much amusement. When I was in North Carolina, I once
had a tame herring which used to follow me all over the
house."
" Stop, Bahrens—don't go on too fast!" the judge observed,
laughing. " A herring upon dry land ! how did it manage
to live ?"
" Live !" exclaimed the old hunter, eagerly. " Live ! an
animal gets accustomed to anything; when young, it had
been cast upon a sand-bank, and had never seen water again.
It only wanted to have fresh sand given it every day. I
have a little pig," exclaimed Bahrens, without waiting for
any more objections. " A strange thing—and yet by no
2;;3ans uncommon—it is spotted like a fawn; and its little
tail is so curiously twisted, that for the last three weeks it
has not placed its hind legs upon the ground."
" Hurrah for Bahrens !" exclaimed Curtis.
" I very nearly caught a cub for you the day before yester-
day, judge," said Cook, drawing his chair nearer to the table.
ADYEimTKE WITH A BEAK.
127
"Hallo, Eastley, bring in some pine-wood, or dry chips.
The room is getting very dark, and I cannot see whether I
have anything left in my tumbler or not."
" Where did that happen ?" asked the judge.
" I was going to Lewisburg, and crossing the open plain,
about eight or nine miles distant; it is a little kind of
prairie; well—I was just riding across, when on the left,
in the dry bed of a little river, I saw an old female bear,
which was searching for worms with her cub—she had but
one. My rifle was upon my shoulder, but not charged, for
I was on my way to Lewisburg to have it repaired. I
stopped my horse for a minute, rather puzzled what to do. I
hardly thought it worth while to ride back in order to get
another rifle, for the nearest house was not less than four
miles distant, and who knows where the she-bear would
have been by that time? I put my rifle against a tree,
and resolved to have a bit of fun. I wanted to see for
once what the old one would do when she caught sight of
me. I rode cautiously through the bushes, which were not
very thick, went straight on, and as the leaves were dry
and did not rustle, and the two animals were so much occu-
pied with their entomological researches, neither of them
observed my approach until, when within ten paces, my pony
caught scent of them, and neighed. Like lightning the old
animal started up, and, forgetting everything else, made for
a noble oak, caught hold of a branch with her fore-paw, and
prepared to climb. I was close upon her heels, for when she
stopped, my little horse, accustomed to such things, jumped
over the trunk of a tree which was lying in the way, and
almost touched the animal with his nose. You should
have seen the old one run. Bless me ! how she did scamper
away when she heard my hunting-shout!"
" But what became of the cub ?"
"Listen, and you shall hear. The thought suddenly
struck me that, if the old animal left her young one in such,
a cowardly manner, I might perhaps be able to catch it, as
it was a very young thing—it was about the middle of
March. I immediately tried to put my project into execu-
tion. I turned my animal round, which did not seem at all
anxious to give up the pursuit, and went after the cub. It
had remained sitting behind the trunk, scratching the
128
THE FEATHJbJKJiH AKHOW.
ground. As soon as it saw me, it ran off with all its might.
Of course it could not keep pace with my horse. I soon
overtook it and cut off its retreat, and, uttering cries of
terror, it sought refuge behind the trunk of a tree. I was
just going to jump from the saddle, in order to seize my
pi'ize, when I heard a roar, and up came the old animal,
with ears laid back and open mouth, its red tongue hanging
out. I brought my little pony round in a twinkle, and,
like a flash of lightning I disappeared in the bushes, with
the old one at my br.,fe. I should have stood but a poor
chance, for I had no other weapon but a little scalping-
knife with me; and so I was glad enough to escape, after
a very sharp run. The old one went off with her cub
at last."
"That is what always happens when one has no gun,
or when it is not loaded," said Smith. " I, too, once
But, hark ! was not that the report of a gun ?"
"Yes; I believe I heard a shot. It must have been
Hecker. Nobody has been to that salt-pool for some time,
and I should not wonder if he got more than one shot to-
night."
"No more should I," continued Smith. "I met with a
similar adventure in an orchard; you know the place, Cook,
up there on the Arkansas."
"Hallo, there, in the house !" a voice before the door ex-
claimed suddenly, and all the dogs began to bark.
" Somebody calls," said the judge.
"Hallo, there, in the house !" repeated the voice outside,
and this time in such loud tones as to drown even the bark-
ing and howling of the dogs.
" Hallo, out there ! what is the matter V
"Bring a candle, will you ?"
" Who is there ?"
" Harfield, from Spring-creek, and friends. Have you any
pine-wood to spare, or a few pounds of wax to make large
candles with ?"
" Yes," exclaimed Eastley; "I have plenty of pine-wood,
but no wax. It wants splitting, though. So your best plan
will be to dismount and come in. Quiet, dogs !"
" Harfield! what the deuce brings you here in the middle
of the night V exclaimed the judge, who, followed by Cook.
A HOT PURSUIT.
129
had stepped in the doorway. " Whom have you brought
with you here ?"
" Friends from the Spring-creek," replied the new-comer.
Having exchanged some words with his companions, they
dismounted and entered the house.
" Good evening, gentlemen. Do any of you know the
fords of the Fourche-la-Fave, and would you be willing to
act as our guide for a few hours V
" What is the matter, then; are you upon somebody's
track ?"
" Spme scoundrels, between Wednesday night and Thurs-
day morning, stole six of my horses; luckily I soon missed
them, even before morning, for the horses turned out on
the other side of my farm-fence came to the house, which
they never do unless frightened by strangers or wolves. Of
course I could not follow the trail in the dark. However, I
called together my neighbours before break of day, and
with the early dawn we commenced the pursuit. The trail
was large enough; but after a short run it divided, and
the traces of three horses went to the right, those of the
others to the left. Hot without reason we imagined that
this might be a trick to throw us off our guard. As we
were five in number, we divided our band, in order to be
quite sure, and we were led across the northern mountain-
ridge of the Petite-Jeanne, and over the Magazin mountains,
such a dreadful way, by such frightfully stony places, that X
really do not understand how the horses could have stood
it. This of course took us a good deal of time, for the scoun-
drels had ridden in a zigzag fashion, and in such a manner
as to throw us off the trail at places where one could liaixlly
see the print of a hoof. On the sources of the Panther-
creek, where it flows down to the Petite-Jeanne, the two
lots met again, and rode through the open wood towards the
river, until they reached the road. This they did probably
yesterday evening. Then they followed rather impudently
the beaten track. At break of day, it appears, they had
turned into the forest again and halted, to let themselves
and the horses have a little rest. They also fed the animals.
Heaven knows where they got the Indian corn; at any rate,
they had stolen it. We were also obliged to rest a little, as
we did not wish to distress our horses, more especially as the
180
THE EEATHEBED AKROW.
fellows are pretty sure to fall into our hands. Since dark we
have followed, though only at hap-hazard, the road which they
-entered again a few miles from this, and we thought it better
to go surely though somewhat less rapidly, and to keep upon
the trail during the night by the aid of torches. The horses
-will hot be over-worked, and we do not lose any time. As
they have, at any rate, crossed the river, we should like to
take somebody with us who knows the fords, so that we may
mot be kept waiting."
" You do right to follow the tracks so closely, for there
will be rain before to-morrow morning. The sun went down
very suspiciously."
" I believe so too," said Harfield; " and this is an addi-
tional reason to hasten the pursuit. Oh, that's quite enough
pine-wood, Eastley; that will do. If the fellows have only
kept to the road during the night—which I do not doubt
for a moment—we must catch them by break of day; or, at
least, we shall not be far behind."
" Why should they follow the road 1" asked Oook. " I do
mot believe it possible they will lead the horses over to
the Hot Springs. Their only chance of escape, if not pursued
immediately, is to reach the Arkansas river; and, besides,
they always allow for an immediate chase; at least, they
must take the likelihood of such a thing into account."
" That's true," observed Harfield. "We shall see, when
we come to the other bank of the Fourche-la-Eave. If they
mean to make for the Arkansas, they must go through the
wood, in order to reach the lower road. In that case, in-
deed, we cannot do anything except wait until the morning.
If they have kept to the road on the other bank, then we
may be sure that they are making for the Hot Springs, and
we can follow the high road quite comfortably."
"If we only knew where to find the Indian," said the
judge ; " he is a good fellow on a trail, and would be of
essential advantage ; but Heaven knows what has become of
him."
" Perhaps that was the man we found up there at the
salt-pool; he spoke broken English. It was getting dusk
when we passed him, and I could not see his face."
" Ho, that is a German. But- did the tracks go past
there V
lYNCH-LAW.
131
" Yes—within about four hundred paces. They cannot
be far off. He told us that he had seen the men just as he
arrived, and before he had lighted his fire, but that he was
not able to make them out, although the figure of one of
them Seemed familiar to him. Only think, there were only
two of them in charge of these six horses. They must
understand their trade well."
" How did you find the German f
" In passing down the road we saw the flame of pine-wood,
and rode up to question whomsoever we might find there.
The hunter himself in such cases keeps, as you know, in the
dark; and as our presence did not seem to be peculiarly
agreeable to him, seeing that we could not but keep the
game away from the salt-pool, we did not stay long."
" Who can the rascals be ?" said the judge, thoughtfully.
" I should not wonder if that scoundrel Cotton had his
hand in the game; he was seen in this neighbourhood a short
time ago, and the constables received orders to take him;
but he must have got the scent, for he was off all of a
sudden ; at least, he has not been seen since."
" He wont escape the House of Correction," cried Smith.
" House of Correction !" retorted Harfield, angrily; " do
you think we should make any difficulty about giving him
his due, if we were to catch him with the horses? Do you
see this ?" With these words he produced a thin rope of
twisted leather, which he showed to the judge. "As sure
as I am called Harfield, the rascal shall hang to the very tree
under which we catch him. He shall have as much time
for praying as I shall want for making a noose—not a second
more. We must show these scoundrels that we are in
earnest, or they will skin us alive."
" But the laws," said the judge, shaking his head.
" The laws will do for the places for which they are made,
and may be applied with propriety in towns. Here, in the
forest, the matter is very different. The wish to subject us
to them, is just the same as if we backwoodsmen should sit
down and make laws for the people of the good city of New
York. They could not make anything of such laws, and we
should be sure, on the other hand, to forget about seven-
eighths of what they needed as much as their daily bread.
No, let each country make its own laws, and then they will,
132
the eeatheeed aeeow.
most probably, be found available. So long as we are
obliged to protect ourselves, so long we will be our own
law-givers; and if I am to be protected by others,—well,
then I shall go more to the west. Who will be my guide
now ?"
Cook, Curtis, and several others, were ready at once; and
led by Curtis, who, as an old settler, knew every inch of
that ground, they soon reached the road which crossed the
Eourche-la-Fave from north to south. They followed it,
and found the prints of hoofs in the smooth ground ; Har-
field asserted he could tell them among thousands as those
of his horses.
The sky in the meanwhile had grown black, and a drizzling
and penetrating rain began to fall. But though it soaked
through the men's clothes, yet it did not wash out the traces
of the horses' hoofs.
CHAPTER XI.
ASSOWAUM, THE " FEATHERED ARROW," AND HIS SQUAW—HE LEAVES HER
IN THE HUT—WESTON AND COTTON WAITING FOR THEIR COMRADE.
During the afternoon on which the election we described in
the last chapter took place, Assowaum, with his blanket upon
his back, his rifle on his shoulder, and followed by his squaw,
strode silently through the forest, along the bank of the river.
Alapaha, according to Indian fashion, carried the few kitchen
things which these children of the wilderness require, as well
as a woollen blanket and two dried deerskins. Silently she
trod in the footprints of her husband and chief, who gazed
attentively at both banks of the little stream, as if looking
for some object which he could not find.
When he thought that he had ascended high enough, he re-
turned, and renewed his examination, but with no better
success than at first.
" Is not this the tree at the root of which the canoe was
made fast T he at last inquired of his wife, halting, and
pointing to an old storm-beaten oak, the snow-white branches
of which seemed to stretch upwards like the spectral arms
MAN AND "WIPE.
133
of a giant towards the dark masses of clouds which were
lowering behind them.
" Assowaum can see the place to which it was tied," said
Alapaha, stooping down over the steep bank of the river,
and pointing at one of the protruding roots of the tree, from
which some strips of bark hung in a fantastical manner.
" The canoe is gone," replied Assowaum, " and we must
swim across if we mean to squat on the other side of the
liver."
Alapaha, without saying another word, put down her
packages, rolled, by the aid of hef husband, two broken
branches into the river, in order to use them as a raft for
transporting the few things they had with them to the other
side of the river, and they both soon after ascended the steep
bank on the opposite side.
"Which way is Alapaha going now?" the Indian next
inquired, standing still, and regarding with a quiet look the
beautiful young woman.
" Half a mile up the river we shall cross a road, which
leads straight to Mr. Barill's house, and there Mr. Rowson
has promised to hold a prayer-meeting to-morrow. Will not
Asgowaum for once listen to the words of the white man ?
He speaks well 3 his speech is like honey, and his heart is
pure as an autumnal sky."
" Alapaha, it would be better if you too—stop 3 what is
this r
A slight rustling was heard in the bushes, and soon after
a proud stag stepped forth from the thicket, raised its beauti-
ful head, and looked quietly and securely around, as if uncon-
scions of any danger. Assowaum, at the first sound of the
rustling leaves, had raised his rifle 3 he put it slowly to his
shoulder, and at the same moment the stag, struck by the
deadly bullet, leaped high in the air, and fell dead in the
thicket.
" That is good," said the Indian, re-charging his rifle, "very
good. Mr. Harper has got no more meat, and he is too ill
to go hunting himself. Alapaha will carry some meat to his
liut."
" And does not Assowaum know that I am on my way to
hear the word of God ?" whispered his wife, inclining her
slender form, and repeating a prayer.
134
THE EEATHERED ARROW,
" There was a time," replied Assowaum, looking towards
tlie ground in a gloomy mood, "there was a time when
Alapaha listened to the voice of the Feathered Arrow, and in
so doing forgot the rustling of the tops of the trees, and the
singing of the birds. There was a time when she turned her
back on the God of the white man, and raised her hands to
the Manitou of the red man. There was a time when she
plaited for her husband the sacred wampum, and with mys-
terious signs brought him good luck in the chase. That
time is passed. Alapaha is dead, and a Christian woman has
taken her place—Maria. She still wears the same mocassins
in which she left her people and followed her present hus-
band into exile ; she still wears the same shawl round her
temples which Assowaum once tore from the shoulders of
that savage chief of the Sioux Indians, that he might adorn
with it the forehead of his squaw at home ; she still wears
the same string of the rattles of sacred serpents, and their
sounds ought to remind her of the home and the land of her
fathers. But no, her ear is closed—it does not hear; but still
more closed is her heart—it does not feel."
" Assowaum," the beautiful woman remonstrated, in low
and entreating tones,—"Assowaum, do not be angry with me.
Bemember our life is short, and before me I see spread out
the most beautiful and the brightest future. Oh, you do not
know how splendid, how charming the heaven of the white
man is. Will you rob me of that—take from me the belief
in all that is dear and sacred in this life, besides the duties
which I owe to you ?"
" No," answered Assowaum; "Alapaha may go and serve
the God of the white man. It is good for you to do so."
" And will you never listen to the words of the holy man
from whose lips Manitou himself speaks ?"
Assowaum stretched forth his right hand, and was about
to make some reply; but suddenly changing his mind, he put
his rifle to his shoulder, saying—
" Alapaha must not only pray, but eat too. Not far from
this, on the bank of the river, stands a small uninhabited
hut; we will carry the game there, and Alapaha can cure it
this evening. The hut will afford her protection against
storm and wind to-night, and to-morrow morning she will
THE EOHELY HUT.
135
not be far from the settlement of the whites, where the pale
man will speak of the God of his nation."
" And Assowaum ?"
" Has promised the little man to search for his nephew,
and he will keep his word. The white men speak ill of their
brother, because they do not hear the sound of his steps
among them. He is far away ; he will come back, and the
guilty parties will be silent and look up to him."
" But he is guilty "
" What serpent has poured this poison into Alapaha's ear ?
She has listened to the words of the Madimito,'* and throws
dust on the head of him who has done good to her."
" Mr. Bowson says that the nephew of the little man has
killed and robbed a brother."
" The pale man does not speak the truth," exclaimed the
Indian, drawing up his tall figure, while the blood rushed
to his temples, and his eyes sparkled. " The pale man does
not speak the truth," he repeated, " and he knows it."
" Assowaum is angry with the Christian, because he has
turned Alapaha away from the belief of her fathers. Asso-
waum is brave and generous ; he will not insult a man
because his belief differs from his."
"We will carry the meat into the hut," said the Indian,
changing the topic of conversation; " it is getting late.
Assowaum has many miles to walk before it gets dark."
The Indian began cutting up the deer; he separated the
neck and head from the body, leaving them to wolves and bus-
tards, and placing the carcass on a pole, he took hold of one
end, while Alapaha placed the other upon her shoulder; and
in this manner they proceeded silently, and in a short time
reached their destination.
It was a roughly-built log-hut, erected by a former settler,
and left after a short occupation, the land around being too
low, and consequently too much exposed to the inundations
of the river. The roof and the walls were still in pretty good
condition, but in all other respects the hut did not offer the
least comfort, for even the chimney had fallen in, and there
was no floor. The want of a chimney, however, was no
obstacle to lighting a fire in the interior, for there were nume-
* A conjuror; meaning here, the Methodist.
186
THE EEATIIEliED AEItO'W.
rous chinks in the walls, and draughts to cany off the smoke.
The wind howled and whistled strangely through these
apertures, and played with the loose pieces of hark hanging
on the roughly-hewn boards.
When Assowaum and his wife reached this place, they
carried the meat into the interior of the hut. The door had
fallen from its wooden hinges, and lay before the porch, ob-
structing the entrance. Assowaum looked round the deserted
building for a moment, and said—" The hut is good, and
will afford shelter to Alapaha. When she comes back from
her devotions, she will carry the meat into the hut of the
little man. Assowaum will be with her before the whip-
poor-will has sung his third note."
Having said these words, he turned round and strode
silently into the forest, with his head hanging down. Alapaha
in the meanwhile did as her husband had desired. With a
small handsome tomahawk which she wore at her side, she
cut some thin branches, in order to make a frame on which
to diy the meat; brought wood to keep up a warm fire for
the night; then she cut the meat into strips, placed it on
reeds she had got for this purpose, and hung it over the fire
she had kindled with a few dry leaves.
In the meantime the sky had become more and more
clouded, a fine drizzling rain began to fall, and the wind
roared loudly through the tops of the trees which stood near
the hut. Alapaha cowered down beside the crackling flame,
humming a hymn which she had learned from her white
friends, and waited for the setting-in of the night before
preparing her couch. At the same time she kept her eye
upon the game, in order that it might be ready next morn-
ing to be tied up and preserved.
The country was not, however, quite so solitary and
deserted as Alapaha might at first have thought. While
she was so eagerly engaged at her work, a young man
stepped forth from the thicket about half a mile higher up
the road, near the river, taking care not to follow the
smooth and beaten track. He looked anxiously at the
opposite bank, as if he expected to see some one approach
from that direction. The air was by no means very warm,
and the man rubbed his hands, then swung his arms about,
and several times' paced up and down the ground strewn
THE HOESE-STEALEKS.
137
with leaves; stopping every now and then, and looking
anxiously at the spot he had just quitted, in order to ascertain
whether liis tracks might not be too distinct and easily per-
ceived.
A second man soon joined him. The new-comer wore a
blanket; and his old and well-worn hat was pulled over his
brows. He carried his rifle under his arm, in order to
protect the lock as much as possible against the falling dew.
He stepped up close to the anxious watcher, and asked him,
with a laugh—" Well, Weston, you are getting tired here, I
dare say 1 You are cold ; why didn't you bring your blanket
with you 1 I told you to do so before. Have you heard
anything yet ?"
"Not the least sound in the world," replied the other,
angrily; " I do not believe that they will be here to-night.
It will be a bad joke if I am compelled to pass the whole
night here without a blanket or a fire; I shall be a corpse by
to-morrow morning."
" That would be a loss of at least twenty dollars to the
sheriff," said Cotton, laughing, for that was the young man's
worthy comrade ; " but I am not inclined to think that we
shall have to wait long. Rowson is familiar with every
nook and corner in that place, and so is Johnson. They
cannot expact to meet with many difficulties. Besides, you
yourself say that Rowson has announced a prayer-meeting
for to-morrow morning in the settlement over there; and
this alone will be a sufficient consideration to induce him to
do everything in his power in order to keep his appointment,
and not to create any suspicion. I cannot bear that hypo-
critical scoundrel, but he is an excellent fellow to deal with
in business ; nobody can deny that. One can see at a glance
that he comes from the Yankee States."
"The affair of Heathcott's murder is just now making a
great stir among the people. Brown, after all, seems to
have been his murderer. Your name has also been men-
tioned."
"Mine! Why the deuce do they connect me with such
a deed ? I never saw that young fellow; and am I to be
charged with every crime that is committed in this neigh-
bourhood?"
" It must be a matter of perfect indifference to you," said
138
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
Weston, laughing; " however, it is not the murder that they
charge you with, but the robbery."
" What robbery ?"
" The dead man is said to have carried in his pocket the
price of three good horses, and that would be from four to
five hundred dollars. They are gone."
" The deuce ! Then the affair would have been worth
doing. One might have killed two birds with one stone—
a Regulator, and a bag of dollars. Brown isn't a blockhead.
However, I tell you, Weston, that Brown never had any-
thing to do with us. What grudge could he bear the Regu-
lator ?"
" There are other matters, I believe. The women up there
at the settlement would have it that Heathcott and Brown
were both suitors to the same girl, and hence their cause of
quarrel. That is of little importance. The principal point
is, we have got rid of Heathcott; how, and in what manner,
can matter but little."
" Well, listen; Harfield does not understand a joke either,
and if he were to come upon our track, things would look
serious enough. I do not see how we can manage to create
confusion with the tracks so as not to be caught by those
wretches. This much is certain—if I were pursuing you,
you might find escape rather a difficult matter."
"You are mistaken," answered Weston, with a cunning
grin ; " the thing has been planned with a wonderful deal of
cleverness. Rowson has managed the affair. Before they
reach the river, they intend to ride on the high road again."
" On the high road?" repeated Cotton, astonished.
" Yes, on the free, open highroad, so that their tracks may
be quite distinct. Then they will go into the river, and then
—not out of it again."
"Where then? They cannot remain in the river, for-
sooth ! Where will they come out ?"
" Lower down, out of reach of pursuit ; and then into the
wide, wide world."
" The animals wont stand so much swimming."
" That's why I have hidden Hoswell's canoe up there.
Don't you see it, just there, under the reeds ? I have moored
another close at hand. This last one comes from the mouth
of the brook, close to Stewart's. They will most probably
A CUNNING SCHEME.
139
conclude that the waters carried it away into the Arkansas.
With these two canoes we can get the horses down the stream
splendidly as far as we wish, in fact, until we reach the place
which has been pointed out by Rowson. From that spot you
must take the lead, for I do not know the way to the
' Island,1 as you call it. Johnson, in the meanwhile, is to
put the pursuers upon the wrong track; and if he succeeds
in doing that, we shall be out of all danger, especially if it
turns out wet to-morrow, as I hope it will. Then we shall
hurry the animals through, the forest, and if we once reach
the swamps of the Mississippi, good-bye to pursuit. Johnson
has assured me that we shall find plenty of assistance in that
quarter, and people about here know that well enough, and
therefore wont take the trouble to follow us very far."
" That's all very well, and pleasant to hear. Yet the folks
at the Spring river will not be such asses as to suppose that
we have flown through the air with the horses, just as I saw
represented the other day in a picture at the German's
hut."
" The best of it is, that down there in the reed-land—that
is to say, not in the reed-land, but below it, in the bed of the
river—on that stone-flat stands your horse."
« Mine ?"
"Your horse and Johnson's; two white ones. As soon
as we have commenced our journey with fresh horses, these
will be taken up the river, where the bed is quite shallow.
Johnson will gallop away nimbly on the high road, as if he
was making for the Hot Springs. Should our pursuers only
arrive to-morrow, or the day after, and should rain have
fallen in the meanwhile, this precaution will indeed have
been unnecessary. Should they, as I fear they will, follow
more closely upon our track, they will of course look for the
prints of the horses' feet, which will lead into the river on
this side of the ford, and out of it on the other; and they
will follow these without hesitation, and, what is more im-
portant, without even dismounting, or any very close exa-
mination. Should they catch Johnson, of course he will not
have their horses, nor will he know anything about them :
and they will discover, when it is too late, that they have
been running after the wrong animals. Should they fail tc
overtake him, why, so much the better. Then he can gc
140
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
by a roundabout way to the Island, announce the approach of
the horses that are to follow, and sell ours."
" What, my horse ?"
"Don't be a fool, Cotton," said Weston, laughing. "At
any rate, you will get the purchase-money."
" Yes ; but how much 1 Hot half its value."
"And then," continued Weston, not heeding the interrup-
tion, "under present circumstances, you must not in any case
be seen again about here, and I should advise you to leave
the country in a very short time."
" But what has that to do with my horse ?"
" I certainly quite misunderstand your character, if I could
imagine that you would go away from the Fourche-la-Fave
your own horse," said Weston, laughing.
"You are right, Weston ; that was a good observation
of yours," said Cotton, with much vanity; " and do you
know "
" Don't shout so ; for aught you know, somebody might
be about here in the neighbourhood. I heard shots this
afternoon."
"Do you know that I have already hit upon a horse that
pleases me immensely ?"
" Indeed! and who has the honour of possessing the
fortunate animal ?"
" Roberts ; it is his stallion I mean—a splendid creature!"
" Really, Cotton, you are not quite a fool. On his back
you may, indeed, defy pursuit. But such a capture will make
a tremendous sensation."
" The plan is good," Cotton replied, musing. " As far as
business goes, Rowson is an excellent hand; and the man-
ner in which he bamboozles all the females in the neighbour-
hood is really first-rate. How they would open their eyes,
if they could see him galloping through the forest to-night,
with two stolen horses !"
" Mrs. Roberts thinks him a saint. Well, it's all the same
to me, though it is a pity that the poor young girl should be
compelled to many him. Harkee, Cotton, I must ask you
a question. I often hear you and the others talking about
the Island. I am myself very anxious to know more about
the place. Tell me, what do you mean by the Island %
What island is it, and where is it situated ?"
an inquiring mind.
141
" I must not give you any information," replied Cotton,
mysteriously. " That is a secret with which too many can-
not be trusted ; and I should not like to be the owner of the
tongue which made any revelation. This only may I con-
fide to you, that it is situated upon the Mississippi, and that
its inhabitants are well disposed towards us. I have never
been there myself."
" Upon the Mississippi I Bah ! There are many islands
on the Mississippi. Friendly disposed towards us ! Why,
half Arkansas is so, and five-sixths of Texas. Come, tell me
other particulars about the place. What is its number 1 for
you must be aware that all the islands in the Mississippi are
known by certain numbers."
" Of course, I know that," returned his companion, with a
sneer; "but I must not tell you anything further. You
will know the whole story soon enough. In a few days we
shall be there ; until then be patient, and restrain your
curiosity. But, stop—hark ! what was that V
" Silence !" cried Weston; " that was the cry of the whip-
poor-will. Bowson said he would give us that signal. Should
that be he—I will answer, at any rate, for it cannot be dange-
rous. All is quiet around."
Having said this, Weston put his finger to his mouth, and
imitated the shrill sound of the little bird.
A reply was heard in the tones of Johnson's voice; and,
all at once, the two men appeared at a sharp trot. They
soon reached the bank, waving their hats to their comrades
as a signal of success.
CHAPTER XII.
CUNNING OF THE HORSE-STEALERS—THE SURPRISE—ALAPAHA AND
ROWSON.
K Hurrah !" exclaimed Weston, catching sight of the splendid
horses which at this moment approached from the opposite
bank of the river. They stopped at the brink of the water.
Again, forgetful of all former caution, he shouted " Hurrah !
tb ?y are what I call horses !"
K
142
THE EEATHEBED ABBOW.
"Are you mad, both of you?" exclaimed Rowson, with
anger. " Are you really bent on attracting the attention of
any one who may by chance be passing ? Be silent, and
reserve your rejoicings until you have performed your share
of the undertaking. Where are your horses ?"
"At the appointed place, down there," said Weston.
"Well, be quick and fetch them. Take care that you leave
no prints upon the bank. You will have to keep in the deep
water."
"Ay, ay, I know ; Weston is not quite so stupid."
The young fellow hastened down to the place where he
had left his horses, and returned in a very short time, keep-
ing very cautiously to the middle of the stream, which could
not in this place have been more than three feet deep.
" Where are the boats now 1" asked Rowson. " It will
not matter if these horses do tread the ground, for if the
owners really should follow us, they will think we were in
doubt about taking the horses across. If we leave the
other animals on the opposite bank, and let them make
many marks, the pursuers will examine them more closely,
and endeavour to divine why we remained there so long; and
in that case they might find out that the marks were not
those of their own horses; and this is so much the more likely,
since Cotton's horse has such very large hoofs."
Weston disappeared with Cotton in the reedland, and
after a short interval they re-appeared with their canoes.
" Stop !" said Johnson. "No further ; they must not see
the marks of the boats upon the bank, so come to the middle.
Now bring the horses here. You had better go in, Rowson.
Two in the large, and one in the small canoe. Stop a
moment; let me change horses; ah! now a weight is off my
mind, for I am seated once, more on the back of my own
horse."
" Convince us that you can ride, Johnson," said Rowson,
while the other got ready to climb up the bank. " Let the
horses go as fast as possible, they have had a good rest. Give
them spur and whip, and consider that every mile we put
between us and our pursuers is worth gold."
" Don't be afraid," answered Johnson, laughing; "they must
ride fast indeed, if they mean to catch me ; and if they do
catch me, I shall laugh at them. I have already made pre-
THE ELAH SUCCEEDS.
143
parations, and told several of my acquaintances that I meant
to take my horses, with several others, into the southern
part of the State, thus hoping to get a better price for
them."
"Away, then," replied Rowson; " who knows how soon they
may come clattering after us, and we should not be found in
a very enviable situation."
" But how about provisions ?" asked Cotton.
"I do not want any," shouted Johnson, who had now
reached the upper ridge of the bank. " The horses must rest
occasionally, of course, and that will give us an opportunity
of calling at some house."
"At any rate, not to-night, in case our pursuers should
get the right scent, and, from the description of the horses,
learn the direction they had taken."
" Don't be afraid, we sha'n't halt until to-morrow at noon,
and the horses must stand it as they best can."
"A fortunate issue, then," cried Johnson; and immediately
after, uttering his hunting cry, he put spurs to his horse, and
disappeared in the forest.
"So far, so good," said Rowson; "now, Cotton, how are
we to manage with these horses here ? Birst of all, we had
better quit this place, and descend the river about half a mile.
Here, on the road, we are exposed not only to the observation
of any chance traveller, but those accursed Regulators, who
might come down upon us unexpectedly. Thereiore don't
be particular just now about tying the horses to the canoes.
We can lead them down a little way without doing that.
At the first sand-bank we reach we can put eveiything in
order, and before dark we shall have finished all our arrange-
ments."
These remarks were too sensible, and the course advised too
sagacious, to admit of any reply. Preparations were quickly
made, and in a few minutes the two boats, to each of which
three horses were fastened, glided round the bend in the
river, which very effectually concealed them from passers-by
on the road.
" Now I begin to feel a little more comfortable," whispered
Rowson. " It gets darker and darker; and if our pursuers
should follow us to-night, they will doubtless run into the
trap we have laid for them. Hurrah ! it gladdens my heart
k 2
144
Xli-fcj JfJSATJtLEKED ARBOW.
to think of those fellows galloping along the tracks with
revengeful looks—more eager, every minute, to catch the
depredators. With their last desperate efforts, putting spurs
to the animals' sides, they will come up with them, and then
the baffled expression of their faces, on perceiving their mis-
take. Johnson's innocent sheepish countenance, as he
declares he feels sorry at being the innocent cause, perhaps,
of saving the criminals from their just punishment. Ah,
what a glorious idea !"
" Here is the sand-bank," said Weston, pointing with his
hand to the left bank; " the animals are on the ground here,
and it would be advisable to make them all right, and also to
fasten them properly to the boats; for just below, directly we
have turned this bend in the river, the stream gets deep, and
the horses will have to swim for some distance. I examined
the locality this morning as I came up."
" If I am not mistaken," Cotton observed, looking towards
the bank, "there must be a small deserted hut somewhere
about here. Three years ago we camped in it, when I went
with Johnson to the Nation.'" The brushwood has grown
up so thick one can hardly recognise the spot. Yes, this is
the place," he exclaimed, as the boats touched the bank,
" I know it by the fallen plane-tree ; it fell the very night
we camped here, and had it gone in another direction we
should have been done for."
"Arkansas would not have put on mourning on that
account."
" No, hardly; and many a but we may as well keep
quiet while rounding that point. What are you about ?"
" We must fasten the smaller boat to the larger one," said
Rowson; " then we can put two horses on each side and two
behind us. We shall not be obliged to row very hard, for
the stream flows pretty strong. If necessary, one can attend
to that, especially the steering; the others must look after
the horses, and take care that they do not go foul of any-
thing. At twelve we must be at the ' Devil's-crook.'
There I shall leave you two to your fate. Do not spare the
horses, and avoid the broad high road. Should your pur-
suers hit upon the real tracks to-morrow—which is hardly
* Under the name "Nation," the inhabitants of Arkansas mean the
Cherokee Indians.
A. WOED TO THE WISE.
145
to be expected,—in fact, is only possible by the greatest
chance,—yon will have twelve hours' start, and good horses
under you. Cotton, you know the way V
" I should think I do," the other replied; " I have tra-
veiled it often enough, and with five fellows at my heels.
If we once reach the Mississippi swamp—where I know
every inch of the road—we shall be safe. There is one spot
in particular, at which I will fell a tree and put it across the
road ; it would take pursuers almost a day to follow me on
horseback. Hitherto I have kept that place in my eye as a
safe retreat in case of great danger."
" But where will you get an axe V
" Last month I hid an axe in a hollow tree close by. In
case of necessity I shall not want for tools."
" That will do, then," said Rowson, who had just finished
arranging the boats. How, Cotton, I have to say a word to
you about your manner of proceeding, and then to work.
Weston knows the place where you will first land; it is a
part where stones abound, and has this advantage, that our
tracks cannot be seen from the water. About a hundred
paces down the river, where a pine has fallen across—at
least, he gave me his word that he would do it—Atkins will
have concealed a supply of bread and other provisions."
" Why don't you go with us to that place V' asked
Weston.
" My tracks might be traced," replied Rowson; " and
this is not possible at the ' Devil's-crook.' If, therefore, I
make a little detour across the mountains, I can return into
the settlement from quite an opposite direction. I do not
trust that cursed Indian; and if they once got the idea of
sending him upon our trail, the results might be disagree-
able ; therefore I am as cautious as possible. But, Cotton,
have you not brought something with you to eat 1 I am terri-
bly hungry. As we came along I almost fancied that I got
scent of some roasted stag-flesh; I wish I had a piece here.
It's a great pity that you did not bring any provisions with
you. You might have had sense enough to think of this i"
" In the reedland where the horses stood I left my pocket-
handkerchief with some maize-bread and stag's-meat," said
Weston ■ "but I really forgot it, and it will now, I fear, be
too late to fetch it."
146
THE EEATHEBED ABEOW.
" The devil! you should have thought of that earlier.
Can nobody find it ?"
"No ; I hid it carefully; but had we not better be off?"
"Wait till Cotton has done that bridle," said Rowson;
" if it should break on the road it would give us more
bother, and perhaps we should not even be able to mend it
in the dark."
" Tell us how you managed to get off with the horses,
Rows on," said Cotton, busily occupied endeavouring to
repair the bridle; " tell us now, for on the way we shall not
have much time for conversation, and then, after all, I shall
perhaps lose the whole story."
" It can be told in a very few words," replied Rowson,
smiling, taking a large piece of tobacco and putting it in
his mouth. " Happily we met with no acquaintances on the
road, and reached the place at the corner of the fence close
where the Spring-creek flows about dusk. We crept round the
mill, and when the owls began to fly we stood on the fence
in which the mares were. I did not feel comfortable about
the matter, for, according to our calculation, the horses
ought to have been there by that time. It could not how-
ever be helped, and so Johnson and I climbed into two trees,
to be secure from surprise in the first place, and to be able
to observe anybody or anything approaching. It was lucky
that we did so, for we had hardly got up into the trees when
Harfield himself did you say anything, Cotton ?"
« No—why ?"
" I thought I heard a sound. Harfield himself went past,
returning from a hunting excursion with a pack of hounds.
Had we been upon the ground, the dogs would have been
certain to scent us out, and then, good-bye to poor Johnson,
for Harfield owes him a grudge. Moreover, the bridles we
carried would, in any case, have betrayed us. As it was,
the hounds only sniffed about among the trees and raised
their noses—at which we grew rather anxious—and then
scampered after their master, who had in the meantime got
some distance ahead. We had both of us been in the most
painful suspense; but there was an end to our anxiety, for
immediately afterwards the horses came up. As it was not
then quite "dark, we were able to select those which pleased
DECEPTIONS.
147
us most. We put our bridles upon them, jumped up on their
backs, and away we went like a hurricane through the forest.
Several times I thought we must break our necks and legs.
In order to throw any pursuers off the track, we rode for
some time in zigzag fashion on the stony road, went in
different directions, and only when we believed ourselves
perfectly secure did we ride with less caution and also
quicker."
" Did not the horses give you any trouble at first 1"
" Oh, yes, they reared very much; and when we had got
hold of the last ones, the others tore away. They neighed,
and galloped round the fence, most likely into the wood
again. The brown horse carried me round and round five or
six times before I could get him to stand still."
"Wont Harfield be in a rage!" Cotton observed; "six
horses at a time have not been stolen from a farmer for the
last generation."
"And the pious Rowson taking the lead !" said Weston,
in great glee.
" A word, Rowson," Cotton continued, now looking over
his bridle at the preacher, who was standing in a very confi-
dent attitude. " What shall you preach about to-morrow ?
It is a pity that I cannot hear your discourse; it would be
worth the trouble!"
" Hang it!" exclaimed Rowson, angrily, "I should really
like to get off that nonsense to-morrow; I shall be inatten-
tive, and anxious to know what may have become "
" Of the horses V'
"Well, yes, of course, the horses; and I shall have to
stand there and offer up prayers, and sing their silly old
hymns."
" The fat widow will fall into a swoon," added Weston,
with great gusto.
" And the pious talk with that pretty Indian woman!" said
Cotton, interrupting him. " Harkee, Rowson, you have not
a bad taste, either."
" Come," exclaimed Rowson, " make haste, and let us get
away. I begin to feel cold, and the horses are cold too.
Has nobody a drop of whisky 1 Johnson, that scoundrel,
has taken my bottle away in his pocket, and did not say a
148
THE EEATniiitJB-i» ABKOW.
word about returning tbe same. Ob, the devil! can't you
leave a drop in that flask ? You suck at it as if you wished
to pump the air out."
Cotton handed the bottle to him, and Eowson having
taken a hearty draught, put the cork in again, and returned
it to its owner.
" That's refreshing, is it not ?" said Cotton, wiping his
lips. "Yes, and heating too ; that gives warmth."
" It does one good this evening," said Eowson, shivering;
" this drizzling rain makes one feel cold."
" Now we can go on again," exclaimed Cotton, putting
the bridle, which he had at last mended, on his horse. " Quick,
now; it gets darker and darker ; and there a plague on
it!" he added, in a whisper. "What is that? There is a
light glittering through the bushes."
" Where ?" exclaimed Eowson, in alarm.
" Up there—it must be in the hut."
"I see something moving in the bush!" cried Weston,
whose piercing eye caught sight of the outlines of a figure,
which appeared to be hiding behind the dark shrubs which
bordered the river.
" The devil!" cried Cotton ; " there is treason !" and, like
an arrow from the bow, he bounded, followed by Eowson,
up the bank, and the next moment stood before the solitary
being who had observed all their motions, and had heard
every word they had spoken.
" Alapaha !" cried Eowson, in dismay.
" The red-skinned woman !" ejaculated Cotton, almost as
much astonished as frightened.
"You are alone?" Eowson said quickly to the Indian
woman. " You are alone ? Where is Assowaum ?"
The poor woman had no power to answer. She stood a
few moments gazing at the unmasked hypocrite with such a
ghastly, earnest, yea, dreadful look, that he cast down his
eyes—he could not bear that glance. It was only a moment
the proud daughter of the woods stood thus before the man
who had robbed her of her belief in her own God, and the love
of her husband. The reflection of her unutterable, fearful
misery came over her—how she had renounced the Great
Spirit, whom her forefathers had venerated in the waving of
the mighty forest, in the rippling of the still brook; how
the hypocrite unmasked.
149
she had listened to the words, Jf a man whom she had taken
to he a saint, and who now—her heart shuddered at him as
he stood before her—appeared in his true colours, as a thief
and a robber.
She buried her face in her hands, and large clear tears
poured down upon her clenched fingers.
" The horses are growing restless," said Cotton, ill-
humouredly ; " what are we to do with this woman V
" Leave her to me," whispered Rowson, standing before
her, with a satanical expression upon his countenance.
" Leave her to you! that's just what you want," the
other replied, with a sneer. "You are no fool—but is this
the time for such nonsense ?"
" Be off with the horses !" Rowson cried, in a subdued
voice. " The river makes a bend here of about three miles.
There is, however, a short cut straight across. Go and help
Weston with the horses—he can do nothing with them alone."
" And what is to be done about the woman V
" Don't trouble yourself on that score," whispered Row-
son. " I run the most risk in case she should reveal what
she has seen ; therefore "
" At any rate, follow us as soon as you can," cried Cotton.
" You are responsible for the consequences, should we be
late."
He ran down the bank, and a few seconds afterwards the
boats glided from the shore, with the horses, into the dark
gloom that lay upon the waters.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE PREACHER UNMASKED BY THE INDIAN—THE FLIGHT.
"Where is Assowaum?" asked the preacher, in a low but
firm tone of voice, as he approached the young Indian
woman.
She seemed either to have anticipated his question, or not
to have heard it, for nothing broke the stillness of the night
but her sobs, and the heavy breathing of the preacher.
150
THE FEATiiUKiSiJ AKKOW.
"Where is AssowaumV the preacher repeated, after a
painful silence, taking with his right hand the arm of the
weeping woman. Alapaha shrunk at the touch as if stung
by a serpent, freed herself from his grasp, and exclaimed, with
a shudder—
" Get off! your breath is poison—your touch is death—
your tongue is deceitful—and your breast harbours Satan!
Away ! the grass and the flowers must wither wherever you
place your foot—the birds must cease their songs when you
approach them! Your God is a God of lies, for otherwise
he would long since have sent his lightning to consume you !
Abomination—away!"
" Where is Assowaum ?" asked the preacher, in a hoarse
voice, without heeding her imprecations.
" Oh that he were here to punish you!" she said, passion-
ately, stretching herself to her full height; " oh that he
were here to wipe away the shame which you have heaped
upon his poor wife's head! Woe to you when he does And
you—for he shall meet you. His war-cry shall sound in
your ears. Oh! you have not yet seen him in his martial
glory," she continued, proudly, when she noticed the sneer on
the American's lips ; " you have not yet seen him wielding
his lightning tomahawk, with his war-cry on his lips, and
the death of his enemy in his eye. You have not yet
beheld him at the war-dance, red with the blood of his
victims, and with the scalps of the conquered in his belt;
but he will come—he will return."
" When, woman, when ?" asked the preacher, quickly,
putting his hand suddenly to his side.
" When!" ejaculated the Indian woman, with a triumphant
laugh ; " when ! Sooner than you desire. Before the sun
has risen twice in the east he will be here, and woe to you
if you happen to cross his path."
" Where is he now ?"
" Ah ! how you tremble, wretched coward, at the mere
mention of his return! I am but a woman, but I feel proud
when looking down upon you."
" Where is he now T the white man inquired once more,
not quite free from alarm ; for he could not understand
why the Indian woman had left her wigwam and come to
encamp in the forest without her husband's protection.
THE HEATH STETTGGLE.
151
" "Where is he now !" Alapaha repeated, with a sneer.
" He will not return alone ; the strong arm that slew the man
who dared to offer violence to me will be with him.
Tremble ! for your God wont protect you."
" Hah!" exclaimed Rowson, as a demoniacal joy lighted
up his features. " Then he is gone to fetch his associate —I
thought as much; you are mine, and none shall take you
from me."
" Stand back!" shrieked the Indian woman, as Rowson
was about to seize her, "stand back; your eyes glow;
stand back!"
"You are mine!" exclaimed Rowson, with a wild laugh,
" you are mine ; and I defy the red-skinned scoundrel—let
him come; but nothing shall tear you from me. It will be
my care that you do not betray us."
" May the Manitou of our nation, to which I belong from
this moment, give me strength," exclaimed Alapaha, tearing
herself from the embrace of the infuriated preacher, and
seizing the tomahawk she carried at her side—" Die, you
accursed wretch ! die by a woman's hand, and may buzzards
and wolves dispute over your carcase—die !"
With these words, she sprang upon the preacher, who
recoiled in terror. The next moment would have sealed his
doom, if the door, which had fallen from its hinges, had not
caught her foot; she stumbled, fell, and the next moment
Was in the hands of her foe.
" If Rowson does not soon put a stop to that bawling,"
said Cotton, ill-humouredly, " he will certainly bring some
one at our or his heels. I heard shooting about here this
afternoon, and it is not by any means improbable that
hunters are somewhere in the wood."
" I wish he would come," remarked Weston, in no better
mood; " going with the stream is dreadful slow work; and
one really cannot look after three horses, and keep on row-
ing. The animals are getting restless, the water is cold, and
I begin to be uncomfortable enough."
The men listened for a moment, and once more the shrill
cry of the Indian woman broke the silence of the night. The
owl in the dark pines on the bank of the river answered
shrilly, and flew towards the spot whence the noise proceeded.
"A plague on the fool!" cried Cotton, in anger; "I
152
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
almost wish she could escape, and—that is to say, if we
were only some fifty miles off. Should the Red-skin get
away just now, and give the alarm, it would be death to
us. I believe we should have an army at our backs by to-
morrow."
"He will not kill her?" said "Weston, with a shudder, as
he was listening in the direction whence the sounds had
come. " There is a dead quiet just now; it makes me shudder,
Cotton. I hope he will not shed blood."
"Fool!" murmured Cotton. "Will you put your own
neck into the halter, eh ? do you wish to be lifted off the
ground by the Regulators, and strung up to the branch of
an oak-tree ? Rowson will do whatever is necessary. If it
can be done without blood, so much the better—I am no
friend of unnecessary severity; but if not, then "
"Oh, no blood—no blood!" exclaimed Weston, with a
shudder; "I have joined with you to take the horses—there
is no sin in that—but blood—it is awful to think of it! I do
not wish to have blood upon my conscience; and she is but a
woman, too."
" And, therefore, so much the more dangerous," said
Cotton, laughing; " at least, in the matter of a secret. But
don't be foolish, Rowson knows how to manage; he will be
sure to do nothing that is not necessary. Look to that horse,
it is on the ground, and wants to go ashore; bother it,
already its footprints are in the mud—take care, Weston,
we don't know who may be on our" trail!"
"It is impossible to look after the lot," exclaimed Weston,
angrily; " why does Rowson stay so 'long ? the horses are
impatient, and my hands are already numbed from holding
them so long."
" There is the place where he said he would meet us," said
Cotton; "at the root in the water just before you. I have
often hunted in this part, and I know every bend in the
river."
" There is somebody standing at the root, too," said Weston,
in a low voice.
At the same moment the cry of the whip-poor-will was
heard, and immediately afterwards Rowson, for it was he,
jumped from the shore where he stood into the water, here
but a few inches deep, and waded up to the boat.
FLOATING DOWN THE STEEAM.
153
" Here are provisions," he said, in a hoarse tone of voice,
throwing some meat into the boat; " excellent game."
" Where is the Indian woman ?" asked Weston, anxiously,
looking steadfastly into Rowson's face.
" Safe," he answered, laconically, and turned away from
the inquiring gaze of his comrade.
"Safe1? You do not mean to say that you have injured
her, I hope ?"
"Nonsense! Mind your own business—what have you
to do with mine 1 Give me the horses, and take the rudder
a little ; the water is getting deeper, and we shall proceed
faster."
" How far are we from the landing-place ?" asked Cotton.
" Three miles—rather more than less."
" How far shall you go with us V
"About two more. We shall soon reach the range of
hills at the foot of which I intend to get out, but Weston,
come here and take this bridle. Cotton, haven't you an
old kerchief or something of that kind with you T'
" What do you want with it 1 Will my necktie do V
" Give it to me ; or perhaps you can bind it round my
arm—here—just below my shoulder."
" You must take off your coat, or I cannot do it properly.
This boat rocks so much, I really fear I shall lose my
balance."
" Then I will wait a quarter of an hour, until we come to
a shallower place. I can then walk by the boat in the water,
and it will be done more easily."
" What is the matter with your shoulder T asked Cotton,
as his comrade took off his coat and rolled his shirt-sleeve
up.
" I—that little witch managed, I don't know how, to get
hold of the tomahawk I had taken from her, and—but it is
of no consequence. There, where the stream glitters so
much, the deep water ceases, and we can do it."
Silently the men floated down to the place which Rowson
had pointed out. Rowson jumped overboard, feeling his
way carefully with a short oar; and as he walked along
slowly at the side of the boat, holding on with his right hand,
Cotton bound up his wound, by no means a slight one.
" If the moon would only shine a little," Weston. exclaimed,
15 4
THE EEATHEBED ABBOW.
after a while, " then we might make out the place where we
are to land."
"You want the moon, do you?" said Cotton. "That is
just the very last thing we require. I wish it would rain."
The boats were now floating past a range of steep hills,
whose rocky sides overhung the river, while large cedars here
and there showed their dark forms in the clefts. Their crest
was crowned by high, waving pines and firs, and cedars and
hickories formed the thick and almost impenetrable underwood.
"We are not very far from the point; it is just below.
There I shall leave you; and, Cotton, you know where you
have to land."
" Trust me for that; I shall not miss it, rely upon it.
Should I do so, about a quarter of a mile lower down there
is just such another place. But stop—what is that? I see
a fire on shore ; somebody is squatting there."
" Silence," whispered Bowson; " whoever it may be, he
cannot, on account of the reeds, come close to the shore, and
the shadows of the trees will conceal us from curious eyes."
The barking of a dog was now heard from the shore, and
a voice endeavouring to quiet the animal. The reed-thicket
was, as Bowson had justly observed, so thick and tangled,
that it would have been impossible for any one to cross the
river at this spot. Silently the men floated down the stream,
which was now very deep.
" Curse the horses! how loud they breathe," whispered
Cotton, after a while.
" It is time to take them on shore," Bowson replied.
" However, there is the place where I must land, so keep a
little nearer that I may jump out, and do your business well.
How stop."
With these words he leapt from the boat on a projecting
stone, waved his hands to his companions, and disappeared
in the dark.
It required a good boatman to prevent the craft from
upsetting by the recoil. Cotton, however, understood what
he was about, and the boat for a few seconds merely rocked,
without having taken in a single drop of water.
Weston had not spoken a syllable since he heard the spas-
modic cry of the Indian woman. It still sounded in his ears,
and a strange unconquerable anguish took hold of him. He
HOPES AHD EEABS.
155
started at the least noise, and his heart throbbed violently.
Without exchanging another word they soon reached the
place pointed out by Bowson, where huge rocks ran out
almost into the middle of the river, stretching high up the
bank, which was clothed in thick low brushwood. Here the
adventurers paused, and allowed the restive horses to take
once more to dry land.
"Well, you may stamp," said Cotton, "you will soon have
work enough to do. Hold them for a minute, Weston; I
must sink Hoswell's canoe, that it may not be found to excite
suspicions. The other can float away—nobody knows it;
and even should it be recognised, people will think that it
has been carried away by the current." Having said this, he
quickly divested himself of his garments that he might not
be impeded in his swimming. " Nobody will get scent of
this very quickly—at least, not soon enough to do us any
harm. Now let's away; we have not a moment to spare."
" Are you sure you know the way V asked Weston,
anxiously. " In the night it is rather difficult to keep in the
right direction in the forest."
" Don't be afraid," exclaimed Cotton; " we must keep up a
little towards the ridge of the mountain, for there is less under-
wood, and we cannot miss our way. If we can only get out
of this reed-thicket, which is hardly five hundred paces broad
in this direction, then there will be no further difficulty.
Come, get up, Weston—to horse. Let me see what sort of
saddles you have brought with you from home."
" An old Spanish one for you, and none at all for myself.
1 shall take this buffalo-skin; have we far to go 1"
" Bless me," said Cotton, laughing, " we shall not be there
to-morrow, nor the day after; but that's all the same; when
one embarks in such business as ours, one must not be very
particular. Bowson's plan is capital, at all events, and I
think we shall reach the Mississippi swamp in safety. I
shall only be astonished if they let Johnson off scot-free/
" If I only knew whether Kowson had done any harm to
the Indian woman," said Weston, with a sigh.
" Oh, plague upon your Indian woman 1 how does she
interest you % It is beginning to rain again; but really I
ought not to be angry on that account; it is just what we
want, and can only aid our plans, especially Johnson's, for
156
THE IEATHEEED ARROW.
they will not be able to make out where he has come with
the horses. Let us go across there, Weston; this is the
mouth of one of the little brooks, and is at any rate free
from reeds."
Weston threw the skin he had just before mentioned on
the back of one of the horses, swung himself into this saddle,
and followed his companion, leading the other two. The
latter had already entered the thicket, and disappeared in
the dark. A few minutes afterwards the breaking and
cracking of the dried reeds might be heard as the horses
made their way through them; then this noise too died
away; the quiet of death lay on the wilderness, and the
darkness of night covered sin and crime.
The reader must now be pleased to return with me to
the ford mentioned at the commencement of the last
chapter.
The four associates had not long disappeared under the
dark shade of the trees, when, along the road, with pine
torches in their hands, came the horsemen from the Spring-
river, together with some farmers who had joined them in
Pettyville.
" They went this way," exclai med Harfield, stooping down
in his stirrups, holding his torch as closely as possible to the
ground-—" there are the tracks of my horses; I will be
hanged if their impudence is not beyond all bounds; they
really gallop along the middle of the high road, all over the
country, as if they were riding their own hacks. Wait
awhile, you scoundrels, only wait. This time you shall not
escape punishment."
" I really doubt whether they will wait," said Cook,
laughing; "the traces do not look much like it. The deuce !
how they dug their hoofs into the ground here ! Harfield,
we shall have to ride very sharply if we wish to overtake
them by to-morrow."
" Of course we shall ride sharply, even if I do kill these
horses. I would rather ruin them all than not see the
wretches hanged;—yes, hanged, or I shall have no more
quiet sleep."
" I fancied just now that I heard a cry—I mean as we
were riding round that fallen oak," said Curtis. " Did you
hear nothing V
IK PTTESTJIT.
157
"Yes," replied Harfield, "I did; but it- was probably a
panther. There must be plenty of them about here."
" Certainly," said Cook, " especially in this part of the
country. Only eight days ago I shot one; and there are
plenty of trails to be seen."
"Where is the ford?" Harfield now asked, leaning back in
his saddle. "Is there any deep place hereabouts which
might be dangerous?"
"Yes; on the other side there are plenty such places,"
replied Curtis; " let me take the lead, I know the ground
well."
With these words he let his horse go slowly down the
steep bank, and, followed by the others in Indian fashion,
one by one, he crossed the river.
" Do you see tracks ?" asked Harfield, who brought up
the procession.
"Yes, of course I do," returned Curtis; "besides, they
could not go over at any other place. They went straight
along the road, as true as my name is Curtis. We really
are on the heels of their horses."
"Would it not be better," Cook suggested, "to throw
away our torches now ? If we happened to get near them,
they would see the glare a good way off."
" That's true," Curtis replied; " we must extinguish the
torches. If they keep upon the road, as I no longer doubt
for a moment, we are sure to overtake them, and the burn-
ing pine torches could only do harm. Therefore away with
them !"
Without waiting for a formal expression of assent on the
part of his comrades, Curtis threw his torch in among the
clamp leaves, where it was immediately extinguished. Cook
followed his example, while Harfield kept examining the
ground with his, trying to make out the tracks.
" They went up here," cried Curtis ; " the tracks are in
the very road."
" You have trampled them out," said Harfield. " I will
throw mine away now, and go on in the dark. I don't think
we can miss the way."
" Impossible," replied Cook; " at least on such a night,
for it will be daylight before we come to the place where
the road gets too hard for us to see the traces."
L
158
the eeathered aeeow.
" Well, forward then !" exclaimed Harfield, throwing
away his torch. " Forward ! and whoever first puts his
hand upon the rascals may call upon me for a barrel of
whisky."
The men answered with a loud hurrah. Away they
bounded on the road towards the Hot Springs, at a quick
gallop, following the wrong traces.
CHAPTER XIV.
BROWN ON HIS WAY HOME—THE MYSTERIOUS MEETING—THE INDIAN—
THE OLD FARMER—TRIP IN THE CANOE.
During the twilight of the evening on which the events
related in the last chapter occurred, the Pittsburg ferry-
boat, rowed by two stout negroes, crossed the Arkansas, and
landed on the opposite and southern shore of the river,
the only passenger—a young pale-faced man, who grasped
the bridle of his little shaggy pony. The traveller paid
the ferrymen their fare, and throwing the bridle over his
animal's neck, allowed it to spring from the boat, which it
did very cleverly. It then ran about twenty paces up the
bank, searching for and eating the grass which grew but
scantily on the sandy soil, near the roots of some isolated
beech-trees.
" But, massa," said one of the blacks, a genuine Congo
negro, whose dreadfully large cheek-bones and a woolly
moustache gave him a repulsive appearance, and whose
hair looked more as if it had been burned by the sun than
curled; " Massa," he said, after putting the half-dollar into
a little dirty leathern pocket-book, and placing it with great
care and caution in the large pocket of his cotton trousers,
" I told you on the other side that there is not a house for
seven miles, and massa will have to spend the night in the
open air, and in the rain."
"I know that," replied the stranger, carelessly; "but how
long is it since the pottage which stands not far from this
THE HATJNTED COTTAGE.
159
at the border of the little prairie, has been deserted ? There
used to be people in it—settlers from Illinois."
" Oh ! for a very long time that has been uninhabited,
massa," replied the negro. " The wife died, and the two
children also; then the man went away. Before he left, he
sold the little plot of land, with the cottage, to my master,
in Pittsburg, and, as I have heard, went up the Mississippi
to his home."
"Is the cottage still standing?"
"Yes, massa; but "
" Well, but—there is no roof, perhaps ?"
" Oh yes, massa ; a good roof—everything is still quite in
good order ; but the people say that everything is not quite
right in the house."
" Not quite right ! What do you mean ?"
"Well, the woman buried there, between the five peach-
trees, is said,—she is said to "
"To haunt the place, I suppose? You don't mean to
say so ?" continued the stranger, with a smile.
" Ahem !" said the two negroes, nodding mysteriously, and
looking anxiously up and down the bank of the river.
" Why do they say so ?" asked the white man, as he turned
away to proceed on his journey. " Has anybody seen the
ghost ?"
Again the two negroes nodded their heads in a strange
manner. Some more questioning was necessary, however, in
order to elicit the necessary information about the haunted
place. The negro who had spoken first at last declared that
many dreadful stories were told of that spot, amongst which
was one to the effect that the man, who quarrelled with his
wife, killed her, and afterwards his two little children. By
the steamer he escaped, and went nobody knew in what
direction. The body of the woman was dug up in the
presence of two magistrates, and examined by medical
men, when the suspicions were confirmed. The very next
day the bodies of the two children disappeared, and the
mother might be seen at night searching for her little ones.
The negro had said all that he knew on this awful subject;
and alarmed at the increasing darkness, without waiting for
a reply, left the shore, wishing the stranger good night,
M
160
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
Directly after, the clumsy boat was heard on its passage
across the river.
Brown—for the traveller was no other than our young
friend, on his way back to the Fourche-la-Fave—watched it for
a few minutes, as it grew more and more dim and indistinct
in the thick mist which was gradually creeping over the
surface of the water, and at last appeared only as a dark
point, from which the measured stroke of the oars resounded
sharply through the stillness of the night. At length this also
died away—the boat had reached its destination ; and, as if
awaking from a dream, the young man sighed deeply, then
mounted his pony, guiding it along the narrow footpath
which led from the landing-place of the ferry to the plateau
above.
On reaching this spot he rested for a minute, and gazed wist-
fully around. The landscape was overhung by dark masses
of dreary-looking rain-clouds. A few hundred paces from the
river the ground seemed to be thrown up by the rising of
the mighty stream, and covered with the white sand peculiar
to it for some distance. In many places beech and cotton-
trees were half buried in it, and the ground itself resembled,
with its long, wavelike undulations, a restless sea. Further
on, where the power of the swelling waters had been broken
by thickets of papao -and plane-trees, the whole shining
layer of sand lay like a soft covering of snow upon the
fertile ground, stretching towards a point where the land,
rising higher, seemed to act as a dam to the impetuous
stream. Here luxuriant green grass formed the smooth
carpet of a kind of prairie, which, however, presented the
appearance of an extensive orchard, in which low bushy
fruit-trees had been planted many years before by the
Cherokees. The former proprietors of that tract of land had
been driven away from their home, and compelled to seek a
retreat farther to the west.
At the verge (if this " Cherokees' orchard," as the place
was called by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, stood
the little cottage already mentioned, which, according to the
negro's statement, harboured such unpleasant guests. In
spite of this, Brown turned towards that spot, and reached
the haunted place by nightfall.
It was one of those little settlements which abound in the
QUARTERS POE THE NIGHT.
161
Far West of America. A small block-house, iu a very
dilapidated condition, was situated in a long-neglected field,
about two acres in extent. The fence had rotted away in
some parts, and had been burnt in others. An out-house,
quite in ruins, stood at the side. It might have served as a
kitchen or offices; and a well, the opening to which was
covered by a piece of a hollow tree, added to the desolation
around. The place seemed to have been deserted for many
years, and something so wild and so awful reigned around
that Brown halted, almost involuntarily, just as he was about
to pass the broken fence, and looked towards the neigh-
bouring clump of trees, as if debating in his own mind whether
it would not be better to encamp out in the open air, under
the green trees of the forest, than to take refuge in the
house, which might indeed afford a covering, but was other-
wise by no means inviting. Suddenly a stronger gust of
wind from the west, accompanied by a thin mist in the shape
of a cold, drizzling rain, made him decide upon the course
necessary to adopt. Without losing any more time, he led
his faithful animal within the fence towards the little by-
building, which he first of all examined, and found inhabit-
able. Indeed he was obliged to lift several by no means
light trunks out of the way in order to obtain a passage for
his pony; but then he had the satisfaction of knowing that
his brave animal, which had carried him a long way that day,
would have a dry resting-place, and one secured against the
cold north-west winds. From a small bag which hung on his
saddle he brought forth his pony's supper, consisting of
Indian corn, which he poured into the small trough standing
in a corner, and which, by the help 'of some small sticks, he
fixed at a convenient height for the pony.
This done, the traveller next thought of his own couch,
and stepped into the house, in order to rest his wearied
frame under its protecting roof, and to strengthen it for re-
newed exertions. However cheerless and uninhabitable it
might appear from the outside, the young hunter found that
it must not long before have afforded shelter and protec-
tion to some other wanderer, for there were cinders in the
chimney-place, and some embers still emitted a faint light.
Nothing more fortunate could possibly have happened to
him, and he brought in an armful of sticks, which he cut
162
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
with his hunting-knife into thin strips, and soon, to his great
satisfaction, obtained a clear and glowing flame.
He brought his saddle and blankets into the room; the
latter he spread out before the friendly flame, ate his very
frugal evening meal, consisting of a little piece of dried stag
flesh, and threw himself upon the couch, which, hard as it
was, seemed quite comfortable to the weary wanderer.
These preparations for his own comfort, and that of his
horse, had so entirely occupied the young man's attention,
that no time had been left to him to reflect upon his posi-
tion.
As he reclined before the sparkling embers, watching the
narrow and unsteady circle of light emitted by the flashing
fire, his heart opened, and he began seriously to reflect upon
his chequered fortunes, and to endeavour to bring the future
before his mind.
He fancied himself engaged in hot warfare with the
Mexican soldiery, defending the freedom of a young nation;
he pictured himself amid the thunder of the cannon,
showering death and perdition—storming the enemy's bat-
teries; he saw himself bleeding, in agony, among the fallen,
on a glorious battle-field; and a triumphant smile passed
over his pale features as he spasmodically grasped the rifle
at his side, and with a proud and courageous look, half rising
from his couch, stared into the dark starless night. Sud-
denly the image of the beloved one rose before him ; he saw
her, as she, like a beautiful victim, placed her hand in that
of the man destined to be her husband;—he saw her grow
pale—saw how anxiously she looked for help, looked for him
—he heard her half-suppressed cry of suffering; and the
strength of the proud, powerful man gave way under the
feelings that rushed upon his soul. He covered his face with
his hands, threw himself back upon his hard couch, and wept—
wept as if his heart was breaking. This wild burning pain
was at last succeeded by a calm, deep feeling of regret; he
pressed his hand upon his violently beating heart, and
covering his burning forehead in the rough bearskin of
the saddle, which served him for a pillow, he prayed for the
happiness of the beloved one, for solace of his own suffer-
ings; and with the name of the dear girl upon his lips,
slumber caught him in her tranquillizing embrace, and bore
INTRUDERS.
163
him to the heart of her for whom he had sighed and aspired.
It must have been about midnight when he awoke from his
sweet dream, and found himself no longer before a warm
fire, but the open chimney, through which the raging storm
occasionally cast some cold drops in his face. The fire was
completely extinguished, not even a spark remained, and,
with a shiver, he drew his couch into a corner of the build-
ing which offered more protection against wind and weather,
hoping to sleep away the time till dawn. He had hardly
done this, when he fancied that he heard voices on the out-
side of the building. Suddenly the negro's tale, which he
had almost forgotten, flashed across his mind, and leaning
upon his right elbow, he felt carefully for his rifle and knife,
anxious to have these weapons at his side. He then lis-
tened with breathless attention in the direction whence the
sounds seemed to have proceeded. Nothing further was
heard, and he was just sinking back upon his couch, with a
smile on his countenance at his own absurd folly in thinking
of ghosts, when again, and this time quite close at hand, he
could distinguish the sound of human voices. Almost at the
same moment somebody opened the door violently, and step-
ping into the narrow room exclaimed in a rough voice,
" Accursed place ! I really thought that I should not find
it again in the dark. What weather ! It is, however, good
for our business."
" Hardly wet enough," replied another ; " it has, perhaps,
washed away some traces, but not all."
" The deuce take me if it is not wet enough for me. I
shiver all over, and my teeth chatter in my mouth. If we
could only light a fire."
" I wonder how we are to do that," observed the other.
" Everything is wet, and I have not even a tomahawk with
me to cut some chips. When I was here this afternoon I
made a small fire, and covered it over with ashes before I
went away, in order to keep it in : but now," he added,
feeling about with his foot in the ashes, " now everything
is as dark as night. However, we must not stay here long;
at least, I must not; for by to-morrow evening I must be
at home again, as our neighbourhood will be in a state of
excitement during the next week or so. As soon as the
weather has cleared a little, I shall go away."
164
THE EEATHERED ARROW,
" Our horses wont tear their bridles off in the meanwhile,
I hope. We should have brought them in here."
" Decidedly not; in such weather they keep quiet and
do not stir. No, I had an object in not bringing them in
here; I do not wish to leave prints of their shoes about
here. But now let us come to some determination. Time
is precious, and we must make use of this short half hour
granted to us just now. When do you think you will
be back T
Brown, whom the first surprise had completely paralysed,
was not a little bewildered by the dark expressions in which
the intruders praised this sort of weather as being favourable
" for businessand he really hardly knew what to do,
whether to make himself known, or to remain quietly in his
corner. The idea of playing the listener was unpleasant to
him ; and he was about to make his presence known by
speaking to the men, when these last words, referring to the
prints of the horses' hoofs, induced him to remain silent.
" Possibly these are members of the gang, for the sup-
pression of which the Regulators have formed their associa-
tion," thought Brown; and as the conversation proceeded,
he was more and more confirmed in this suspicion. He
accordingly drew his knife quietly from its sheath, for he
knew well enough that if his presence vrere discovered he
would have to fight for his life. Holding in his breath, he
leant back in his corner, anxious to discover what plans
might have brought these schemers to the deserted house,
and hoping to gain some information that would enable him
to defeat their wicked designs.
" When shall I be back V replied the other, musing;
" well, in a fortnight or three weeks, I suppose. The place
is a good way off, and I must proceed very cautiously."
" Do not forget your caution at that little brook, before
you come to my house," replied the other. " Should traces
leading in the direction of my house be discovered by the
Regulators, an investigation could hardly be avoided, and
that might not do any more good to you than to me."
" To me 1 In what way could it affect me ?"
"Well, if they get your horses, do you suppose I shall
make your loss good ?"
"I see—I understood you in another sense. No, don't be
NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS.
165
afraid, I know too well what prudent measures it will be
necessary to take ; but stop, I just remember something else.
Probably I shall only be able to transport the horses as far
as the Washita, as I have business there, and also higher up
the river, which will, I hope, bring in more. When this is
done I shall call upon you, and we can then settle our
accounts. I have one more observation to make. You may
put full confidence in every respect in the man whom I send
with the horses to your place ; only—only do not trust him
with any money for me."
" Don't be afraid. But will he know the spot at which
he has to leave the road, before coming to my house ?"
" Certainly. He was the first to describe it to me."
" Do I know him ?"
"Ho, I think not."
" How shall I then be able to tell whether he is the right
person, and the one to whom I may confide my secret ?"
" Ha, ha, ha ! he knows it well enough without that; but
stop, that you may more easily understand each other, he
shall ask you the way to the Fourche-la-Fave. You will
answer that it flows past your house. His next question
shall then be—' How is pasture in this neighbourhood V And
when he asks you in the third place for a drink of water,
then open your door and heart to him—you will be assured
that he is your man."
"Bight. Such precautions are certainly necessary; for
not only do I often receive visitors from this neighbourhood,
but my ward, who lives in the house, must not know any-
thing of the business. Never trust a woman's tongue.
My goodwife knows about the affair, and that is dangerous
enough. But good night, the rain has nearly ceased, and I
must get home. It will be as well for you to leave this
place as soon as you can. I only wonder that you still dare
to come here, if only half of what is said of you be true."
" Children's tales," his companion muttered. " I don't
think the weather will hold fair long ; it is likely enough we
shall have a wet morning."
"Perhaps not. In my opinion it begins to get colder,
and if the wind should change to "
"Well, what is the matter?" asked the man, as his
comrade suddenly broke off' in the middle of the sentence.
166
THE EEATHEBED ABROW.
" I fancied that I heard a horse stamp upon the ground,
quite close at hand," was the reply.
" Oh, nonsense !" said his associate; " the animals are a
quarter of a mile off. But come, the weather really seems
to be clearing up."
The door again opened—the intruders upon Brown's
repose departed, and the quiet of death reigned in the
deserted and dark hut. For a long while Brown remained
motionless, wrapped in his blanket, and listened to the
wind, which whistled through the chinks and crevices of
the house, and played with the loose planks which formed
the roof, whilst the forest outside waved and howled, trying,
as it were, to stop the storm, which pursued its way in
playful gambols over the broad plain of the Arkansas.
" Who could these men be, holding communication in such
a night, and in such a place ?" was the thought which at first
entirely absorbed Brown's mind. There must be mischief
in their plan, or they would have chosen their time and place
better. But who were they 1 The voice of one of them in
particular seemed to be familiar to Brown, and he distinctly
remembered having heard it before; but whether in
Arkansas, or in Missouri, or even on the other side of the
Mississippi, he could not decide. While he was thinking
the matter over, his ideas grew more and more confused;
he closed his eyelids, pulled his blanket over his head, and
in a few minutes was dreaming again. In his slumbers the
two voices seemed more and more familiar to him; and
now he could even distinguish quite plainly the figures of
Marion and Bowson. The beloved one seemed to recoil
from the embrace of the bridegroom, retreating further and
further; and her pursuer, in advancing towards her, appeared
in more and more extraordinary shapes. He threatened to
seize her, and the poor girl at last, in inexpressible agony,
began to cry for help, in the dark, stormy night.
Frightened to death by his vision, Brown threw off his
blanket, and sprang upon his feet. The cold sweat stood upon
his brow—but, after all, it was merely a dream. The owl
uttered its monotonous, dreary morning song; the wolves
responded from afar, and a dim light appearing in the
eastern sky announced the approaching morn.
The air had in the meanwhile become bitterly cold;
BBOWN AND THE INDIAN.
167
the wind had changed to the north-east, and no clouds
dimmed the pure blue firmament. Brown, to whom all the
realities of the night seemed but a wild dream, stood still, lost
in meditation, and again tried, but in vain, to connect the per-
sons whose conversation he had overheard with scenes he had
formerly witnessed. Bousing himself from this vain reverie,
he began to think that after all his midnight visitors must
have been strangers to him. He at once set about his pre-
parations for continuing his journey, and in them endeavoured
to forget the scenes that troubled his mind so much. He
fed his pony with the Indian corn which was left. The
faithful creature greeted him with a joyful neigh. Brown
then led it to a small pool, formed by the late rains, and
when it had quenched its thirst, saddled it, and pursued his
journey at a brisk trot, before the sun had risen above the
horizon.
The fresh morning air, as well as the rapid pace, im-
parted both to his body and his mind new vigour. The
little courageous animal he bestrode trotted along through
the swampy^ valley of the Arkansas until it came to the
first low range of hills, and then feeling firm ground under
its hoofs, flew across it, as if longing to greet once more its
accustomed pasture-ground at home.
Suddenly our traveller perceived upon the broad road a
man on foot, stepping nimbly along, and when he approached
he recognised gladly, and to his unbounded astonishment,
his Indian friend.
" Assowaum!" he exclaimed, quickly checking his pony,
which, however, appeared as if it was about to stop of its
own accord, as it recognised the red-skinned warrior. In-
deed, it was a matter of course that the two friends should
enter into conversation. " Assowaum ! What in the world
brings you this way ? Whither are you bound T
" Oh, not far," answered the Indian, quickly taking and
pressing the hand stretched out to him.
ee Then you have come to seek me ? What has hap-
pened ?"
" Much—very much ! and does not my brother know
.anything about it?"
" I ! how should I ? Have 1 not been—but now I seem
to understand the conversation of the two men last night j
168
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
their mysterious conference—who knows whether this may
not be connected with what you have to tell me. But
come, out with what you know. I' am burning with
curiosity."
"And so you really know nothing of what has hap-
petted ?"
"My dear Assowaum, don't put on such a very grave
face," exclaimed Brown, smiling. " When I was on the
other bank of the Arkansas river, how could I know what
was passing in Fourche-la-Fave V
" But before you went away "
" My quarrel with Heathcott ?"
" Heathcott has been murdered !" said the Indian, gravely,
while he cast an inquiring glance at the young man's
face.
" Great God!" cried Brown, giving the reins a sudden
jerk that caused his pony to rear. " That is horrible !"
" And suspicion rests upon you," continued the Indian,
still fixing his eye upon him. "You are, however, supposed
to be completely justified. The dead man had uttered wild
menaces against you—he was just the kind of man to put
them into execution; he was, perhaps, about to do so, and
your deed is, everybody says, perfectly justified "
" Assowaum!" exclaimed the young man, interrupting the
Indian, springing from the saddle, and stepping up to his
friend; "Assowaum, by that blue heaven which is spread
out above us, the hand which I now raise is free from all
stain of blood; I am innocent of this murder. I never saw
the unfortunate man from the moment when we separated
before Boberts's house. Do you still believe me guilty
With a smile the Indian stretched out his hand to him,
and exclaimed, in a cheerful tone, "Assowaum never be-
lieved it; at least, not from the moment that he heard that
the murdered man had been robbed."
" And am I accused of that, too ?" the other asked, hor-
rified.
"By bad men you are—the good ones know you better.
Harper and Roberts do not believe a word of the story."
At the mention of Roberts, Brown buried his face in his
hands, and leant with a sigh on the saddle of the pony that
stood quietly at his side.
MUTUAL CONFIDENCE.
160
"Let me see your foot," said the Indian, as he drew his
tomahawk from his belt.
" Why ? Have you measured the traces ?"
" Ahem !" said the savage, with a nod, holding the handle
of his weapon to the sole of his friend's boot. " Three-quarters
of an inch too long," he added, as if to himself, and with
great satisfaction; " I thought as much."
" I did not even wear these boots on the morning when
I left Fourche-la-Fave," said Brown, putting his hand into
his saddle-pouch, " but these mocassins. Were they, then,
traces of boots which you discovered at the place of the
murder ?"
" Ahem !" the Indian said again, with a nod. A new idea
seemed suddenly to strike him ; he placed the tomahawk
upon the ground, and seemed as if engaged in comparing the
measure on the handle with some other measure which he
had impressed upon his memory. Then he suddenly looked
at the young American in such a wild and strange manner,
that the latter started back amazed, asking Assowaum what
was the matter, and what he was thinking about.
" Nothing—nothing," said the savage, with a mysterious
smile. " Come, we must go back—time presses. They think
you guilty; evil-disposed men spread all kinds of rumours;
and the little man has fallen ill, and he is quite alone.
Alapaha is listening to the preaching of the pale man, and
will not return until the evening. Will not my brother go
to tell him himself that he is not guilty ?"
" But where did the murder happen ? How was it dis-
covered V
"Let us go on our journey; we can talk as we travel 011.
Assowaum must go to the Fourche-la-Fave."
With rapid strides the Indian hastened back by the road
he had just come, and Brown was obliged to keep the pony
at a sharp trot, not to fall into the rear. On the road the
Indian told his friend all the circumstances which he longed
to know; and in return, Brown related what he knew of
the midnight conference of those two unknown men in the
deserted house. The Indian stated that he had on that very
morning met a man on a high brown horse; but he could
not recognise his face, as he carefully concealed it in his
blanket, which he drew more closely round at his approach.
170
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Perhaps he was one of the two," continued Assowaum,
pointing to the prints of his horse's hoofs before them;
" perhaps not. But here is the track, and we can follow it."
This search they were eventually compelled to abandon.
When they came to the valley of the Fourche-la-Fave, the rain
of the previous night, and the swelling of several little
mountain brooks, had made the ground so swampy, that the
Indian proposed to make for the river, which was not far
distant, in a straight line, and to continue their journey in
a canoe, of which he hoped to obtain the loan from one of the
farmers near the river. If the Fourche-la-Fave once begins
to rise, which always happens very quickly after such a rain,
it then flows with astonishing rapidity towards the Ar-
kansas ; and although, in consequence of its tortuous course,
the way is much longer by water, yet the distance could
be more easily accomplished in a light boat, than by the
heavy, though shorter road, through the mud.
Brown readily acquiesced in this plan, and was so much
the more induced to do this, as he wished, if possible, to
avoid Roberts's house, at which he would have been obliged
to touch if he followed his present route. Avoiding the
swampy valley, they followed the dry hilly ground which
led towards the bank of the river, over which it hung in
rugged and precipitous rocks. Nothing interfered to detain
them, and they reached Singer's, one of the oldest settlers,
before the sun stood very high in the firmament.
It turned out precisely as the Indian had predicted, and
the river foamed between its rocky walls. The farmer
advised the men not to trust themselves to the swollen
current in a small and dangerous canoe, as they would have
to pass places in which even the most expert swimmer would
have no chance of saving his life. He willingly lent them
his canoe, and promised to send the pony on the morrow,
which was a Sunday, by his eldest boy to Harpers house.
Brown preferred buying the canoe to borrowing it, as he
wished to have one on the river near his uncle's house.
Their hospitable host placed before the weary wanderers
wild turkey and honey, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, jam, and
maize-bread, as well as a goblet full of genuine Monongahela
whisky; and they neither of them required much persuasion
to induce them to do justice to the proffered repast.
TABLE-TALK,
171
" Everybody is out again to-day," said the old man, as a
little negro girl brought in the last dish, and filled the
glasses of the guests with excellent fresh milk.
" What is in the wind, then ?" asked Brown, taking the
glass from his lips.
" There is a prayer-meeting to-day," the Indian observed,
as he placed his knife beside him on the table, and took the
wing of a bustard in his fingers. " The pale man cannot
think very highly of the people at the Eourche-la-Fave; he
makes them pray to their Great Spirit several times every
week."
" That is true," observed the farmer, after having taken a
good pull at the whisky goblet, which he then passed to
Brown; "it begins to be rather too much for me. My
neighbour here, Smith, has, with all his family, become sud-
denly religious, as they call it. There was no help for it,
they would take my good wife with them; and she, for com-
pany's sake, took the girls with her. They have other things
to think of, I presume, besides prayer-meetings."
"Women generally feel the want of these things more
than we do," Brown remarked, thinking of the beloved one,
and how often he had seen her taking part in these pious
manifestations. " Our continual occupation leaves us but
little leisure for these things ; but to women who live more
in themselves, and in the circle of home, religion becomes
almost a part of their existence, and I do not blame them
for clinging with love and veneration to those religious ob-
servances which the rougher being—man—can hardly cul-
tivate to the same extent."
" My dear sir," said the old man, kindly, " Heaven defend
that I should be angry with the female portion of my family
for attending to these matters, or that I should stand in the
way of their devotions; yet I do not believe that they have
nothing else to do in the world but pray. The deuce take
all female saints! That's my opinion, and I speak as I
think."
Assowaum nodded his head in approbation, and said—
" I shall send Alapaha here; such a sermon would do her
more good than those of the pale man."
" Do not misunderstand me," replied Brown; " Heaven
knows how much I am averse to excess in all these things,
172
TllJjj JB'JBAXJtlJ!i.li.l!i.U A14±tU VV.
and I must confess that there is a tendency to such an
abuse in these settlements ; but the cause of it lies, perhaps,
more in the people themselves than in the preacher. I, for
one, believe that Mr. Rowson speaks from persuasion, and
feels in his heart that which he preaches."
" That is more than I can say, in all honesty," exclaimed
the farmer, moving to and fro impatiently in his chair. " I
heard him but once, that's true; but, on that occasion, he
most decidedly did not please me. That throwing up of the
eyes is a bad sign. When a man begins to look like a sick
chicken, I cannot fancy that he is really sincere. At any
rate, I shall not trouble him again with my presence; but I
really wish he would give my women-kind a holiday, at least
one of them at a time, so that my home might be properly
attended to. Away they go, with their large sun-bonnets
on, their prayer-books under their arms, and late in the
evening, when a decent Christian thinks of going to sleep, in
they come like a hurricane, and even then, instead of retir-
ing properly to rest, will sit for hours together in nooks and
corners, talking of their sins, and declaring that they are
wretched and miserable beings. If I did not know my
people well, and if I was not assured that they are, the one
a good, honest wife, the others brave, good children,—if I
had to take them from their own description, why I should
think them the most abominable ragamuffins that ever ap-
peared upon this globe of ours. All this is caused by that
eternal praying and sermonizing. A plague upon it! I do
not mean to give myself out for an angel—I have done
many a foolish thing; but I need not, on that account, creep
about in the dust, and hold my mouth open in sheer asto-
nishment that the earth has not opened to swallow me
up—no; that would be rather too much for me. A
little while ago the preacher was here too, and wished
to hold a prayer-meeting. It came to nothing. I went
about with him, showing him over the farm; I let him see
all my animals, my horses and cows, my fields and pasture
grounds. As to the preaching, I sent him higher up, to
Halfer's, and so I got rid of him, but only for the afternoon;
he persisted in holding the evening prayer-meeting at my
place. He slept here, and I will be hanged if he did not
remain, from nine o'clock to a quarter to ten, upon his knees
THE FRIENDLY FARMER.
173
in the corner, running over a long list of all those blessings
which, although he did not deserve, he desired. But you
have done, and seem pressed for time. Well, my chatteriug
shall not detain you any longer. Yqu must, however, be
careful with that nutshell of mine ; the stream is very rapid
just here, and an accident soon happens."
"No fear, sir," said Brown, smiling ; " we both understand
how to handle such a craft, and the rudder could not be in
better hands than those of my Indian friend. You will not
forget to send the pony to-morrow ?"
"To Mr. Harper's house. You may rely upon it," said
the farmer. " Your name is Harper, is it not 1"
" My name is Brown."
" Brown !" cried the old man, hastily, and as if alarmed,
while he fixed his eye upon the young man, who quietly met
his look. " Brown ! Not that Brown who "
" Who is said to have killed the leader of the Regulators ?
The same, sir," replied the young man; " but," he added, step-
ping forward, his cheeks blushing with indignation, " it is a
miserable calumny, and I am now on my way to set the
matter right. I did not kill that man."
" He threatened your life," said the farmer, somewhat
doubtfully.
"Yes," exclaimed Brown, with generous ardour, "and
I should have killed him, and freely and openly con-
fessed the deed, had he met me in fair fight. But the
man has been, as the Indian here tells me, surprised by
two assailants, murdered and robbed—and—do I look like a
murderer 1"
" No, certainly you do not," exclaimed the honest farmer,
seizing the young man's hand. "No; I know little of
you, but there is something honest and straightforward in
your face ; and as you say yourself it was not you, I
will be hanged if I do not believe you. Yesterday my girls
went down to Roberts's, and they said that Mr. Rowson's
intended took your part very warmly."
"Assowaum, we must really be off," exclaimed Brown,
turning suddenly to the Indian, who stood waiting for hint
at the door.
" I am ready—it is getting late," the Indian replied.
The young man once more shook hands with the farmer,
M
174
THE EEA.THEEED ABBOW.
thanked him for all his kindness, but more especially for the
confidence he showed in him, and expressed a hope that his
innocence would soon be established. The men entered the
boat, Assowaum took his seat in the stern, to steer the small
craft, while Erown went to the bow. They both made their
rifles fast to their bodies, so as to have them at hand in case
of danger, and the small canoe, impelled by two powerful
rowers, shot rapidly over the foaming waters, and disappeared
in a moment behind the projecting rock which formed a kind
of headland at a few hundred paces below the farm-house. It
was lucky that they passed the most dangerous places ere
night had closed in around them, especially some spots
where birch-trees and willows, carried into the river, had
taken root, and formed a dangerous obstruction to their
course. As twilight set in, they reached the more shallow
but broader part of the stream, and there was still light
enpugh for them to distinguish anything that obstructed their
passage.
Silently they glided along. Darkness covered the earth.
They no longer rowed, but merely steered, when Assowaum
suddenly called his companion's attention to a light which
had just become visible in front of them.
" Strange! what can that be T said Brown, turning
towards it. " As far as the thick brushwood enables one to
see, I fancy it must be a great many torches. In what part
of the country are we now, I wonder ? Is there a house on
the bank near at hand 1"
" Yes," said the Indian, guiding the canoe gently in that
direction. "Yes; there is an uninhabited hut. Alapaha
was there last night—we will land." And the next moment
the little skiff touched the bank, to which it was speedily
made fast by the Indian.
CHAPTER XV.
THE PRAYER-MEETING—A DREADFUL MESSAGE.
It was about two hours after noon when different groups
might have been seen approaching from various directions*
GOSSIP.
175
little log-house which stood alone in the wide, still forest.
The owner, Mr, Mullins, was a new settler, an honest and
industrious man, who had in a short space of time cleared
and cultivated a good-sized plot of land. The house itself
showed no traces of comfort or improvement. It stood,
contrary to the usual custom of the farmers in the Far West,
almost half a mile from the field, on the slope of a little
rocky eminence which formed the first part of the ridge that
divides the waters of the Fourche-la-Fave from those of the
Petite-Jeanne. Around the dwelling, in wild disorder,
might be seen felled trees and fence-poles, which indeed gave
the place a new, but also a rather uncomfortable and dismal
appearance.
However deserted and lonely the spot might have looked
all the morning, it suddenly became quite animated, and
there was scarcely a bush without a horse attached to it, nor
the stump of a tree that did not serve as a resting-place to a
group of men chatting cosily together; while the women
stepped into the house to take off their bonnets and shawls,
and to arrange their toilet a little previous to the arrival of
the preacher. The sins and shortcomings of their neighbours
offered a theme of discussion. They were, no doubt, actuated
by the friendly desire of throwing a veil over them, although
they were very careful to run over the list.
" It is very strange that Mr. Eowson has not arrived yet,"
said Mrs. Palter to Mrs. Mullins; " he generally is so very
punctual."
" He will come with Roberts, probably," was the answer.
" In three weeks the wedding, is to come off; and he is pro-
bably with his intended."
" What wedding V asked three or four others^ pressing
near. " Is it really true that Mr. Powson is going to marry
Marion f
" I had it from her own mother; and I should think she was
a likely person fco know. Do not say that I told you this,
as it is as yet a secret. But look ; the Bobertses are coming
without Mr. ftowson! Well, I really cannot make out
what——"
" Why, he has gone to the Arkansas," observed a relative
of Barill's; " perhaps he has so much business to do there
that he cannot get back at the appointed time."
m 2
176 Tll±i AliKU VV.
" That would be a great pity," siglied the youngest Miss
Smyers. " I have been longing to hear another sermon."
" Oh, he is sure to come," cried old Mrs. Smyers, a portly
matron. "We really stand in need of his admonitions in this
settlement. What wickedness threatens to overwhelm us!"
" In spite of this, there are people who don't even think
of praying," said Mrs. Barill—" people who never go to any
prayer-meeting, not even when it is held next door to them
—people who swear and "
" Oh, if I could but once prevail upon my husband to hear
the word of God," said Mrs. Hostler. "He promises me
every time, and never keeps his word."
" You must manage as I did with mine some time since,"
replied Mrs. Hennigs. "One afternoon he had stretched
himself out quietly in the corner for a nap, and when he
awoke the room was full of people, and the preacher from
the other side of the Petite-Jeanne was just beginning to
offer a prayer. You should have seen what eyes Hennigs
made; but he could not help himself, and so he had to stand
it. After two or three more lessons of that sort, I am per-
suaded that he will come of himself, and then he will perhaps
learn to value the privilege."
" Mr. Hennigs told my husband," said Mrs. Smith, " that
he would bring his dogs into the room the next time he in-
tended to take a nap, and they would be sure to bark if
anybody intruded."
" Let him do that if he dares," exclaimed Mrs. Hennigs,
quite incensed; " the dogs upon my beds; that would be good!
I should like to see who would be master. Good evening,
Mrs. Roberts," she continued, changing the subject, as that
lady stepped into the house with her daughter. " How
are you, Miss Marion V
Salutation was now the order of the day, and the women
were fully engaged examining and criticising the finery of
the new-comers, and thus had really overlooked the impor-
taut fact of Mr. Rowson's arrival, who with a bland counte-
nance pressed in amongst them. The change that had taken
place in his appearance astonished everybody. His face was
pale, his cheeks were hollow, his eyes sunken, and his voice
trembled remarkably. It was also noticed that his left arm
hung strangely at his side.
SYMPATHY.
177
" Mr. Rowson !" exclaimed tlie women, with one voice,
" are you ill ? what is the matter with you ? Why, you
look pale as death !"
" You must be ill," said Mrs. Roberts, stepping up to him;
"or is anything the matter with you ?"
" No—nothing, I thank you," replied the preacher, with
a friendly smile. " Really, I thank you for the interest you
take in me, my dear friends and sisters; but it is nothing
more than over-exertion. I came from the northern settle-
ments, and have been on horseback all night. I was deter-
mined to keep my word and to be here at the appointed
time, and that has hurt me a little, as I am not much accus-
tomed to such arduous work."
He stepped up to Marion and stretched out his hand. She
observed the strange manner in which he carried his left
arm, and asked him kindly whether he had hurt himself.
" It is not worth speaking of," replied the preacher, " and
will soon be well. My horse yesterday evening stumbled
over a branch which lay in the way, and threw me against a
tree. It bruised my arm a little. It was but a scratch, and
I did not pay any attention to it; but as we had a very wet
night, it got inflamed towards morning, and is now some-
what stiff. However, it will, as I said before, soon be well."
" Oh, Mr. Rowson, I have some excellent ointment," said
Mrs. Mullins, approaching him, " if you would allow me "
" Thank you—I am much obliged for all your kindness ;
it is not worth all this trouble. Even if it was of much greater
importance than it is, I would not be the cause of preventing
so many pious and believing souls from approaching their
Lord. Let us begin, my dear friends. You see how the
good have flocked together. Shall we remain in the house,
or go into the open air ? Perhaps, as regards space, the open
air will be preferable."
" Will it not be too cold for you in the fresh air' ?" said
Mrs. Roberts, anxiously; " there is a cold and wet wind
blowing."
" Do not be anxious on my account," said the preacher,
pressing her hand, with a smile. " I am in the service of
the Lord, and must not neglect my duties. The ceremony
will do me good, and in a few days I hope to have entirely
recovered."
178
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
Furtlier entreaties were of 110 avail. The little table "was
placed beneath the two mulberry-trees which the farmer had
left in front of his house, and soon after the shrill, loud voice
of the preacher might be heard in prayer and thanksgiving.
The trees did not fall down and crush him—the eai'th did not
swallow up the hypocrite who raised his blood-stained hands
to the All-powerful, and thanked him for having blessed his
feeble efforts, and for having collected all his pious and be-
lieving people under the blue sky. No avenging lightning
struck down the lying traitor as he asked forgiveness for
those who neglected the opportunity of hearing the word of
God. Calmly he stood, and did not blush in the full face of
heaven. There he stood, and did not quail when the women
about him whispered to each other " that a glory seemed to
surround his temples." There he stood, and did not cast
down his shameless eye as he met the pure and really pious
looks of his intended, who now for the first time regarded
him "with favour, believing that eagerness in his vocation had
changed him. That evening, for the first time, Marion be-
lieved that she could become, if not happy, at least contented
as his wife.
Rowson brought the service to an end with imperturbable
calmness. His lips did not quiver when he asked pardon of
the Almighty One for himself and his audience; his voice
did not tremble as he uttered the benediction. Once only,
when all around him were upon their knees, a sudden pang
seized him, and he paused for a few seconds; for high, high
above the waving tops of the oaks, he saw flying towards the
north-west four buzzards. He could not hear the heavy
beatings of their wings, but he knew their destination—he
knew what their meal would be before the sun could sink
in the west. Gathering all his strength, he gave out a
hymn, and thus brought the service to a conclusion.
Some of the settlers seemed to stand aloof from these reli-
gious proceedings, and they had collected in a small group, and
squatted down about a hundred »and fifty paces from the
assembly. Amongst them were Bahrens, Hartford, the store-
keeper, Roberts and Wilson; the latter also a new settler on
the same river, though on the other side. Conversation on bad
times and failing harvests had gradually ceased. The loud
exhortations of Rowson reached them where they stood, and
PASSING- THE BOTTLE.
179
J3ahrens was in the act of putting back into his pocket a
iittle whisky-bottle which he had intended to hand round,
when Wilson observed his movement, and seized the arm
which was about to deprive him of his consolation.
" Stop !" he said, "that is against the rules of society, first
to show one the real stuff, and then to put it away again ;
no, that wont do."
" But, Wilson—if Bowson should look this way—or one
of the women?"
" Oh, nonsense! they must have sharp eyes indeed if
they could tell what we were doing through all this brush-
wood. And should they after all discover our occupation,
what need we care for that? We did not come here to join
in their devotions."
"Well, don't let it be seen more than you can help," said
Bahrens; " my good wife is singing with them, and I should
never hear the last of it were she to notice what we are
about."
"Don't be afraid, old boy," said Wilson, laughing. He
turned his back upon the pious company, raised the bottle to
his lips, and seemed to be regarding the blue sky above for
some moments with peculiar attention.
"Well," said Boberts, taking the flask, "you mean to
empty it, do you ? You ought to have paid a little better
attention to Bowson's moral, 'to do unto others as you
would they should do unto you.'"
" Oh, go to the deuce with your moral," said Wilson, rather
vexed, stretching himself out beneath the shade of the pine-tree
under which he had been sitting, and looking up into the thick
branches above him. " I am growing quite sick of this sort
of thing. What brave fellows we used to be here—fellows who
did not care about having a hat upon their heads, or shoes to
their feet. I do not like this sneaking fellow, with his crafty
ways ; I beg your pardon, Boberts, he is going to be your
son-in-law; I did not think of it."
"Fire away!" cried the old man; "don't mind me. I
think perhaps just as you do. Fire away !"
" In that case, you know what I meant to say. I am tired
of that canting fellow. I cannot forget that new settler, the
German, who came here three months ago. He wished to
go from his home to Kellwefers by the shortest road, and
180
THE EEATHEEEE AEKOW.
asked Curtis to point it out to him. Now Curtis told him
plainly and properly enough that he had to keep due west
at first, through the reedland, until he came to the open
wood at the holly-bush thickets, when he was to turn a little
to the north. After that, he was told to go again due north,
as far as the small lake, and thence, leaving the lake on his
left hand, to go almost due east, otherwise he would get into
the county road to o high up. That was plain enough, and
one would think it was quite impossible for a man with his
five senses about him to miss the way. But Becken had
hardly got into the thicket ere he began to turn round and
round like a top, and in the evening when I arrived there to
get a bustard I heard him shouting. I have tried it myself
several times, and have sent others with the same directions;
but they always got wrong, and now they are going to cut a
road through, so that they will be able to find their way."
" There is some truth in what you say," Bahrens observed,
laughing. "Be it as it may, I do not like the preacher more
than you do."
"My wife is quite taken with him," said Boberts.
''Only last night she argued that he was a saint. She
added, that her heart felt relieved directly he entered the
room."
"Look!" cried Wilson, interrupting the conversation,
" how the buzzards keep flying over there this afternoon.
This is the twenty-third I have counted since I have been
lying here."
" The sermon seems to be over," said the storekeeper, who
had been listening silently to the conversation for several
minutes. " That's the closing hymn—I know it."
" You are musical, Hartford, are you not ? I believe you
class this amongst your other accomplishments," said Bahrens,
laughing.
" Oh yes, a little," the storekeeper replied, rather vexed.
" I play the violin, and know a few first-rate pieces on the
flute. If you wont believe me, I have it hereand with
these words he put his hand into his coat-pocket, and was
about to draw out the instrument, when Boberts seized him
by the arm, and said—
" For mercy's sake, man, keep that dreadful thing in your
pocket. What do you suppose the good folks there would
ROBERTS AT HIS OLD TRICKS.
181
tliink of us, if we were to "begin a concert here? We had
such a joke last year, at Wells's place, down there. You
know Wells, who lives quite retired, and does not go any-
where, unless he gets very particularly invited to a feast,
or something of that kind. A short time ago he was
at my place, after he had found that hee-tree close to the
river, for he wanted an axe, and would not go for it home
first, and "
" Yes, but," interrupted the storekeeper, ignorant of
Roberts's strange habit, "you were going to speak of
music "
" Oh, why did you stop him ?" said Bahrens, laughing;
"he had just started, and would soon have found himself
somewhere in New Orleans, or New York."
" Nonsense," said Roberts; " you are talking sheer non-
sense again. I was thinking neither of New Orleans, nor
New York. I was going to tell you of Wells, whose neigh-
bour had just such another long thing with holes in it,
exactly like a flute, only one had to put it to one's mouth at
the end, instead of the side. He had been staying for the
night at Smith's, and in the evening, as people were going
to prayers, he takes—he had come down from Fort Gibson
not long before that, and did not know our ways, and had
been living, I believe, some time on the Indian frontier, and
used to tell with a remarkable relish what eternal war and
strife they had with the Choktaws, who just then were being
brought from Georgia to the West—I really was sorry myself
at the time for the poor devils, for they have been sliame-
fully cheated out of their land. Grand people came from
Washington and New York "
" Hurrah!" cried Bahrens, who had been watching anx-
iously for this termination of his friend's speech. "I was
quite sure that he would land there."
"Don't shout so awfully," said Wilson; " they are looking
this way. But, bless me, it is all over. Rowson has made it
unusually short."
" He looks miserable enough," observed Roberts; " I really
was quite startled when I met him at the corner of the fence."
" At the corner of the fence ? I thought he had come
from higher up, from the northern settlements," said Wilson.
" Well, so he might," replied Bahrens; " three miles from
182
THE EEATHEBED ARROW.
this he might have turned to the right, in order to evade the
swampy places, and in that case he would come out at the
corner of the fence."
The meeting had, indeed, broken up, and all were now in
motion. Mrs. Bahrens approached our little merry group,
got hold of her " old one," as she called him, and lectured
him for the next quarter of an hour; while Wilson made
signs to [Roberts, asking him whether he knew what kind of
conversation they were holding.
" Children, it is getting late," said Smith, at last, who was
a constant attendant at the prayer-meetings, and was sup-
posed to be a very pious man. " It is very near sunset,
and I have several miles to go. Wilson, you will accom-
pany me, wont you4"
" Hardly," he replied; " I have promised Bahrens to ride
home with him; he wants to tell me of some adventure he
had last week."
"Well, that will be nice," said Mullins, laughing; "let
me know of it, when it is done."
" That you may grin at it, eh ?" said Bahrens. " Ho, I
have grown a little more cautious with my tales, for "
"Bless me, how strangely that new-comer stares about him!"
This last exclamation was caused by the appearance of
a man from the thicket. He stepped suddenly in amongst
them, with such a ghost-like and frightful appearance.
With vacant, wandering gaze, he looked around him, and
several of the women drew back in alarm, while Wilson
sprang up, and cried—
" Holway !—the deuce !—have you lost your reason, that
you run about in broad daylight, looking like a corpse, and
terrifying people ? What has happened ?"
" Something horrible!" groaned the young man, sinking
down on the trunk of a tree. " Something horrible!" he
repeated, in a hollow tone of voice. " Over there, in the
old log-house "
" Well, what is it?" asked a dozen voices at the same time.
" Only give me breathing time, and I will tell you. In
the old log-house—lies—I shudder to think of it—lies the
dead body of the Indian woman—she has been murdered !"
" Alapaha !" cried the hunters, perfectly horrified. " As-
sowaum's wife ! It is horrible ! dreadful! How came you
THE MTJBEEE DISCOVEBED.
183
to make the discovery ? In what way was she killed ? How
does she look ? "Who is her murderer ?" and a hundred
similar questions, were poured forth from different speakers
with the rapidity of lightning.
" I know nothing about it," said Holway; " only give me
time to collect myself. I ran all the way from that place of
horror in a few seconds ; fear seemed to give me wings."
" Come, tell us what has happened."
"I will. Listen. I had been at the mouth of the river
last week hunting, and I set out on my return home yester-
day, intending to fetch some dried skins I had concealed in
a secret hiding-place. I hoped to reach Tanner's house
yesterday, but night came on, and I bivouacked on the bank
of the river, in the thick reeds. How many a night have I
already spent alone in the forest! How many a hurricane,
and even thunderstorm, have I weathered, without expe-
riencing the least alarm ! Strange to say, yesterday a cold
sweat came over me, and I twice stirred up my fire, in order
to make a good blaze. I must have had some foreboding of
what was then passing close to me. Silence reigned around,
my dog barked once, and I had an impression that a horse
neighed near me. That must, however, have been a mistake,
as the reedland is quite impenetrable, and the river close at
hand is very deep. Hoswell had promised to lend me his
canoe, but I did not go for it the first thing in the morning.
I saw, a lot of bees swarming, and, until about noon, kept
looking about trying to find their comb, but did not succeed.
I then went after the canoe, but met with no better success.
I crept round all the bends in the river, as far as I could,
but did not discover anything except a pocket-handkerchief,
with some provisions, which some hunter must have hung
up in the bush and then forgotten, and so I went up the
little path, intending to swim across the river.
" My intention was to ascend the left bank for about two
miles, in order to get another canoe, which a farmer higher
up keeps. I could not help noticing how all the buzzards
seemed to fly in one direction, darting down at a spot not far
out of my path. Two fresh tracks showed that wolves had
very recently crossed my path in the same direction, and I
resolved—having nothing particular to do—to go and see
what kind of game they might be in search of. Gracious
184
THE EEATHEBEE ABEOW.
lieavens ! I was not prepared for the spectacle that met my
gaze. When I reached the little plot, thickly overgrown
with underwood, in which the hut stood, I made certain that
one of the pigs, which are always thereabouts, had fallen a
prey to some hungry bear. I was the more inclined to take
this view from having early in the morning observed the traces
of one in the sand on the bank of the river. The fact that
none of the buzzards were upon the ground, rather startled
me; they were all perched in the branches of the trees
around the hut, flapping their wings greedily as I ap-
proached."
" And the wolves ?"
" I did not notice their tracks; I knew now that what
attracted them must be in the hut; and, without a thought
of meeting with a human body—I will spare further details
—I found the dead body of the Indian woman. A glance
was enough ; I ran out of the hut more quickly than I had
entered, and hastened to the nearest house. A little negro
girl told me that nobody was at home, as all had gone to the
prayer-meeting ; and, as if impelled by some mysterious
power, I rushed here, anxious to meet with human beings."
" But do tell us "
" Nothing ; I can tell you nothing; you must come and
see for yourselves, and at once. The corpse must not, upon
any account, be allowed to remain there another night.
The wolves, which were to-day afraid of entering the place
once inhabited by human beings, would gain sufficient
courage with the return of night, which will now soon be
here, and they would tear the body to pieces."
" Where is Assowaum V asked Roberts. " Perhaps he is
already on the track of the murderer."
" Would he have left the corpse of his squaw unburied V
observed Bahrens. " No ; never."
Surely Assowaum himself has not committed this
crime V said Smith, looking shyly around. " He was always
averse to her attendance at the prayer-meetings of the white
people, and often scolded her for having embraced Christi-
unity."
" I should more readily believe that she had been killed
•by her own mother than by Assowaum," exclaimed Roberts,
eowson's duplicity.
185
warmly ; " I know how much he loved her. But we must
away ■ time presses, and the hut is a good step off. Have
you any pine-wood in the house ?"
" Plenty," said Mullins, " and all cut ready too ; I wanted
it to go to the salt-pool to-morrow evening; but it is more
needed in this case. We can break up at once. Where is
Rowson ?"
" Here!" said the preacher, who had been leaning, un-
observed by any one, against a tree. "We must go instantly
in order to investigate this horrible deed, and to endeavour
to discover the murderer."
" At any rate, Mr. Rowson," said Mrs. Roberts, " you
really must remain here; you are ill, seriously ill; indeed,
you look as pale as death."
" I believe that it is my duty to go," replied the preacher,
" though I have a violent headache."
" Ho—we cannot allow you to stir," exclaimed Mrs.
Mullins; " the horrid spectacle would only make you
worse."
" I hardly know what to say, my dearest sister Mullins."
" You had better remain here," said Roberts, taking part
in the conversation : " you look very unwell, and we really
do not require your assistance. To-morrow, at the funeral,
it will be different; then we shall, if you feel stronger,
apply for your services."
The preacher acquiesced with seeming reluctance, and
was in the act of turning round, in order to enter the house,
when Marion approached him with a timid, gentle look, and
taking his hand, whispered, " Good night, Mr. Rowson, I
should advise you to lie down, and I hope you will be better
to-morrow. Good night 1"
These were but common and simple words of ordinary
courtesy. As they fell upon his ears from the lips of the
lovely girl, they seemed to pierce his innermost soul; and
terrified—annihilated—he almost started back at the touch
of the innocent young woman, when his eye met the
glances of the crowd, his old sternness returned, he drew the
blushing girl towards him, and pressed a light kiss upon
her forehead; he then invoked a blessing upon her head, and
stepped into the house, anxious to get to bed as soon as
186
the feathered arrow.
possible, in accordance with the suggestions of the female
members of his congregation.
" What an angel!" murmured Mrs. Smith, clasping her
hands, and looking after him with an earnest gaze.
"He is a real saint," said Mrs. Pelter, who stood near
her, and caught the words ; " the good soul turned pale as
death on hearing of the dead body, and he really began to
tremble. Oh ! what a feeling heart he has !"
" Marion ought to thank Heaven on her bended knees for
giving her such a treasure of a husband," said Mrs. Smith.
" When will the marriage come off?" asked Mrs. Pelter.
" It wont be long now," observed Mrs. Smith, " for this
very day—but they are separating already. Shall we women
join them ?"
" Oh no—certainly not !" said Mrs. Bahrens. " I do not
think my good man would like me to go with him on such an
excursion; I shall ride home. But we will all meet here
again for the funeral to-morrow."
" Decidedly," replied Mrs. Smith, leading her horse to a
large stump, and mounting into her saddle.
Most of her friends followed her example; and soon
after the men set off on their nimble little ponies, and
just as the sun sunk behind the western mountain ranges,
the female portion of the congregation quitted the place.
They did not forget to enjoin the busy hostess to take great
care of the invalid preacher, and to leave numerous messages
for their spiritual friend ; while the good woman promised to
take as much care of the sick preacher as if he had been
her own child.
CHAPTER XVI.
OBSEQUIES.
prom Mullins's house to the old log-hut was about four miles
in a straight line. The men accomplished this distance in
an incredibly short space of time, and it was not quite dark
when they reached the little " dead clearing," as such once
cultivated but deserted places are commonly called in the
language of the country. Here Roberts stopped, made
THE VICTIM.
187
his puiiy fast to the branch of a tree, and was followed
by all his companions. The first thing to be done was to
strike a light. Though the party amounted to sixteen in
number, not a word was spoken. They collected some sticks
in silence, and soon got a flame, and, led by Roberts and
"Wilson, they approached with beating hearts the scene of
horror.
The leaders stepped into the hut, and at once perceived
the body of the unfortunate woman, who had evidently
fallen before some strong assailant. The others pressed in
behind them, and formed a circle round the victim; while
the pine torches cast a lurid glare upon the awful scene.
"She has been murdered," said Roberts, at last, in an
undertone; and the assembly repeated—" Murdered !"
This was no longer doubtful. A cut across the head, evi-
dently inflicted by an American bowie-knife, was enough to
have caused death. In addition to this, her body bore three
wounds, from which the blood had flowed copiously. The
Indian woman seemed to have defended herself vigorously,
as the ground was trodden down. At the first blow the
unfortunate woman must have fallen senseless.
" Have any of you the least suspicion in what manner and
by whom this unfortunate woman came to an untimely
end 1" asked Roberts.
Nobody answered. At last Bahrens said—" It is impos-
sible to penetrate into men's hearts, or to see what is plot-
ting and working in them. This poor Indian woman appeared
to me so brave and good, so friendly and affable, that I can-
not conceive why or wherefore she should have had a single
enemy in the settlement. I know of none whom I could
think capable of acting so cruelly."
" Nor I—nor I," was the answer re-echoed on every side.
" When was the unfortunate woman last seen ?" asked
Wilson.
" I met Alapaha and Assowaum yesterday afternoon on
the other side of the river," replied Pelter; " they seemed to
be very friendly. But who can sound the depths of an
Indian's heart V
" Assowaum is innocent!" exclaimed Roberts, emphati-
cally. " I would venture my life on that."
"Innocent of what?" from the doorway, in deep and
188
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
sonorous tones, the Indian, who at this moment, followed by
Brown, joined the group, inquired. He then stepped to-
wards the middle of the hut, while the men on both sides
made room for him, so that he had not the least intimation
of the dreadful surprise that awaited him, until he actually
bent over the body of his wife.
" Waugh!" he cried, springing up in agony like a stag hit
by a bullet; " what is this ?"
" Alapaha !" exclaimed Brown, horror-stricken—" Ala-
paha ! and she has been murdered !"
" Murdered !" repeated, in wild and hollow tones, the
Indian, whose eyes seemed starting from their sockets; while
his hand involuntarily grasped his sharp scalping-knife, as if
anxious to bury it in the heart of the assassin who had killed
his wife. " Who says murdered V
" Does this look like guilt, men of Arkansas ?" asked
Boberts, putting his hand upon the Indian's shoulder and
glancing proudly at his comrades.
" Ho—certainly not! The poor Indian ! This is dreadful!
Who has done the deed V such and similar exclamations were
uttered by the farmers; while Assowaum with piercing
gaze regarded everybody who pronounced a word, and seemed
for the moment to have lost all consciousness.
Brown then stepped up to Boberts, saying, in a low tone
of voice, as he pointed to the corpse before them—
" This is the second victim which has fallen by an assassin's
hand in the short space of one week. Bumour has laid at
my door the guilt of the first foul deed. I have come here
to roll back the accusation—to prove my innocence. My
heart is free from such dreadful guilt; but the murderer
lives amongst us. A short time since it was niy intention
to quit this State, and to go to Texas. Such is still my
resolve j but I shall not depart until the criminal has been
discovered that struck this blow—until my name has been
fully vindicated from this charge in the eyes of the world.
Hot only my plans, but even my views have changed. You
know, men of Arkansas—that is to say, many of you, at
least, who are most intimate with me, are aware of my
having hitherto disapproved of the proceedings of the Bcgu-
lators. I thought the illegal manner in which they had been
induced to assemble and take up arms was a sufficient ground
beown's stieeixg appeal.
189
to condemn them. I no longer think so. Here at our feet
lies the murdered body,of one who, in her childlike innocence,
never hurt nor injured anybody. "Which of you has not
been often pleased by her modesty and affability? Whose
heart has not been touched by her earnest and genuine piety,
that induced her to abandon even the creed of her fathers ?
Well, she is dead. The laws have been powerless to protect
her; the laws cannot reach and punish her murderer. Here,
then, I raise my hand, and swear that I will not rest until
her blood has been avenged, as well as that of the unfor-
tunate Heathcott. I will not rest until we have found
out and punished that brood of serpents which hide at our
very hearths. Men of Arkansas, will you aid me with your
arms and your hearts ?"
"We will," they all replied, in low but earnest tones.
"Wewill, as we hope that Heaven will be merciful to us !"
" Let us, then, first of all carry the body to the nearest
house. To-morrow we will summon the preacher, who is,
no doubt, somewhere in the settlement, and we will then
bury the poor woman."
Several of the party began to cut down and prepare sticks,
in order to make a rough kind of bier. Assowaum, who
had hitherto stood in silence near the corpse, with his eyes
fixed upon the features of his dead wife, gently pushed those
near him away, and made a movement with his hand as if he
wished them to quit the hut.
" What do you wish us to do, Assowaum ?" asked Brown.
" Leave me alone," said the warrior, putting his knife back
into its sheath. He had held it open in his hand from the
commencement of the sad scene. "Leave me alone with
Alapaha—only this one night."
" Will it not be better for us to "
An impatient movement on the part of the Indian induced
thejn not to oppose him further. In silence they all retired,
and having deliberated a few seconds at the door of the hut
as to what might be the best course to adopt, departed.
"Would it not be better for us to squat here outside?" said
Bahrens, when they had proceeded a little distance, and
reached a rather open place. " Asso waum will then perform
his sad duties undisturbed, and to-morrow we shall be upon
the spot, without losing any time."
N
190
THE EEATHERED AllEOW.
"That is a good plan, 110 doubt," said Brown; "but
Assowaum told me on the road that my uncle is ill, and that
he had sent Alapaha to him with some food. It seems that
as the unfortunate woman was killed, the sick man is now
lying in his hut alone and helpless. I must go to him, at the
latest, early to-morrow morning. Would it not, in that case,
be better for us to go back at once to Mullins's ? We should
then see how Rowson is, and ascertain whether he is capable
of attending to the funeral to-morrow. In the morning we
might bring the Indian some food. We can then take
Alapaha in the canoe to her own hut, which is close to our
dwelling. I know the Indian will wish to have his wife
buried close to his wigwam."
"While the river is in this state, not more than four
persons can sit in the canoe," said Wilson.
" That does not matter," replied Brown. " From Mul-
lins's to Harper's, if you go straight through the wood, is not
more than six miles. Wilson and I will undertake to bring
away the Indian and the dead body, while the rest of you
go through the wood with the preacher. In that way we
shall all arrive at my uncle's at about the same time."
"Well," said Bahrens, "I agree. Ought we not, how-
ever, before quitting the spot, to endeavour to discover some
traces of the murderer V
"That would be vain," observed Roberts, "the rain
which poured down after midnight must have washed them
completely away, and we should be losing our time. No,
the murderer is for the present quite safe from all pursuit.
Whoever he may be, he will not escape our vengeance. Neither
the pious and chicken-hearted exhortations of a preacher, nor
the menaces of a governor, shall keep us from acting accord-
ing to the dictates of our indignation. This outrage drives
us to extremities."
" I should like to go and see what Assowaum is doing,"
said Brown, almost timidly.
" Do not disturb him again to-night," said Roberts; "these
Indians have peculiar notions and feelings, and I hardly think
that he could bear the sight of a white man just now,
though he might be a friend."
The men lighted their pine-torches, most of which had
been extinguished, mounted their horses, and rode slowly
THE MOHENFHL "VIGIL.
191
back to Mullins's house. In the lonely log-hut, the Indian
remained watching by the dead body of his wife. The white
men had destroyed their tribe, and now one of their number
had lifted up his hand against the feeble woman who relied on
their protection. In the dark blue sky a host of stars shone in
all their midnight glory. The gentle breeze played with the
tops of the lofty trees. The river roared and foamed wildly
as it dashed along near the desolate hut, and it almost seemed
as if its greedy waves clamoured for the bloody corpse,
desirous of making it their plaything.
In the inner room, heedless of the murmur and roaring of
the waves, at the feet of his dead wife, sat the Indian. He
gazed silently and sorrowfully on her painfully disfigured,
bloody, and yet still beautiful figure. The fire had almost
burnt out, and only now and then cast a reddish glare around,
making darkness visible and more awful. All at once, and as
if stung by an adder, the red son of the forest sprang to his feet,
his eyes starting from their sockets; with trembling hands
he threw into the almost extinguished fire all the dry
chips near him, stirred it up with spasmodic haste till he
produced a high blaze, and then turned to the corpse, re-
garding with anxious solicitude the beautiful features.
Alas ! the uncertain flash of light had deceived him. He
fancied that the motionless features moved, that the pale
lips were opening j he could not believe that the wife of his
heart, his Alapaha, was lying dead—dead at his feet. To
every faint ray of hope he clung with the force of despair,
his sinking soul quivering with pain. Soon, however, the
unfortunate man felt the certainty of the awful truth.
Alapaha, the flower of the prairies, was really dead. His
loving look met but a corpse deprived of feeling and soul,
and with deep sighs he let the glowing brands fall from his
powerless hand.
The momentary hope had at least aroused him from his
lethargy; he put his long hair back from his forehead, gazed
around as if incredulous for some seconds, and trembled
again as his glance once more fell upon the inanimate form
of the beloved one.
The wolves, which the night before had not dared to ap-
proach the dwelling, emboldened by hunger now drew near
the place which contained their prey. Yet the scent of so
N 2
192
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
many fresh, footprints somewhat checked them. Their fear
was augmented by the presence of a living being, and they
ran round the dwelling, howling their plaintive and discor-
dant dirge.
Assowaum did not heed them ; he knew the hyzenas of
the forest, but did not fear them ; and was fully occupied
with the former object of his love, now of his grief. Again
he stirred up the fire, that lighted the walls of the hut for
a moment as if with the splendour of day ; and he then
looked about, trying to discover traces or marks that might
serve as a clue to show the perpetrator of the deed.
The hut, erected many years before by a new settler, who
abandoned it soon after, had since that time been visited
only occasionally by lonely hunters, as a place of refuge in
stormy weather. It was consequently entirely neglected,
and had fallen into ruins. In former times its owner had
cultivated a little piece of ground close to it, where he had
grown Indian corn ; but the brushwood had almost effaced
all signs of cultivation, although even in the interior of the hut
some young stems betokened the uncommon fertility of the soil.
At the side of one of these the corpse was stretched out, and
Assowaum looked in vain for traces which might give him
a clue to the murderer. The ground had been so much
trodden down, that no particular footprints could now be
distinguished. In spite of this, close to the little wooden
frame on which Alapaha had cured the flesh of the stag the
day before, Assowaum discovered in the ashes, where the
farmers had not been, part of a man's footprint. Assowaum
observed it closely and attentively. He could not make out
the length, as only the fore part of the foot remained. It
seemed to have been made by the kind of boot Brown used
to wear. It might be, after all, the footprint of the young
man who had only just left the hut. Assowaum measured
the print, and marked it upon the handle of his tomahawk.
Then he remained standing before the fire, looking into it
for several minutes with a vacant stare.
This discovery did not satisfy him j he looked about,
searching eagerly for some object the murderer might have
left, and found his wife's tomahawk, which was covered with
blood, and had been thrown by some savage hand into a
corner of the hut, and thus it had escaped his eagle eye.
THE FUNERAL COUCH.
193
A proud and triumphant smile for the first time passed
over the features of the wild warrior, as he observed the
traces of blood on his wife's light, yet deadly weapon. Ala-
paha, then, had died in a manner worthy of an Indian
woman, and the enemy who had killed her had first bled by
her hand. This, while affording satisfaction, also revived
ideas of vengeance with renewed violence in his mind.
Grasping the tomahawk firmly in his hand, the warrior drew
himself up, and looked round with flashing eyes, as if he
fancied that he was about to see the murderer, and, with the
cry of vengeance upon his lips, to strike him to the earth.
Alas, it was now too late ! Where had that avenging
hand been in the hour of need ? Where was that strong
arm in the moment of danger ?—Far, far away ; and his
poor wife fell an almost helpless victim. Assowaum gnashed
his teeth in useless rage, as if such thoughts flashed through
his mind ; but his quiet and cold bearing soon returned.
Again he examined every corner, every crevice of the little
room, then quitted the hut, and searched every bush and
every nook. It was all in vain—the heavy rain had washed
every trace between the river and the hut away, and the
rising stream, which agitated some branches of a birch-tree,
attracted his attention. Its leaves seemed to have been torn
off violently; but the flood had already washed away any
traces that might have existed at the foot of this tree, and
the Indian returned to the hut without having attained the
end he had in view.
He then set about preparing the funeral couch for his
murdered wife. He spread his blanket, and laid out her
stiff limbs. He brought water from the river, and
washed her blood-stained face and hair j he placed his own
blanket under her head, that she might rest well and softly,
as in olden times, and tried to place her hands upon that
heart which had beaten for him so faithfully and devotedly.
Her right hand remained firmly clenched, and he was on the
point of giving up the attempt to unclasp the fingers that
had grown so stiff in death, when he perceived something in
their grasp. Renewing his efforts, he at last took from the
dead woman's grasp a horn button, of a dark colour, which
she must have seized in the struggle. Yet Assowaum felt
that even this would hardly lead to the detection of the
194
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
murderer. He sliook his head sadly, and carefully placed
the button in the pouch which he always carried at his side.
Once more he took his station at the feet of the beloved,
as if she were but slumbering, and he was watching at her
side.
Thus he sat, motionless, for many hours; the fire gradually
declined, flashed up two or three times, and at last died out.
Darkness reigned in the little room. The wolves in the
wood had retreated—no sound broke the solemn stillness of
the night, save the plashing and gurgling of the swollen
stream. The owl avoided the awful place, and only from a
distance could its screams be indistinctly heard. All was
silent, and the dark form bent over the dead body until the
fresh morning air shook the dew-drops from the bushes. A
streak of light in the east proclaimed the approach of day,
and the night birds, in loud and plaintive notes, took their
leave of retreating darkness.
Voices were heard outside the hut, and, followed by
Wilson, Brown stepped into the quiet room. The Indian
did not seem to observe him; his eye, which he had not
for a moment taken off Alapaha's face, dwelt painfully
upon those dear features. At last his friend gently touched
his shoulder, and Assowaum started up, as if awaking from
a dream.
" Come, Assowaum," said Brown, kindly stretching out his
hand to him, " be a man—master your grief, which threatens
to consume you, and let us set to work. We will, in the
first place, bury your wife, and then avenge her."
The Indian listened unmoved at these words, until the
last fell upon his ear.
" Avenge her !" he exclaimed, leaping up with glowing
eyes. " Yes! avenge her ! come, brother, the sight of this
body unmans me—come !"
Saying these words, he took the little tomahawk that had
belonged to his wife, and put it in his belt. With a firm
step he then helped the two men to carry the body down to
the canoe. Wilson offered him refreshment, but he refused
to take any ; went to his usual place in the canoe, and
steered it safely down the river to Harper's dwelling, about
ten miles off. Bowed by the powerful arms of the two men,
the light craft glided with the rapidity of lightning through
the foaming flood.
harper's log-house.
195
CHAPTER XVII.
alapaha's funeral.
Harper's log-house stood at about a hundred paces distant
from the banks of the Fourche-la-Eave, beneath the shade
of some young hickory and mulberry-trees. The land
around the house had only been cultivated for a very short
time, the two men being, as we before said, new-comers.
Logs of wood and the trunks of trees lay scattered about in
all directions. Some of the timber had been prepared for
transport; the remainder was in a very rough state, being
nothing more than trees, with their leaves and branches.
The house itself seemed to be provided with many comforts,
some of which were rare enough amongst farmers in general.
A little window had been constructed, furnished with real
window panes. A well had been sunk in spite of the proxi-
mity of the river, and a good supply of pure, wholesome
drinking water thus obtained. Out-houses for various pur-
poses had been constructed in a rude fashion, giving evidence
of the intention of the owners to devote themselves to agri-
cultural pursuits. Chickens, and even a flock of proud turkeys,
assembled round the doorway, anxiously waiting for food;
while two powerful horses, evidently of northern breed,
stood at the empty trough, and kept poking it with their
noses, as if disappointed at not finding the usual quantity of
maize stalks in the accustomed place.
In the open space before the dwelling, the men who had
assembled on the preceding evening at Mullins's had collected
together, and Roberts, in particular, was struck at the quiet
and awful solitude of the place. He jumped nimbly from
his pony, pushed open the door of the house, stepped in, and
found all his worst suspicions confirmed. On a hard, rough
couch, with the blankets thrown off, in the height of fever,
lay the generally so merry and cheerful old man. Every-
where he was greeted with a friendly smile and a warm
shake of the hand; he was a universal favourite, yet he now
lay alone and helpless, without one kind soul to give him a
cup of water to cool his burning lips.
196
THE EEATHEUED AEEOW.
Boberts and Bahrens, with deep emotion, approached the
sick man's couch, and seized his hands, but he did not
recognise them. He raved madly about hunting expeditions
and excursions on foot, of his brother, and of his nephew,
who had killed his antagonist, and whom he imagined to be
standing at his bed-side, covered with his blood.
At this moment Bowson, who had regained his self-pcs-
session and usual calmness, stepped into the low room, and
went to the couch of the sufferer, who at his approach drew
himself up, exclaiming—
" Away ! away ! Wash your hands ! they are stained
with blood. Wipe your knife ; it might betray you. Ha !
your bullet was well aimed. What a hole it has made—the
wound will be difficult to heal—it has touched the brain."
Bowson turned pale, and with a shudder drew back,
while Boberts, without taking his eyes off the sick man's
face, said in an undertone—" He is dreaming of his nephew;
he thinks him guilty, and fears for his life."
<( Strange fancies !" whispered the preacher, who had per-
fectly recovered himself, and was bending over the invalid.
" Harper," he said, in a soothing tone of voice, placing his
cold forefinger on the sufferer's burning forehead, " arouse
yourself. Your friends are near you "
Before he could finish the sentence, Harper started up
with a cry of anguish, exclaiming—
"Water! water!—the fiend stretches out his claws to
catch me—it was not I who killed him—no, that one—the
other—no—yes—I saw it all—I saw it—take me—it was I
who struck the blow"—his voice died into a whisper, and he
fell back unconscious upon his couch.
" He is very ill," said Bahrens, with much feelipg. " Be-
main at his side, and I will go and fetch a drink of water to
quench his thirst. The animals, too, must be fed ; I cannot
bear to see them running about half-starved, with no one to
look after them."
Without further ado, Bahrens set to work; and before the
men could land with their mournful burden, he had, assisted
by Boberts, bathed the sick man's temples with cold water,
arranged his bed a little, got him a refreshing drink, at-
tended to the animals, swept the house, and put things in
order, so that the place began to look a little more com-
THE INTERMENT.
197
fortable. Meanwhile Rows on and Roberts sat at the siclr
man's side, giving him everything that he required, and he
at last fell asleep, more from exhaustion than anything else.
Shortly afterwards the canoe arrived, and Brown and
Wilson, followed by the Indian, bore the body up the bank,
and laid it down near the mossy trunk of a lofty oak.
"Where are we to dig the grave?" asked Mullins,
stepping up to Brown.
The Indian heard the question, caught hold of the man's
hand, and led him to a spot about a hundred paces dis-
tant from Brown's dwelling. It was close to his own wig-
warn, constructed of broad pieces of bark, covered with
untanned skins. It was an Indian tumulus, and these are
found in great numbers in Arkansas.
On reaching the place, Assowaum said, " Let the flower
of the prairies rest with the children of the Natchez. Hatred
and discord lighted in olden times the hearts of the Lenni
Lennapes against their red brethren of the South. The
Great Spirit has punished them for this—let their ashes now
rest peacefully together."
The men set to work at the spot indicated by the Indian,
and soon made a hole deep enough for the purposes of inter-
ment. They then got the body ready to place it in a
roughly-constructed coffin, which they had made the night
before, and transported thither. The Indian would not, how-
ever, allow them to do this; he fetched out of his wigwam,
a number of well-tanned skins, threw them over the body of
his wife, and then, assisted by Brown, whom Bahrens had
requested to leave the room, that his uncle's short and re-
freshing repose might not be disturbed, he placed his young
wffe in her last quiet resting-place.
Mullins now came forward with a hammer and nails in
his hand, in order to fasten down the lid of the coffin; but
Assowaum again interfered, and tied round the coffin his
leathern lasso (laco), and thus let it down into the grave.
Rowson then stepped to the open grave, and Assowaum
made a sudden movement, as if about to prevent the per-
formance of the Christian funeral ceremony; but he remeni-
bered how dear the creed had been to the deceased, and he
offered no opposition to the proceedings, but buried his face
in his hands. He then knelt down at the side of the grave,
198
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
and his long pent-up grief, manfully restrained until that
moment, hurst forth, and his breast heaved convulsively,
while a flood of tears streamed down his quivering cheeks.
Deeply in that sad hour did he feel that the being at whose
body he had gazed for the last time, had left her tribe, her
friends, and her home, and had become a wanderer amongst a
strange people for his sake. The Methodist preacher, in
low, nasal sounds, commenced his sermon over the body of
the woman whom he himself had cruelly murdered. Ha
praised her virtue and piety; he commended the zeal with
which she had attached herself to the service of the true
God, believing steadfastly in him. He praised her dutiful
love for her husband and chief, and asked of Heaven, to which
he dared not raise his guilty eyes, mercy for the deceased, and
forgiveness for the culprit, who, perhaps in anger, had shed
innocent blood.
He had not finished his sermon, ere the Indian seemed to
be moved in a strange and most extraordinary manner.
Taking his hands from his eyes, he cast a piercing glance at
the preacher, and the latter was silent, and trembled vio-
lently at the darkly glowing scowl of the warrior. The
Indian drew himself up proudly, took his wife's tomahawk
in his right hand, and pointing with his left towards the
Methodist, said in a loud and firm voice—
" Alapaha is dead—her spirit has gone to the blessed
abodes of the white man—her heart turned away from the
Great Spirit, whose vengeance has at length fallen upon her.
"Why, then, does the pale man now pray to his God to have
mercy upon that woman who left and forgot everything
to follow and obey him; who renounced the belief of her
tribe, and prayed to the white God ?"
Howson made a motion, as if about to interrupt the
Indian; but the stern glance of the latter again deterred
him, and he continued—
"You also pray for forgiveness for her murderer. He
has put his poisoned hand into the pure blood of the heart
of the flower of the prairies. "Which man here that knew
her did not love her? Ho—no pardon ! Curses upon the
murderer ! Assowaum will find him. He will live for
nothing else; and when he has avenged this deed, the Great
Spirit will receive him with open arms and a smiling face."
beown's soliloquy.
199
Rowson, who had only restrained himself by a great effort,
now silently raised his hands, and said, after a long and
seemingly reverential pause—
" May it please Heaven to pardon the unfortunate man
who is overcome by his bitter grief, and thus goaded to utter
words of hatred and anger."
This and much more the preacher said, whilst the men
listened with reverential silence. Assowaum alone, with his
right hand on his tomahawk, scowled upon Rowson until the
coffin had been lowered by the men into the narrow grave.
Then his pride gave way; again he sank upon his knees,
covering his face with his hands, and ere he rose again the
little mound showed that the last solemn office had been per-
formed.
All was now over, and most of the farmers went back to
their homes. Bahrens and Wilson remained with Brown
in their friend's little dwelling, in order to attend upon him
and nurse him as much as lay in their power. Before
Rowson left, Brown stepped up to him, thanked him for his
friendly assistance in committing to the earth the body of
the unfortunate woman, in spite of his own indisposition, and
offered him every accommodation his small place could afford
in case he did not feel inclined to leave at once. Rowson
declined his offer, stating that he had to make many pre-
parations for his marriage. He went away with a blessing
on"his lips, and deep humility and piety in his looks; while
the young man, absorbed in dark thoughts, gazed after him
in utter abstraction. This was the man who had robbed him
of all his earthly bliss, who stood like a dark shadow in the
path of his existence. This was the man to whom his beloved
was about to sacrifice both hand and heart. His she
must be from that time forward until death should sever the
ties made in the face of Heaven, and indissoluble during
life.
"Farewell," he exclaimed, "farewell sweet dream of
youth; farewell image of happiness; farewell aspirations that
I nursed so tenderly; farewell pure affectionate being, and
may Heaven pour blessings on your head ! Forget the unfor-
tunate being whom evil destiny has thrown into your, way to
undermine your peace;—farewell."
" Farewell," whispered Assowaum, who had stepped to his
200
THE FEATHEKED AEEOW.
side and caught the last word; " farewell! Yours is rather a
strange farewell to a departed friend."
" A departed friend!" said Brown, startled.
" Were you not speaking of Alapaha ?"
" I spoke of a departed one—you are right," said Brown,
burying his face in his hands. " She is dead!—dead!—
dead!"
"Dead!" cried Assowaum, in hollow tones; "murdered!
but I must find out the murderer. The spirit-bird will
in my dreams whisper his name into my ear. At her grave
will I squat until I have heard his voice. Will my white
brother assist me for the sake of the dead one? Will he aid
his friend before he goes into another country to fight for the
liberties of another people ?"
Brown held out his hand to the Indian in silence. He
tlien stepped to his sick uncle's bedside, while the Indian,
mastering his grief, set about making, out of pieces of bark,
a roof over the grave, in order to keep the rain from it.
While he was thus occupied the sun gradually declined, and
it was dark ere he had finished his sad task. With his
tomahawk he endeavoured to make a small opening in the
upper part, where the head of the corpse rested.
"Are you destroying what you have erected ?" Brown asked,
who had left the invalid to the care of his friends for a little
while. His object in joining the Indian was to endeavour
to induce him to take some refreshment, as he had tasted -io-
thing for nearly four-and-twenty hours.
" I am not destroying it," said the Indian; "but the soul must
have an outlet that it may go from and return to the body."
" The soul does not return, my poor friend," replied the
young man, sadly; " it has gone up there where the blessed
live; it will not revisit the earth."
" There are two souls," whispered the Indian; " there are
two souls," he repeated more eagerly, seeing that his white
friend nodded his head in disbelief. " Does not Assowaum's
soul fly back in his dreams to the hunting-grounds of his
tribe 1 Does it not behold the wigwam, at the entrance of
which he played in childhood ? Does it not see again his
father,.helping the feeble boy to string his bow ? Yes,—it
is far, far away in distant countries, and yet Assowaum
lives, and lies on his couch and breathes. Could he breathe
the Indian's ckeed.
201
if he had but one soul, and that absent in the land of his
tribe, while he himself dwells near the dwellings of the white
men on the 1 roaring waters V* No; the Red man has two
souls."
As night set in, Assowaum took the refreshment which
Brown set before him, and placed it near the opening he had
made at the head of his wife's grave. He lighted a small
fire, which he kept very carefully burning while darkness
Overshadowed the slumbering earth, and sang, in a low,
plaintive tone of voice, the monotonous and solemn dirge of
his tribe.
CHAPTER XVIII.
ROBERTS MEETS WITH AN ADVENTURE IN A PANTHER HUNT—AN
EXPEDITION UPON THE WATER.
Two weeks passed away after the events described in the pre-
ceding chapters, but all endeavours to find out the criminals
proved fruitless. Brown's uncle had nearly recovered, and
the favourable change in his state enabled the young man to
devote much of his time to investigations into the foul act.
Several days had elapsed after the funeral before Asso-
waum could be prevailed upon to leave his wife's grave. He
then suddenly disappeared, and Brown himself did not know
in what direction he had bent his flight.
The settlers were, however, by no means discouraged by
the failure of their efforts to discover the murderer, and
only saw in that a still stronger proof of the necessity of
uniting amongst themselves for the protection of their rights.
This was another case in which the regularly constituted
authorities achieved nothing, and the murderer seemed to
remain, at least for the present, secure and undiscovered.
Convinced of the necessity of organization and union, the
greater number of the farmers had joined the Regulators,
and a meeting, which promised to be very numerously
attended, had been appointed for the next day, Saturday.
They intended to deliberate upon what serious steps it would
* Arkansas in Indian.
202
THE "FEATHERED ARROW.
be necessary to take in order to bring up all suspected per-
sons in the neighbourhood who could not be charged with
any particular crime. Possibly they might thus elicit some-
thing which would set them upon the track of the criminals.
Moreover, the horse-stealing had caused a great sensation,
and people felt pretty sure that those who had committed
these depredations against their neighbours had also per-
petrated the two foul murders recounted in these pages.
The warm sun shone on the green forest; an autumnal
calm lay upon the face of Nature; not a breath of wind
stirred; but deep, deep in the thicket where the Fourche-la-
Pave overflows the reedlands, the chase was afoot, and the
dogs awoke the woods with their loud baying.
" Hallo ! hallo ! dogs," cried Roberts, as he dashed upon
his foaming horse across a large, swampy clearing. The ex-
cited animal leaped forward into a maze of thickly grown
vines; the pack were on ahead, and the hunters followed one
by one as fast as they could make their way through nume-
rous obstacles, while each man kept encouraging the hounds
with loud cries whenever he caught a glimpse of them.
" Huhpeeh !" cried Roberts, with his rifle in his left hand,
and his heavy hunting-knife in his right, to cut through the
creepers and vines. He cleared a large cypress-tree that
had been felled at a bound, and, at the same time, with
a well-aimed blow, cut a bramble asunder which threatened
to arrest his progress. In endeavouring to remove this
obstacle he had completely overlooked another, which,
though it might not appear so formidable, was really
a tougher one. It was a straggling vine, and before he
could raise his arm for another stroke, or rein in his excited
steed, the animal dashed on, and the next moment Roberts,
with his rifle and knife near him, lay at the side of the very
trunk he had just before bounded over with so much nimble
dexterity.
" A plague upon it!" he murmured, as, after several
violent efforts, he had raised himself out of the mire into
which he had fallen head-foremost. " Pony ! here ! kob,
kob ! pony ! the deuce take the animal ! I believe he has
gone off to hunt upon his own account." He was not far
wrong in the assertion, as the cunning animal, which Roberts
had ridden on so many hunting excursions, took much too
ROBERTS IN" DIFFICULTY.
203
lively an interest in the chase to think of waiting for its
master, and thus to throw away the very best time. Like
an arrow, having once got rid of its rider, it followed the
pack, and in a few seconds was neither to be heard nor
seen.
" The animal is off, indeed!" said the old man, angrily,
after having looked about and listened attentively ; " there
is not the least trace to be seen or heard, and it seems that
I have put my foot into it. The hunt appears to be yonder
behind the hills; I should not wonder if it turned out that
the panther had set off towards the Petite-Jeanne. He will
try to get into the lower grounds, and seek refuge in the
reedland on the other side of the river. Wait a little, my
boy, perhaps I shall be in at the death in spite of my old
bones. A little patience; I have been in worse positions."
Roberts's ideas were evidently returning to the war of
independence, for he smiled good-humouredly, and having
during this soliloquy wiped the mud off his rifle, primed it
afresh, and put his knife in its sheath again, he proceeded
in the direction of the river. Here a new difficulty pre-
sented itself to the unhorsed rider, and that was the
necessity of crossing the stream. He wandered up and down
in vain for some time, trying to find a shallow place. At
last he observed the trunk of a tree, rotting close to the
steep bank, where a bear seemingly had been at work, and
had torn off several pieces. The marks of that animal's
claws were visible, and had evidently been made since the
last rain. This, however, could matter but little ; the hounds
were in full cry, and could not very easily be called off. In
fact, it would have been almost impossible to put them upon
another scent, even if Roberts had desired to do so, which
was by no means the case.
Only a few days before a panther had attacked one of his
colts, and the night after a large, full-grown horse had fallen
a prey to another of these savage animals, which sprang out
of a tree upon its victim, tore open the arteries of the neck,
and thus destroyed the strong and powerful creature.
The old hunter knew that, although it was very probable
that the panther would endeavour to reach its den, which it
could only very recently have quitted, yet it would not swim
across the river a second time, as these animals dislike water.
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
lie was, therefore, very anxious to get as quickly as possible
to the other side of the river. Moreover, the noise of the
pack grew more distinct, as if the dogs were again approach-
iug him, and consequently the hunt might at any moment
turn in his direction Roberts rolled the decayed trunk
towards the steep bank, pushed it over, and then descended,
holding by reeds and roots. He placed his rifle upon the
strange raft, and was about to attempt a passage across the
stream, when the cries of the dogs sounded very near at hand
in the direction of the river, and all at once broke out so
boisterously, that Roberts could not but think that the
panther had, in its fright, taken refuge in a tree, and thus
for a time evaded its pursuers.
No time was to be lost. Pushing the log into the river,
he had just reached the deep water, about midway, when the
brush wood on the opposite shore rustled, the dry reeds gave
way, and at the same instant a dark form appeared on the
top of the bank, and rushed down with the quickness of
lightning into the flood, which closed over it.
It was the panther; and it dived so near the hunter as to
splash him all over. The eddies caused by this sudden
plunge nearly upset his frail craft. The fierce animal came
again to the surface; but without paying attention to its
foe, swam to the opposite shore.
Roberts had by this time regained his presence of mind,
which at the first moment had been somewhat shaken by the
surprise. His rifle was luckily quite dry; he cocked it, and
raising it to his shoulder, fired. His position was by no
means a comfortable one to take an aim, but he hit the
panther, then just emerging from the water. The animal
sprang into the air, and fell back into the stream. Roberts
was about to utter a shout of triumph, when the wounded
animal again appeared out of the water, and ran up the steep
bank. At this moment our navigator, having lost his
balance, slipped into the river, disappearing beneath the sur-
face, with rifle and powder-flask. Just as he rose again to
the top of the stream, the dogs, which had been howling at
having lost the trail, reached the spot where the panther had
taken the water. In they dashed, and catching sight of
Roberts struggling in the stream, supposed it to be their
prey, and made towards the unfortunate hunter. Roberts's
THE DOGS ATTACK ROBEKT3. 20$
position at that moment was not an enviable one, for if the*
dogs, which strove with all their might to reach their sup-
posed enemy, had come up with him while struggling in deep
water, they would have torn him to pieces before the error
could have been perceived ; as it was, he saw in good time hi®
danger, and struck out, holding firmly his heavy rifle in his lef'J
hand. He had hardly reached a place where he could finch
firm footing ere the dogs surrounded him, and Poppy, not ah
once recognising his master, sprang at him. Roberts drew*'
himself up quickly, drove back the foremost animals with the1
butt-end of his rifle, and shouted wildly to the terrified
pack—
" Back, you blood-hounds !—you cursed animals ! Lie
down, Poppy. You wretch! do you mean to fly at your own?
master !"
Poppy had by this time recognised his master, anc£
bounded upon him joyfully ; Roberts, still very suspicious,
stepped back a few paces, fell into a deeper hole, and agairz
disappeared under water, just as Balirens reached the river-
side. The latter, thinking it was the panther, put his rifle
to his shoulder, and got ready to fire. The dogs now pro-
tected the hunter from the bullet of his comrade. Not
wishing to hit them, Bahrens paused a moment ; this was
enough, and to his great astonishment he recognised his friend,
who, unconscious of the new danger, had again succeeded
in getting firm ground tinder his feet, and began spitting
out some of the water that he had swallowed. The pack
had, however, got scent of the blood which flowed from the
panther's wound, and, with a wild noise, darted off in pur-
suit, and soon after brought it to bay in the valley.
" Hallo, Roberts!" cried Bahrens, from the opposite
bank. "What the deuce are you doing in the Fourche-la-
Fave T'
"I believe I am looking for crayfish," he replied, scram-
bling out of the water, and trying to climb up the steep
bank.
Twice did he fail in his attempts, and slip back to the
stream, but at last lie succeeded in scaling the bank. Hi.-?
friend could not conceal his merriment at the woful figure
that he made, but stood holding his sides. Having scrambled
so far, Roberts seized a young tree, swung himself up, anc&
o
203
THE EEATEEEED AEEOW.
disappeared in the thicket, without bestowing another glance
upon Bahrens.
The latter returned to look for his horse, which, when he
had heard the dogs in the water, he had left behind, that he
might the more readily force his way through the various
obstacles that impeded his progress. He mounted, and
galloped away to the ford a little higher up. In spite of his
hurry, he arrived too late at the scene of action, for, while
trying to force a passage through the reedland, he heard the
report of a rifle, and soon afterwards the cry of the dogs,
evidently running round a tree. The panther was, however,
still in his retreat, when he stepped into the little clearing
where all the hunters had assembled. With its claws in
the branch of the tree, the animal clung to its last protection
with all its might. The convulsions that shook its whole
frame showed how severely it had been wounded. Presently
the claws relaxed, and it fell among the howling pack. It
descended upon one of the young hounds, breaking its back.
At first the men could not get the mutilated body of the
dead panther from the dogs. They tore it with savage
delight. At last, however, they were beaten off, and Cook,
to whom the wounded dog belonged, and who saw that there
was no chance of saving its life, with a bullet put an end to
its sufferings.
" That is the seventh dog I have seen killed in that man-
j£er," said Bahrens, angrily, putting down his rifle. " The
poor, stupid animals are not to be called off when such prey
is before them. Ere they know where they are, these brutes
spring amongst them, knocking them down right and left
like nine-pins."
" A bear which I shot last year," said Roberts, shivering
with cold, " killed two in exactly the same manner, and
broke the leg of a third. I had to kill the poor creature."
" Hallo, Roberts," said Bahrens, laughing, " you do look
comfortable; we had better light a fire. Cook, where do
you come from ? Bless me, I have not seen you for the
last fortnight—not since you had that fruitless chase after
the wrong horses. Did you kill the panther ?"
"Yes," said Cook, wiping his rifle, and loading again. "I
was over at Harper's, and hearing the dogs so near, I could
not resist the temptation."
BBISSING HOME THE SPOIL. 207
"We are near Harper's house, I suppose," said Roberts.
" The country hereabouts seems familiar to me. I fancy ifc
lies over there, behind those cypress-trees."
" Hardly five hundred paces from them," replied Cook.
" We had better go to him at once; Mr. Roberts can dry
his clothes there, and we can flay the animal."
" I wish I knew where my horse had got to," Roberts
observed, rather anxiously. " Pexdiaps his bridle has caught
somewhere.. I made a knot in it, so that it does not hang
down very low."
" Don't be afraid," said Bahrens. " There comes Mullins,
leading the poor creature. Where did you find him,
Mullins ?"
"Just where the panther first crossed the river. He stood
as if examining the place. I think he found the bank rather
too steep for him," said Mullins, joining the group with the
runaway. " But hallo!—he's a strong fellow. I do not
wopder now at his having killed that horse."
It was indeed an extraordinary large panther that had
given them so long a chase. Had not the animal been
wounded by Roberts's shot, he would not, in all probability,
have been so easily captured. The men now endeavoured to
lift the inanimate form upon Cook's horse, which, in spite of
Cook's repeated assertions as to his gentleness, proved very
restive; and if he had already, as his master declared, carried
two bears, he could not now be prevailed upon to allow the
dead panther to be brought near him. In vain they rubbed
his mouth with the wild beast's blood; he did not seem to
mind that, it was the scent that annoyed him most. The men.
were at last obliged to flay the panther on the spot, and to
content themselves with the skin, which, after some difficulty,
they got upon the back of one of the horses. The animal did
not seem to like his load, but kept tossing his head, and by
leaping, starting, and plunging, endeavoured to get rid of
the disagreeable load.
They soon reached Harper's dwelling, fastened their horses,
to the trees, and disappeared through the door.
o2
208
the eeatiiereh arrow.
CHAPTER XIX.
harper's dwelling—cook's account of his adventure in pursuit 0?
the hokse-stealers—harper's and bahrens's wonderful stories.
The inside was not so cheerful and tidy as when Harper
was in health and strength, and presided over the arrange-
ments of the little bachelor-household, in which he had been
occasionally assisted by Alapaha. During the last few days
he had indeed recovered in a great measure from his illness;
but the weakness which fever always leaves behind was
still rendered apparent in all his movements. Even the
generally jolly, healthy, ruddy face had assumed a very ashy
hue, and the cheek-bones were painfully prominent.
His neighbours did not desert him in the time of need.
Everybody liked him, and they watched at his bedside by
turns, as long as there was any necessity for so doing ; and
when he was getting better, many spent days with him,
trying to amuse him. Bahrens in particular had taken a
great liking to him, and had become a frequent and ever
welcome guest in his simple home.
"When the party entered, Harper was resting on his bed.
His once ruddy cheeks were pale and sunken ; his vivacity
had left him, and the effects of the fever were painfully
evident. His eyes glowed at the sight of his visitors, and
gleamed with delight as he bade his dear guests welcome in
a most cordial manner. He stretched out his thin hand to
them as they entered, and was more especially friendly to
Roberts and Bahrens.
"Welcome, all of you; welcome, Roberts—you are a fine
fellow. To the chase, then, I am indebted for this visit; but
bless me, what is the matter? You really look as if you had
just come out of the water. Here, Bill, give Roberts a,
change, or he will take his death from the effects of the
wet."
" Thank you, thank you," Roberts replied, as the young
man brought him a warm, dry suit, and prepared to assist
him in changing his clothes. " Thank you—but Brown, I
Iiave a bone to pick with you. My good wife is very angry
ItAHPEH AT HOME.
209
with you, because you are never to be seen now ; ever since
that affair with the panther, when you shot the animal—you
remember, Marion was with you. You must have hit him
pretty hard, for I hear that Cook's eldest boy found him two
days afterwards—at least the skeleton and a part of the skin
—for the buzzards had "
Brown would have let him go on talking without at-
tempting to interfere, but Cook took him by the arm, ex-
claiming—
" Hallo; stop ! You are off again. Come, sit down near
the fire; and you, Harper, had better draw up, for though
we have closed all the chinks and crevices there are plenty of
draughts, and you might possibly catch cold again. The
wind whistles through the chinks dreadfully."
" Have you such a thing as a basin here V asked Roberts.
" In order to get out of the river, I had to climb up the
muddy bank by the aid of my hands, and "
" Cook, be kind enough to get down that ironv bowl there
■—the one without a handle—you know which I mean."
" Of course I do," said the young farmer, taking down the
utensil alluded to, and filling it with water from a bucket
that stood before the door. " Of course I know all the
arrangements of your household, and, perhaps, better than
you do yourself—and it don't take one long to get acquainted
with them."
" Have you no towel ?" cried Roberts, holding out his
hands in a very helpless manner.
" I hope you have a pocket-handkerchief with you," said
Cook.
" I have; but all my things are wet through, and con-
sequently are of no use just now."
" As that is the case, take this one," said Cook, giving
him a towel.
" You must relate that hunting affair to me," cried Harper.
" This is a remarkably fine panther skin; will you hang it
up outside, Cook 1 Hang it upon the little maple-tree on the
right, but high up : the deuced dogs got my last stag skin,
and actually devoured it, the wretches !"
Roberts had to relate the whole adventure, while Cook
Lung the skin up outside, taking care to put it up in a place
of security. The company had a great deal of trouble in
210
THE TEATHEEED AEEOW.
keeping Roberts to tbe point, and preventing him from get-
ting astray in all kinds of curious wanderings and episodes.
" Now tell me, Roberts," said Cook, when the story was
over, "how you managed when you were making love to
your present wife. I really wonder how it is that she did
not lose her patience altogether."
" A pretty fellow you are to ask such questions, Cook,"
said Roberts. "Why, this is the first time I have seen
you since you undertook that notable expedition upon
a wrong trail after the horse-stealers; how about that
matter, eh?"
" Ah! he has not told us the particulars of that affair
yet," cried Harper; " and he has had plenty of opportunities.
I have seen him every day for a few hours."
"You have been ill," Cook replied, "and how could I
bore you with that tiresome story ? I will tell you all now.
The affair was simple enough. We found that the tracks
went across the river, and therefore followed them, thinking,
of course, that they were the right ones, not having previously
met with any others. As we were riding down to the river,
Harfield declared, in my own hearing, that he would swear
that they were those of his own horses. However, he must,
after all, have been mistaken in that point. On gaining the
opposite bank we did not search or examine long, but threw
away our torches, and went as quickly as possible with our
jaded horses in pursuit. During the night we stopped but
once, to let our horses rest, and to take some refreshment our-
selves. We heard that a man had passed with some horses, and
that he was apparently much pressed for time. The farmer,
of course, had only heard the clatter of the horses' hoofs,
and knew nothing of colour, or general appearance. He
assured us that we should catch them, if such was our wish,
for they had passed about half an hour before we arrived.
' My poor horses !' exclaimed Harfield. ' How the scoun-
drel will tire them! Only let him look out for squalls
when I catch him. This rope will serve his turn.' Harfield
always carried the rope about him. ' He shall swing loftily,
I vow,' he continued, and so on, growing more impatient as
we got nearer to the object of pursuit. At break of day,
just as we were going easily along down a short rise, we all
at once perceived a man with the horses sitting quietly under
COOK'S ADYENTI7RE.
211
a tree. When he became aware of our approach, he did not
make the least effort to get away. I looked at Harfield in
amazement, but he kept staring at the horses, and at last
cried, pulling up suddenly, ' Infernal deception ! these are
not my animals 1' He was quite right ; there were two
white horses, which none of us knew, in addition to the
animal which the man himself rode. He turned out to be
that fellow Johnson, who has been skulking about the
Fourche-la-Fave for some time, and who gets a living by the
chasev Harfield was furious, and all the more so, as he told
me afterwards, because he bore that good-for-nothing fellow
a particular grudge. However, nothing could be done. We
rode up to the horses; but Johnson gave us rather sharp an-
swers ; and in reply to our question as to what he meant to do
with the animals, said he hoped he could do what he pleased
with his own. Harfield gnashed his teeth with rage ; and
though I did what I could to put him in a good humour, yet
he was too much excited to be easily pacified ; and it was not
long before he picked a quarrel with Johnson, who kept
perfectly cool, always holding his right hand under his
waistcoat, where, of course, he had his knife and pistols.
Harfield swore the most dreadful oaths that he would Lynch
him, if he ever found him upon his grounds; but Johnson
only laughed, declaring that he should shortly have the
pleasure of paying him a visit. At last, I succeeded in
parting them. It was then too late to continue the search
in any other direction, as the rain that had fallen during the
night must have washed away every trace. We had, there-
fore, to give up the pursuit. Harfield was persuaded that
the animals were still in the settlement, and we searched
every nook and cranny of the lowlands, but in vain. The
animals had disappeared; but how, is an enigma."
" And where they are gone not less so, I should think,"
suggested Bahi'ens.
" Hardly. I think they are in Texas. I must really go
to Texas some day, to get a knowledge of the people there.
I fear I should not find any old acquaintances amongst the
inhabitants, though I might light upon a horse or two that
I had known before."
" This occurred the very same evening that the poor
Indian woman was murdered, did it not 1 Did you hear
212
TIIE FEATHERED ARROW.
inotiling of that affair ?" asked Roberts. " You must have
passed close to the very spot."
"I believe, now that you speak of it, that one of our
•party did hear a cry. That was just as we came to the
ford. It must have been the poor woman. The hub is not
far from the road. Do you know what has become of the
.Indian, Brown V
" No," he replied; "four days after his wife's funeral—
•during which time he kept up a small fire at her grave,
taking care to leave food there—he disappeared from this
part of the country; or, at any rate, he has not been seen
a)ear our place. I expect him back every day, for I know
that he will not quit Arkansas until he has satisfied his ven-
geance. This he will never do, under any circumstances."
" But where can he have hid himself ?"
" He will take care of himself; you need not be under
.any apprehension," said Bahrens; " he is creeping about, and
making his researches, and who can tell how soon he will
,he among us again ? I nvager he will make some disco-
veries; you Regulators could not wish for a better assistant
than this Indian."
" Is it true, Brown, that they have made you their leader,
in Heathcott's place ?" asked Roberts.
" Harfield and myself have been nominated to the post,"
replied the young man. " He acts at the Petite-Jeanne, and
I at the Fourche-la-Fave. I shall, however, resign as soon
.as I have redeemed my oath. I only wish to bring the
murderers of young Heatlicott and the Indian woman to
justice, and I shall be satisfied. I am told that Rowson
preaches against the Regulators as being not only an illegal,
but also an unchristian association."
" He left these parts a week ago," said Roberts, " and, as
I hear, for the Mississippi—I believe Memphis—where he
intends to make sundry purchases. He is to be back this
very week. It is rather lucky for him, since Atkins wants
to sell his land, which is by no means a bad lot, although
rather too swampy."
" Does Atkins mean to sell ? Why, I never heard any-
thing about it. Has he found a purchaser ?"
" Rowson seemed to like the land," said Roberts, " and of
-course I have nothing to say against his buying it. Marion
pasttheb's flesh fob binneb.
213
will be close to us; and if on a Sunday, when his new chapel
has been built, on the road to the Left-hand-fork—the trees
have been cut ever since Christmas, and I should "
"Now then, gentlemen, draw your seats round the table,
and take the best refreshment we have to offer," said Brown,
interrupting Roberts.
" What say you to a piece of panther-flesh ?" cried Roberts,
laughing.
"Thank you, I had rather not," said Bahrens. "I tried
that once, and it made me horribly ill."
"Where was that?" asked Harper, who was just putting
a cup of tea to his mouth, but stopped, full of expectation.
" Where ? why, out in the forest, to be sure; where else
do you think such a thing could happen ?" replied Bahrens.
" It was at the Washita; we had been hunting all day, and
returned late in the evening, without meeting with the
least success."
" I suppose you had sprained your ankle on that occasion ?"
Robei*ts suggested, looking slyly at Harper.
" Oh, go to the deuce !" the other replied angrily, breaking
off his tale. " When I reached the appointed encampment,
my comrades were mex'ry enough. They had lighted a fire,
and on a bush close at hand hung a skin, which they de-
clared was that of a young stag. The feet, the head, the
tail, and one of the four legs were however wanting; and
when I inquired about them, they said they had eaten the leg
and fed the dogs with the rest. I soon cut a good slice off the
animal, cooked it, and ate it all by myself, as the rascals pre-
tended that they had satisfied their hunger before my ar-
rival. Just as I was in the middle of my meal, up comes my
dog, who, as hungry as myself, had been sniffing about
everywhere. In his mouth he brought something, which he
placed quite close to me—as much as to say, ' Look what
they have shot.' Well, what do you think it was ? Nothing
less than the head of a young panther. The food I was
eating stuck in my throat, and I looked round quite fright-
ened at the grinning rascals behind me. They could no
longer contain themselves, and burst out into fits of laughter.
I got angry, and determined to make them believe that pan-
theirs flesli was a favourite dish of mine. I bolted the morsel
that stuck in my throat. I cut another piece, and asked
214
THE FEATHEEED AEKOW.
tliem with the most innocent face imaginable why they had
not at first told me that it was panther-flesh I was eating, as it
would have been twice as palatable to me. I assured them that
in Tennessee I had once lived for a month on nothing but such
food, varying it on a Sunday by a wild cat. They opened their
mouths wide with astonishment, and one of them—a young
fellow only seventeen years old, who sat just opposite me—
began to make the most horrible faces. I could not, how-
ever, force down the morsel I had still in my mouth; the
more T tried, the worse it was. I did my best for a few
moments; but at last I could stand it no longer, and was
compelled to beat a quick retreat."
" Brown, this wild turkey is excellent; have you shot many
this spring?"
" A few," said the young man, still laughing at the anecdote
that had just been told. " They are fatter this year than
usual."
" Did you ever eat rattlesnakes ?" asked Mullins.
"No—I should think not," said Harper, whom the tea
had somewhat enlivened, and who felt much better than he
had done for some time.
"People do not eat the body," Mullins observed; "it is
only the tail that is a delicacy."
" Is there no danger from the poison ?" asked Bahrens,
astonished.
"Not if you swallow it," said Brown. "Moreover, there
is no poison in the flesh. It is only the smell that is rather
disagreeable, and that is by no means unwholesome. I know
a person who ate a good-sized piece of. the homed species,
without feeling the least inconvenience."
" Surely that is poisonous," cried Harper. " I once saw one
of those homed serpents basking on a large oak. I was just
going to shoot it, when it turned round, and, in its fury,
seized one of the young branches which shoot out from the
trunk in spring. It then kept quiet for a minute, and I
shot its head off. The oak died that veiy month ; the little
branch into which it had inserted its fangs turned quite
black, and even the creepers which grew near withered."
" That's nothing," said Bahrens, turning round to Harper.
"You know what kind of a place Poinsett County is, more
j>articularly for poisonous serpents. There can hardly be
THE HORNED SERPENT.
215
more of tliem in the Mississippi swamps. Among them is
found, though luckily not often, the ' horned serpent.' Two
years ago, a German settled there with his family. He died
soon after, and his family left because they could not stand
the climate. When he first arrived, a relation, or an ac-
quaintance, or some such kind of person, who was understood
to do the rough work in the house, lived with him. All the
week he was ill with a fever, and when on a Sunday he came
out in fall trim, people were astonished. He then wore a
light yellow waistcoat, with red stripes, an amazingly large
hat, short black trousers, fitting very tight, and a blue coat,
reaching down "
"But what have we to do with the man's coat ?" said
Harper, growing impatient.
" It is of greater importance than you think," said Bahrens,
nodding his head significantly. He then continued, without
allowing himself to be disconcerted—" reaching down to the
ankles, with a very small collar, and a very large white linen,
pocket which always stood open, and in which the juvenile
portion of the public used at times to throw peach-stones,
pieces of water-melon, and similar things. Its brightest
ornament was the large metal buttons."
" What do we care about the man's buttons ?" cried Harper.
" Much, very much," said Bahrens, nodding in his signifi-
cant way. " But listen. This young man was going one
Sunday, with a large black-bound Bible under his arm, to
a prayer-meeting, when he saw in his path what he took to
be one of the little green parroquets, or parrots, which he
fancied to have just fallen from its perch. He stooped to
pick it up, but unfortunately did not perceive a 'horned
serpent,' which now darted forth from under the leaves,
where it had hidden itself, and seized the unfortunate man
just below the elbow. Of course, in a few minutes he was
dead, and his relation, who was following with his wife,
found him in the path. He ran with all speed to get help,
but it was too late. They made a bier, carried him home,
took off his coat, and found the little mark of the sting, which
had turned quite black. The poor fellow was buried the
very same evening—for it was very hot weather—in a roughly-
made coffin, and the blue coat remained hanging on a nail
behind the door."
216
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
" Well, what "became of this serpent-bitten coat ?"
"You shall hear. When the Germans got up the next
morning, the sleeve through which the poison had passed
was covered with stripes; towards noon they turned blue.
In the afternoon the buttons came off, falling one by one to
the ground. The pockets and the lining swelled, and towards
evening the hook fell down, and began to smell."
" But, Bahrens " exclaimed Harper.
" It began to smell, I repeat. They had to carry it out,
and bury it," continued Bahrens, obstinately.
"Well, this is rather too much," said Harper, putting
down the cup, and springing up. "The coat, you mean to
say "
" Had been poisoned," rejoined the old hunter, with per-
feet composure, taking a piece of tobacco from his pocket,
and cutting off a large piece, which he put into his mouth.
" Boys, we really must think of going home," said Roberts,
when the laughter and merriment caused by the anecdote
had somewhat subsided.
Bahrens, indignant at the incredulity of the company,
remained in a sitting posture on the trunk, which served
him instead of a chair, and kept drumming with his fingers
upon the wooden tray before him.
" At any rate I must go," said Roberts, seeing that
Mullins alone seemed disposed to accompany him; " I, at
least, must get home, or my good wife will be sure to
grumble. Rowson was to come to-night in order to settle
several things about this marriage. You would not oblige
me by riding with me, Brown 1 Some things must be set
down in writing ; and though in my youth I had five writing
lessons every week, for which the master "
" I really am sorry that I cannot comply with your
request, my dear Mr. Roberts," said Brown, somewhat em-
barrassed ; " the Regulators from the Fourche-la-Fave mean
to assemble to-morrow at Barill's."
" I thought the meetings were to be held at Smith's."
" Mr. Rowson has talked him over; and he at last believes
that the society is sinful, and so he has left us," said Brown,
smiling. " It does not matter much, for Barill lives at a
place which is much about the same distance from all mar
THE LEADElt OF THE KEaUEATOnS.
217
liomes. He is a zealous and an ardent supporter of our
cause."
" You have not, as yet, .obtained any clue to Heathcott's
murderers ?"
" Not that I know of. At first, suspicion rested solely
upon me. I was to have been arrested a few days after
Alapaha's murder ; but this was not done because proofs
were wanting. Moreover, I was able to prove by Hoswell,
who had accompanied me that morning some part of my
journey, that I had not worn boots, but mocassins; though
I had, indeed, in my possession, and even in my saddle-
bags, boots just about the size of the prints. When I
brought forward this in evidence all suspicion ceased ; for
the only pair of boots of that description among all the in-
habitants of the1 neighbourhood is worn by Mr. Rowson, and
nobody surely would like to accuse him."
Roberts looked up with surprise. " Ay," he said, " the
murdered man would have dared as much; ho could never
endure the preacher."
" Unfortunately," continued Brown, "there has been rain,
nearly every morning this spring, and so the traces were
nearly all washed out. Nobody could tell to whom the
small knife found near the body belonged."
" Was it a penknife f' said Roberts.
"'We have not, however, given up all hope; and we have
beci\ active enough, whilst we may have appeared to have
been doing nothing. I can only say that suspicions have
fallen upon people whom I, at least, should never have sup-
posed guilty of such crimes."
"What has become of the man whom you found with
those strange horses 1"
" Johnson T said Cook ; " somebody is said to have seen
him here again ; but whether he is staying here, or has only
passed through, I cannot say."
" Harkee, Brown ; you will, at least, do me a favour by
riding up to the settlement," said Roberts ; " when shall
you go T
" In about half an hour. I thought of spending the night
at Wilson's."
" Very well; then you will pass Atkins's to-morrow
218
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
morning, and I should he glad if you would ask hiin to stay
.at home on Monday next; as, in that case, I will ride over
with Rowson, and have a look at his farm. May I rely upon
3?our doing this ?"
Brown promised not to forget.
Roberts put on his own clothes, which were now thoroughly
dried and aired; and rode off on his way home, accompanied
by Mullins.
CHAPTER XX.
-ROWSON AND ROBERTS—THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT—ASSOWAUM REAPPEARS.
Nearly three weeks had elapsed since the eventful evening
on which Brown had taken leave of Marion. He had then
vowed never to see her again, and he had kept his promise
truly and firmly. Much had he suffered in the interval;
often had he struggled with his feelings, and none but him-
self knew what he had endured. His face had grown pale,
his eyes had lost their former lustre and vivacity. Nothing
could have induced him to remain longer in a country in which
the only woman he had ever loved was so soon to be sacrificed
to another. Yet he was anxious before taking his departure
to clear himself in the eyes of the world from all suspicion.
Marion, he knew, did not think him capable of committing
the crime by some laid to his charge; of that he was con-
vinced; but he wished his acquaintances in Arkansas to
know the truth. They imagined that he had killed Heath-
cott in fair fight, and believed him to have been fully justi-
fied in doing so by the circumstances of the case. So com-
pletely had the opinion that he was the perpetrator got
abroad, that his companions only shrugged their shoulders
and regarded it as a matter of course.
Brown was firmly resolved that the murderer should be
discovered and punished, and that the Indian woman should
be avenged, and then he could leave a country which must
henceforth be to him a scene of grief and pain.
What were Marion's feelings at this strange juncture ol
affairs ? What did she think of the young man who loved
her so tenderly ? Woman's heart is strong, and will endure
MARION S SUFFERINGS.
219
mucli suffering before it breaks. Marion felt that she was
only doing her duty; and this thought gave her consolation.
Rowson had obtained her promise, although when she gave it
she had not seen the young stranger whose appearance was
to cause such a strange revolution in her mind. She had,
however, pledged her word, and that was enough ; she must
keep it. She even thought that it would be cruel to break
the heart of one man—and that one her intended—in order
to render another happy. Had not Rowson, in those soft
phrases which he seemed to have ever at command, told her,
only a short time before, that in her all his earthly bliss was
centred; that her face was to him what air and sunshine are
to the plant; and that he must sink into despair were she to
turn away from him 1
But for all this the poor girl often bedewed her pillow
with copious floods of tears. Ho one noticed her sufferings.
In prayer she looked for and found comfort and relief, and
the morning found her strong and composed. Rowson had
passed the night at their house, and on the morrow Marion
told her mother—not with tears and sobs, but with a firm
voice—that she was ready to marry the man chosen for her
by her-parents. Her mother embraced her with delight;
her father kissed her forehead, saying, " Take him, if you
think he can make you happy. May you never repent your
■choice."
Rowson again absented himself on a short excursion to
Memphis, but was expected back almost hourly.
It was Friday—exactly a fortnight after that dreadful
evening when the poor Indian woman fell a victim to her
cowardly assailant. The sun stood high in the heavens and
shone brightly on the forest, of which - the finest trees were
destined so soon to fall before the axe of the settler. In
and about Roberts's farmhouse there was activity and
much bustle. The farmer's pretty daughter, with a little
basket on her arm, stood surrounded by noisy fluttering
flocks of hens, ducks, and geese ; while she scattered in the
neat and well-kept farmyard the meal for which they seemed
so impatient. Outside the fence a number of pigs were run-
ning up and down—in vain endeavouring to find an entrance
—anxious to share in the liberal distribution going on within.
The farmer's wife sat at the door, gazing contentedly at the
220
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
animated scene, when Marion of a sudden uttered a low cry,
and let the empty basket she was bringing back into the
house fall out of her hand. At the fence stood Rowson,
waving his hand in a friendly mannex-, and smiling blandly.
He had finished his business, and had .come to fetch his
bride.
" What is the matter with you V' exclaimed Mrs. Roberts,
feeling a little frightened. On turning round, she caught
sight of the man whom she had anxiously expected, and said,
stretching out her hand to him, " Well, I am glad you have
returned, Mr. Rowson. That is right. You have comeback
at last. We have been looking out for you most anxiously."
" And has Marion also thought of me ?" asked the preacher,
smiling, stepping over the fence, and taking the hand of the
blushing girl, on whose brow he imprinted a kiss.
" I am very glad to see you once more in good health and
spirits," wliispei'ed the young woman. " You know that
you are always welcome here."
" To the house, I know I am, but am I welcome to your
heart, Marion V' asked Rowson.
The girl trembled, but did not reply.
"Marion," continued the preacher, after a short pause,
"the blessing of Heaven has attended my present undertaking.
I am now well enough off to have a comfoi'table home of
my own. Marion, will you share it ? Will you become my
wife on Sunday next ?"
" Yes," said her mother, in tender accents, as she drew her
trembling daughter to her bosom. Marion was incapable of
uttering the word "yes." Her mother said, "She has
already confessed to me that she likes you, and the rest will
follow. I am sure you will make her happy."
" As much as is in my power, or can be in the power of a
poor sinful creature," said the Methodist, raising his eyes
meekly to heaven, " I shall do. I believe that Marion is con-
vinced of the fact; at least, I hope such to be the case."
The beautiful girl held out her hand to him in silence.
He again pressed it to his lips, and she fell back sobbing on
lier mother's breast.
" Hallo ! Rowson," said old Roberts, appearing at this
moment over the fence; " you are as good as your word.
How is business going on f'
THE HAT FIXED.
221
" Excellently, Mr. Roberts," replied the Methodist, joy-
fully. " Even better than I expected ; and I have now come
to ask your blessing upon our union, which is to take place
on Sunday next."
" Will not that be rather too soon for the girl ?" asked
Roberts, giving the reins to a negro boy, and approaching
the family group.
" She is agreeable to the course determined upon," said her
mother, "and we do not require grand preparations. But
have you found a convenient residence, Mr. Rowson T
" I was about to ask you both to come and look it over
to-morrow," said the preacher; " that is to say, if you can
spare the time. I believe I shall come to an agreement with
Atkins this week respecting an offer I have made for his
place, and then we shall have plenty of land."
" Would it not in that case be better," observed Roberts,
" to postpone the wedding until all these arrangements are
concluded, and thus save the trouble of moving once or twice 1
I should like it better, for the girl's sake, too. It would be
more comfortable for her to go at once into a farm, instead
of a mere log-hut."
" No doubt it would be more comfortable," Rowson re-
plied ; "but it is not yet quite certain when Atkins will be
leaving. He may be four or even eight weeks before he
goes; and, my dear Mr. Roberts, you will see it is natural
enough that, after having overcome so many obstacles that
stood in the way, I am anxious to call Marion mine."
" Well, be it so, in Heaven's name," said the old man.
" Take her, and be happy."
"Thanks!—the most unfeigned thanks!" exclaimed Row-
son, shaking him by the hand. " Marion shall never repent
having confided her future welfare to me; but now farewell,
dear parents—allow me to call you so, and soon "
" Surely you will spend the evening with us !" said Mrs.
Roberts. "You have been away so long, it is hardly fair to
quit your intended again directly."
" Time is short, my good Mrs. Roberts," said Rowson, with
a sigh, "and in our settlement, where people live so far apart,
a day goes uncommonly quickly, even if one has but a
few calls to make. To-morrow evening I hope to have com-
pleted all my arrangements, and to be able to spend the*.
p
222
THE FEATHEEED AEEOW.
remaining hours before the happy day in your society and
in that of my intended."
"Very good, very good, Mr. Rowson," said the old man;
'•'that's as it ought to be. You have now been absent from
home for a week, and it is natural that you should have
many things to set to rights. To-morrow evening we shall
meet again. Do not forget that it is a settled matter that
we are all to go to Atkins's together on Monday."
" Of course," replied the Methodist.
"I asked Brown this very evening to leave word at
Atkins's, on his way to the meeting of the Regulators which
is to be held at Barill's."
" I have been told the association of the Regulators is dis-
solved," said Rowson, with a little more eagerness than was
consistent with his usually quiet and composed behaviour.
" I heard it stated on my way here, as a fact."
" Nothing of the kind. They will, on the contrary, carry
on their operations on a much larger scale. I believe they
have reason to suspect several persons in the neighbourhood,
and they will to-morrow consult what is to be done in times
like these, so very dangerous "
"Would they not admit one to their meetings?" asked
Rowson.
" Certainly they would," answered Roberts, with a laugh,
" but you must become a Regulator yourself, and I believe
you are very much opposed to their proceeding's."
"It is necessary that the Regulators should be joined by
somebody," replied Rowson, "who would seek to restrain
their zeal, and keep them from the commission of such ex-
cesses as have been committed in White County. In that
sense, I should not think it incompatible with my position
to join them."
Roberts looked narrowly into Rowson's face; and the latter,
with some hesitation, continued—
" You imagine that I have changed my opinion in a very
short time; such is not, however, the case. I still think the
meetings of the Regulators wrong, because they are illegal."
" But—" said Roberts, when the other suddenly paused.
" Well, have you not heard the reason ?" Mrs. Roberts
said, somewhat angrily. " Good Mr. Rowson is quite right ;
these young people do things wildly and imprudently. I do
R0WS02T GETS ALARMED.
223
not mean to say that their intentions are bad—they think
they are doing what is proper, although they sometimes com-
mit the greatest and most crying injustice, and were I in
the place of Mr. Roberts "
" Nobody is admitted as a member of their association,"
said Roberts, still fixing his glance upon the preacher, who
could not help seeking to evade his searching looks ; no-
body is admitted as a member of their league who will not
promise to take an active part in their proceedings. I do not
believe that, though they might possibly require an adviser,
they will submit to have one amongst them."
" At any rate, the experiment can be tried," replied Row-
son, who had by this time regained all his presence of mind.
" I shall be there to-morrow if I can manage it, and shall
only quit on being expressly ordered to do so. I shall then
have done what I consider to be my duty, and nobody can
be expected to do more."
"Very well," said Roberts, shaking him by the hand;
" bravely spoken ; I am glad to see a man remain faithful to
liis principles."
" Who is their leader now 1"
"Rrown; at least as far as the Fourclie-la-Fave is con-
cerned."
" He at least has not remained true to his principles," re-
plied the preacher, looking at Roberts; "I still remember
the words he uttered on this very spot against that asso-
eiation."
" Things have changed since then," replied the old farmer,
seriously. " Brown was almost obliged to take an active part
in this society, as his own good name was implicated. He
had been formally accused as a murderer, and his sole aim
now is to discover the real culprit. He had had a quarrel
with Heathcott,and you know Heathcott was somewhat "
" I thought the chief aim of the Regulators had been the
discovery of the horse-stealers," said Rowson, growing rather
pale.
" It is, partly; but if you are present at to-morrow"
meeting you will hear all about it. I believe their object
now is to get hold of some persons concerning whom sus-
picions are entertained. This would bring on a trial and
then the guilty parties may be discovered."
224
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" If they could only discover the murderer of the poor
Indian woman," said Mrs. Roberts. " Oh, Mr. Rowson,
you cannot believe how I have prayed for that. The woman
was pious and good, and had such reverence for you. Oh,
how often have I seen her weep during your sermons, as
if her heart was going to break; and to die so young and
in such a manner."
"Yes, it is fearful," said Rowson, deeply moved, though
from different motives from what his auditors imagined.
"My friends, I really must away, so good-night. Good-
jnight, Marion! Where has the girl gone to ?"
" Marion, my child, come here, do !" cried her mother;
" Mr. Rowson is going, and wishes to bid you good "
" Let her go, my dear friend," said the Methodist; " her
heart is full, and she is communing with Heaven; to-morrow
I hope to find her quite well and in good spirits."
Saying this he waved his hand, mounted his horse, and
trotted along into the dark forest.
" Mother, what is the matter with the girl ?" asked
Roberts, after the preacher had withdrawn; " she behaves
very strangely; I hope she has not been forced to marry that
man ?"
"Foolish man, icho would force her?" said the matron,
emiling. " She is still half a child, and is anxious and strangely
excited at such an event. She probably feels a pang at
leaving her parents. Well, at the side of such a man "
"All right," said Roberts, taking off his spur, and hang-
ing it up with his saddle and bridle under a little shed before
the house; " all right, you have told me that so often."
"You do not seem to be particularly partial to the pious
man."
" I am not, nor do I see why our child is to be so much
more happy with him than with any other brave young
fellow, who would be more of a man. Another husband
might have been more welcome to me. However, since you
women agree about it, I have nothing more to say but to
give my consent. He seems anxious to make a start, and
an industrious man will not be lost in Arkansas."
Rowson's apparently frank conduct had rather won upon,
the old man. He did not suspect evil in others ; and why
should he have done so in the case of one who throughout
DOWSON MEETS ASSOWAUM.
225
tlie settlement was regarded as a pious man? Sometimes a>
passing suspicion, of which he could not give a very clear
account, would cross his mind.
What, however, were the feelings of the preacher, as he
trotted along through the shady forest? When he had
gone some distance from the house, so that he could no
longer be observed by its occupants, he dismounted, led his
horse by the bridle, and walked, apparently lost in serious
thought, along the small track which led through the wood.
At last he halted, and said in low murmurs to himself—
" Arkansas is getting rather too hot for me after all. The
devil may lose his game, and some chance or other—there
are wonderful instances of the kind on record—bring to
light things that might not by any means improve my good
name in this neighbourhood. I must away as quickly as
possible. Atkins may sell his larm as he can; I will not
chain myself here, to be given up as a prey to pursuers when
all the rest are out of harm's way. No; it is true that the
Indian has disappeared, and without his aid it might be
difficult to trace anything. I do not even know whether it-
will be possible even with his assistance. My penknife "
The horse pricked his ears, and the Indian stood before
him.
" Good evening, Mr. Rowson," he said, in a low tone, as-
he stepped from tlie thicket, and was about to pass him with
a salute.
" Assowaum !" cried Rowson, his face turning very pale,
" Assowaum, where—where have you hid yourself so long ?
We missed you from the settlement."
"Why, the pale man has been absent, too," replied tlie-
Indian, smiling, looking steadfastly at the preacher. " Asso-
waum returns to the grave of his wife."
" And have you discovered no clue to the murderer ?"
"No," said the savage, in a scarcely audible voice, "not-'
yet. The Great Spirit lias prevented the sacred bird from
whispering the name of the traitor into my ear. Assowaum
has spoken to the Great Spirit of his people in a place which
no white man's foot has desecrated. He will now wait for
the voice of his Manitou."
" May it be favourable to you," said the preacher, entirely
forgetting the disgust he had always shown at the religion:?
226
the eeatheeed aeeow.
notions of the Indian. The latter saluted and proceeded
on his journey, and the Methodist jumped into his saddle.
When a curve in the road hid him from the Red-man
he gave his pony the rein, and went so fast, that his
long brown hair waved in the evening breeze, and the
animal, unused to such a rapid pace, foamed and snorted as
it bore its impatient rider through the lower grounds of the
valley.
CHAPTER XXI.
■wilson's confession—the beautiful washerwoman—an arkaksian
cradle—the retreat.
Robekts had not long left Harper's cottage, when Brown
got ready to ride up to the settlement where Barill lived,
at whose house the meeting of the Regulators was to be
held on the morrow. Cook accompanied him some part of
the way, and then turned to the left, intending to spend the
night at home, and to follow at break of day. Bahrens
promised to remain with the invalid, who in his turn de-
clared that it was the last day that he would suffer himself
to be mewed up in the house.
" I must have the greensward under my feet again," he
exclaimed ; " must see the fair, leafy roof above me again,
or I shaft never get well."
They agreed that he should ride with them on the next
day to Bahrens's house, and spend a week there. As the
journey might be too much for him to accomplish in one
day, they arranged to pass the first night at Roberts's house,
who had before invited them.
Brown trotted on his fiery little pony along the small
path, hardly distinguishable among the leaves. In about an
hour and a half he reached Wilson's little farm, whom he
found getting ready to mount his horse.
" Hallo, Wilson ! where are you going 1 Are you also
bound for the meeting of the Regulators ?" Brown shouted
to him.
"Yes," replied the young man, but blushed violently at
this simple answer.
LOVE AFEAIBS.
227
"What are you doing, Wilson?" said Brown, laughing, when,
he observed him tightening the saddle-girths unnecessarily.
" Why, you will kill the poor animal if you buckle him in as
if you were going to ride a race. What is the matter with
you, man ?"
" Oh, nothing," muttered the other. " Which way are
you bound ?"
" I was coming to pay you a visit; and where are you
off to?"
" I—I was going to Atkins's."
"Well, in that case, I shall come to you another time, and
go with you to Atkins's; I have a message to leave there for
Roberts."
Wilson was about to make some objections. Brown did
not listen to them, but called to his friend to mount quickly,
and then put his horse's head in the desired direction.
Wilson was soon at his side, and at last said, probably
in order to break the silence, " You have some message from
Roberts for Rowson ? They say he is going to buy Atkins's
farm; that is, if Atkins really does go away."
" Why, is that not settled ?"
" Who knows ? The old fellow is dark and silent as the
grave; and, besides, I am the very last person in whom he
would confide."
" Why should he not confide in you as well as in anybody
else ?" asked Brown, with a smile.
Wilson rather unexpectedly began to whistle a tune, and
to beat the dust out of his leggings with a switch which he
had broken from a bush. As he did not offer to reply to
the question for some time, Brown repeated it. Thereupon
Wilson reined in his horse, held out his hand to the young
man, who also pulled up his animal, and said, in a confiding
tone—
"You shall hear the whole of my story, Brown. It will
be told in a few words, and—you are well-disposed towards
me—perhaps you can give me some advice."
" Well, let me hear what it is," replied his friend. " Per-
haps I can, perhaps I cannot—it is not often that I am
hsked for advice, especially in "
" Affairs of love," he added, smiling at Brown, as he saw
the blood rushing into his cheeks and temples. "Yes, you
228
TIIE FEATHERED ARROW.
are right," he whispered at last; " it is an affair of love, but
not of love requited. Are you acquainted with Atkins's
household ?"
" I have never been there."
"He has a child, an orphan whom he adopted, a girl.
Ah, you would laugh at me were I to speak as I feel about
her. Yes, I know, though you may not show it to me out
of kindness, yet inwardly you must laugh at me. Well, I will
not give you a description of her person. I had been in love
with the girl for a year, when she came with Atkins to the
Fourche-la-Fave ; and her father will not give her to me.
It is true he is but her foster-father, after all. He has edu-
cated her, and made a fine girl of her ; no thanks, however,
to his wife for this. Now he is about to give her to a
husband she does not like, and one she shall not have on
any condition whatever. He worries her dreadfully about
it."
" That is bad, indeed," said Brown. " How old is she ?"
" Old 1 why she is only just seventeeii years of age," said
Wilson, with a sigh; " if she were one-and-twenty we need
not ask the old man at all."
" Does she really love you 1"
" She has told me so more than a thousand times."
"Well, then I should like to see where the great evil is?
the heart of the parents will be melted somehow or other,"
said Brown, in a consoling manner.
" Yes, if there were time for it," exclaimed Wilson, im-
patiently; " Bowson's wedding is to take place to-morrow,
and then Ellen is to go to them to help the young couple into
their house."
" To-morrow ?" said Brown, turning pale.
" Yes, to-morrow afternoon," continued Wilson, uncon-
scions of the intense interest with which his companion
listened to this new turn in his conversation. "Yes, to-
morrow afternoon," he repeated ; " and when Atkins has
sold out he is going to Texas, and the girl must accompany
him."
" Then you can go with him," said Brown, who hardly
heard what the other said.
" That wont do," replied Wilson ; " my old mother is still
in Tennessee, not far from Memphis, and I must have her
BOWSON CBITICISED.
229
near me. She is now living with strange people, and I
wont leave her to die amongst them."
" Then I think I cannot do mnch for you," said Brown,
abstractedly. " I do not know Atkins; that is to say, I
have only seen him once; and it is, therefore, highly im-
probable that he would attach the slightest weight to any-
thing I might say in favour of your suit."
" You need not try with Atkins at all, but with some
one quite different."
" Who may that be, then ?"
" With Mrs. Bowson. You know Rowson well, and
Marion thinks a great deal of you, that much I know. If
you will induce her to intercede for me, she is sure to do it."
" Mrs. Bowson !" said Brown, lost in thought. " Mrs.
Bowson ! can she do anything 1"
" Oh, the Atkinses think a great deal of her; when
Atkins's wife was so long ill last summer, Marion watched
by her bedside for weeks together, with Ellen; they will
do anything to please her, she is such a good girl!"
" Yes—yes, so she is," said Brown, with a deep sigh.
" Don't you think so T
" What ?'
" That they will do almost anything to please her T
"My dear Wilson," said Brown, turning from his com-
panion, " you might certainly have applied to some one
better able to aid you in this affair than I am; Bowson
himself, I believe, would be the proper person to take the
matter in hand."
" Yes," said Wilson, almost angrily, " I know that; but
I cannot bear that man. All the neighbours seem to like
him. The womenkind have, at any rate, gone mad about
him. As for myself, I do not know how it is, but I always
feel very uncomfortable in his presence. His affairs, too, are
of a strange description, and puzzle me. A year ago he came
here, as he told us himself, poor; he never seems to do any
work, he only preaches, for which he does not get a cent
from anybody ; yet he always has money. He has lived in
this country for twelve months, he is going to marry the pret-
tiest girl on the Fourche-la-Fave—except Ellen, for I consider
her the best-looking. I have nothing to say against Bowson,
and cannot have any charge to bring against him, only that he-
230
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
is a coward—that is not my business; but I should not like
to ask him to oblige me, though my life were at stake."
" Be patient, Wilson," said Brown, in a consoling manner.
"If the girl really loves you, and the other man has not
obtained her promise, everything may be arranged. You
have many friends here, are young and industrious; what
more do you want ?"
"I want the girl, Brown," said Wilson; "and though you
speak so finely—you will excuse my observation—you look
exactly as if you were consumed by some secret grief which
you will not confide to anybody. However, I cannot stand
this any longer, and before Atkins goes away, my fate must be
decided. If nobody will or can assist me to get the girl by
fair means, why the deuce take me if I do not elope with
her. I am quite sure that she will not refuse to go with me."
" Have you already asked Atkins for her hand ?"
" Yes, and his wife—a bad woman—threatened to have me
turned out of the house if ever I showed my face thei-e
again."
" Yet you are going there ?"
" Ho doubt, but not into the house," said Wilson, laughing;
" I am not quite so stupid as that. Ellen is washing to-day
near the brook, a few hundred paces from the house. This is
almost the only chance I have of holding a few minutes'
chat with her. I mean to make the best of my time, and
when she has finished her work, I shall ride over to Barill's.
The weather is warm and fine."
" Cannot I get a sight of your fair one, that I may at least
know what kind of taste you have ?"
"Why not?" replied Wilson, cheerfully. "You will be
pleased with her, and I need not be ashamed for her to be
seen. We are not very far now from the place of meeting,
and must strike to the left, otherwise they will perceive us
from the house. Stop; leave your pony here, for we cannot
ride through the slough, and as for a bridge there is nothing
but an old cypress-tree put across. I shall take my pony
down into the reed-thicket that is his usual resting-place."
Having fastened his horse, he led his friend across the small
bridge.
" There she is !" he exclaimed. " But keep quiet, we will
try to take her by surprise."
ELLEN AT WOKE.
231
The two men cautiously approached a small clearing, just
where the brook made a curve down towards the Fourche-la-
Fave. They both stood still a few moments as if astonished
at the spectacle which met their sight. Wilson cast a kind
of triumphant glance at his friend, as much as to say, "You
see that I was right. Is this a creature for Texas, and am I
to have this sweet flower taken away from me V'
Close to the brook, from two wooden poles, hung a
large black kettle. Several young women stood around in
a half-circle, busily engaged at their washing. In front of a
board, fixed like a table, stood Ellen, Wilson's fair beloved,
and she, like the rest, was quite engrossed in her work. She
accompanied herself at these labours with sweet snatches of
song. This was not, however, her only occupation. Close
beside her, fixed between two slender hickory-trees, hung,
balanced by the light south wind, a little hammock, made of
papao bark, in which had hitherto slumbered a healthy-
looking rosy child. It suddenly raised its large dark eyes,
looked up, and instead of smiling on the magnificent scene,
contracted its little features to such a dreadfully cross look
that all the signs of a coming storm and of a cry of help
appeared. Ellen marked the little sleeper, and seeing that
he was awake, she let her washing rod fall down, rocked the
hammock, and began to sing a lullaby to the child, which
seemed to be soothed by her presence as well as by her soft
and melodious voice. The men listened in silence, and
Ellen, unconscious of their presence, sang merrily, occa-
sionally stooping down to the smiling child as if she was
going to kiss him, then retreating from him in a playful
manner.
" Good gracious 1" she exclaimed, frightened, when Wilson,
at the end of her song, stepped up to her, and placed his
hand round her waist. " Oh, you bad man, how can you
frighten one so V
"Do not be angry with me, my dear girl," whispered'
Wilson, as he pressed a kiss upon her lips. But look here,
I have brought a friend."
Ellen turned round sharply, half-frightened; and as her
glance met that of the smiling young farmer, who must cer-
tainly have seen the kiss, her throat and face turned
crimson, and she made a movement as if about to run
232
TILE FEATHEBED AEEOW.
away. Wilson seized her by the hand, saying in entreating
tones—
" Ellen, he is a true friend to me, and knows that we
love one another; besides," he continued, wickedly, "you
cannot on any account run away, and leave your charge. As
the little rogue in the hammock seems to think he is veiy com-
fortable there, you had better remain. Am I right or wrong?"
" Wrong !" whispered the beautiful girl, smiling, her face
being still covered with a crimson glow; however, she bowed
to the stranger; " wrong, you know you must always be
wrong."
" A fine law," said Wilson, turning to Brown. " Those
made by the Regulators are nothing compared with that."
" Those rash Regulators," said Ellen.
" Stop." said Wilson, interrupting her, " don't be too
liberal with your criticisms—here are two of them."
" You have become a "
" Stop a little, here is our leader, and I——"
" Oh, you are no Regulator, are you V said the pretty girl
to Brown. " I cannot believe that you are."
" Have you such a dreadful aversion to those men ?" asked
Brown, smiling.
" Yes—oh yes; ma and pa told me such dreadful things
about them—how they take innocent men in the night from
their beds, for no other cause but that one of their company
bears a grudge against them, and how they lash them
to a tree, and flog them to death. Father has sworn to
shoot any one of them who dares to come with unfriendly
designs across his threshold."
" They are not quite so bad as your father believes,"
observed Brown; " and though "
" Now I really wish to be allowed to speak a woixl too,"
exclaimed Wilson, stepping between them; I really have
not come to listen to a debate about the Regulators. Ellen,
have you spoken to your mother once more V
" Yes," answered the poor girl, shaking her head ; "but
she said "
" You need not be afraid to speak out on account of Mr.
Brown, he knows everything," said Wilson, observing that
his intended cast a shy glance at the stranger.
A NEW ACTOR ATPEARS.
233
" Alas! it will be of no use, either, to be silent," said the
poor girl, with a sigh ; all Arkansas will soon know that I
am about to be married to that rough man, Cotton "
" Cotton ?" asked Brown, with astonishment.
" Alas! yes; it is too true. Mother has forbidden
me to mention that name to anybody; but why should
I conceal her plans ? I will die sooner than marry that
man."
" You are not going to marry him," said Wilson, doggedly.
" I will—but stop, I must not say that," he continued, as
his sweetheart cast rather a reproachful glance at him ; " but
I know what I shall do, if we only discover the band of
robbers who are in our immediate neighbourhood ; and if
Atkins will not then yield, I shall—I do not know what I
am to do, but I believe I shall do something very wicked—
I shall run away with you."
"And that's what you call a veiy wicked thing; that's
very gallant of you, indeed," said Ellen, smiling and threat-
ening him with her finger.
"You know that I mean what I say," Wilson rejoined;
" bxit what is the matter with you, Brown1? Why do you
stare at the top of the tree
"Have you lately seen the man you call Cotton Brown
asked the young girl, not paying attention to Wilson's
observation.
"Yes," she replied; "about four days ago he returned
from the Mississippi; I believe he went there two weeks
before; but he only comes in the evening, and I cannot bear
his mysterious behaviour. Do you know him ?"
" I believe I do; I am not, however, quite sure of it.
Does he come—but what is the matter with Wilson V'
Brown looked in amazement at his companion, who glided
like a serpent into the thicket, and disappeared in a few
seconds. The cause of this strange proceeding did not long
remain an enigma ; for almost at the same moment appeared
the stately, and even yet youthful form of Mrs. Atkins,
whose light dress had given Wilson warning just in time.
He left his friend to get out of the dilemma in the best way
he could.
"Hallo, Miss," cried the matron, advancing with rapid
234
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
strides, bearing ber bead erect; " ballo there ! Gentlemen s
company! I have not beard a single stroke^ for the last
quarter of an hour; is the washing going to do itself?'
" The child !" stammered Ellen.
" What child ? The child is sleeping as quietly as a lady-
bird in her nest. These are vain excuses."
" I must beg of you to lay the blame upon me," said Brown,
to the angry woman. " I have come with a message from
Mr. Itoberts and Mr. Rowson, and hoped to spend the night
here."
" You are not exactly in the right road," said Mrs. Atkins,
apparently a little better pleased.
" I believe not," answered Brown, smiling, determined to
defend the poor trembling girl to the utmost of his power ;
"I believe not; but I came through the forest part of the
way, and when I arrived at the slough I did not know
whether I ought to ride up or down, in order to reach the
house quickest; I therefore crossed the brook, in order to
reconnoitre the place, and found the young lady here, whom
I am sorry to have disturbed at her work by my questions."
"Young lady! nonsense! Don't put such absurd ideas,
into the girl's head. However, my husband is at the house.
Where is your horse ? I will send the boy for it."
" I have fastened him up over there," Brown replied, re-
solved to take the angry matron back with him to the house,
in order to give Wilson an opportunity of continuing his in-
terview with Ellen.
" Well, come with me," said Mrs. Atkins; "and you, Miss,
keep to work, and be industrious. You have not done
half of the washing yet; it is a shame; and you have been
here almost two hours. You will take good care to have it
done before dark. And how is the little one?" she added,
with real motherly tenderness that contrasted strangely
with her usual rough accents. She bent down to the child's
cradle, who expressed its joy by laughing and stamping
merrily. "That's what the baby likes, isn't it? rocking,
rocking, all day long, and then it wont sleep in the night,
and Ellen must walk up and down with him until daybreak,
the little rogue! But, I beg pardon; I have kept you
waiting. Ellen, mind you work well."
As she turned to go, she glanced at the different foot-
atkins's dwelling.
235
prints, and tlien at Brown's boots; but the ground was too
mucb trodden about for her to detect anything. She gave
the baby a ldss, and proceeded, followed by Brown, towards
the dwelling-house, which was situated on the borders of a
large field.
CHAPTER XXII.
atkins's dwelling—the stkange guest—the watch-word.
Atkins's dwelling was much superior to the log-huts of the
settlement, though it was constructed only of the trunks of
trees. But these had been hewn with great care, and were
somewhat polished both inside and outside. They formed two
houses of two stories each, connected in the middle by a pas-
sage open to the north and to the south, the whole being under
one roof. The interior presented a very comfortable appearance,
and the well-planed boards, by which all unpleasant and un-
sightly gaps were avoided, bore evidence to the taste and inge-
nuity of the architect. The walls were adorned with adver-
tisements of roving circus-companies, proprietors of wax dolls,
and menageries—amongst which a very prominent figure was
a man in uncommonly closely-fitting trousers, with two im-
mense feathers stuck on a fantastic kind of cap. He was repre-
sented in the clutches of a lion, into which animal's ear he
seemed to be whispering something of great importance.
One of these two buildings so much alike was used only
for sleeping apartments; and five beds, with a proportionate
number of mattresses and blankets, stood in the rooms. The
walls were adorned by the wardrobe of the women, and the
Sunday finery of the master of the house occupied a par-
ticular corner. Into this room guests were ushered only in.
the evening, at bedtime, when all the different couches were
duly prepared. During the daytime it remained a sacred place;
and it was even said that Mr. Atkins had on one occasion
missed a prayer-meeting because his wife had gone out with
the key in her pocket, and had unfortunately forgotten to
lay out her lord and husband's clothes. The latter, who
generally had a strong will of his own, had too much reve-
rence for this sacred place to attempt a forcible entrance.
236
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
Brown was ushered into the parlour, where he found his
host rocking himself on the hind legs of a chair, -whistling a
tune, while he kept whittling with a half-broken penknife a
piece of cedar-wood. The entrance of his guest aroused him
from his meditations; but he had hardly cast a glance to-
wards the door, and recognised Brown, when, turning deadly
pale, he sprang from his seat and looked at a rifle hanging
over the door. He was only appeased when lie perceived
that the stranger had entered his house alone and apparently
with no unfriendly design.
" Mr. Atkins," said Brown, somewhat astonished at the
man's strange behaviour as he advanced towards him with
extended hand, " I am very sorry if I have disturbed you."
" Oh, not in the least—not in the least," muttered the
farmer ; " it was only—I should have thought "
" Of course this is the very day you would have least ex-
pected me. My long absence, mv rare visits to this neigh-
bourhood, the fact of my being almost an entire stranger, all
tend to render me an unexpected guest. The times in which
our destiny is cast must plead as an excuse for my intrusion."
" My dear Mr. Brown," said Atkins, who had regained all
his self-possession, interrupting him, " don't mention it, pray;
you are indeed a rare visitor, but not the less welcome for
that; and I hope this may prove the beginning of a fre-
quent and continued acquaintance."
" I desire nothing better," said Brown, shaking hands with
him ; " and it is possible that we may continue in another
country the friendship commenced here. At least, I have
been told that you think of emigrating to Texas."
"Yes, I do; and have you formed such a plan? If I
have not been misinformed, I believe I may say that you
have only recently joined the Regulators—that you have even
become their leader."
" To that I answer yes and no," Brown replied, with a
smile. " I have indeed joined them, and have also become
one of their leaders. This, however, is but an affair of a few
weeks. I shall retire as soon as we have discovered and
punished the murderers of the two poor victims of whose
untimely fate you have doubtless heard. When that is done
I shall leave this State and become a citizen of the republic
of Texas."
THE BEGULATOE AND THE HOBSE-STEALEE. 237
And wliat about the borse-stealers ?" Atkins inquired
anxiously.
I cave but little about them, only that I am inclined
to suspect that amongst them will be found the murderers,
and consequently I shall proceed against them with all
possible vigilance. Their traces seem indeed to be so well
concealed that there is little hope of discovering them
either quickly or easily; therefore I shall not form any
strong resolutions on that point. For the present I have
but one aim in view—namely, to hunt out those scoundrels
who have shed the blood of innocent people; and may the
Lord be merciful towards them if we once discover them, for
from man they must not expect mercy."
" Strange," Atkins said, as if lost in deep thought, " that
suspicion should not in either case have fallen upon any parti-
cular person. Yes, yes; I remember, it was you who were
accused of the first of the two crimes; but several contradicted
that report immediately. The women in particular took
your part warmly. Moreover, your conduct towards Heath-
cott on the morning of your quarrel with him was, if I am
well informed, not such as we should expect from a man afraid
of meeting his adversary openly and frankly. You could
not have had any reason for having recourse to such a
cowardly method of removing an adversary. Some one must
have murdered him for his money. That was the idea that
struck me at first. Who was seen with him, and who knew
the secret of his carrying a rather large sum about him, be-
sides those who live about the Fourche-la-Fave here ?"
" You do not, then, suppose that any one in our neigh-
oourhood can be guilty of the deed ?"
Candidly speaking, I do not; for even those," he added,
in a lower tone of voice, as if speaking to himself, "even those
wdio might not be too particular with respect to questions of
honesty, would, I believe, have shrunk from committing such
a cold-blooded murder."
" I hope your opinion is correct," said Brown, with a sigh,
leaning his arm on the mantelpiece, and covering his face
with his hand ; " I hope you are right. However, I am
every day in expectation of the return of the Indian, and
surely he will not come back without having gained some
information."
Q
238
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
" Not without some information, eh ?" said Atkins. " Yes,
the Indian is very cunning, but never seemed to understand
much about tracing horses—at least, he did not show his
skill the last time "
" Because he did not apply himself on the occasion to
which you allude," replied Brown. " The death of his wife
preyed so much upon his mind, that I had anxious fears for
his life. Moreover, he came a whole day too late, for the
thieves had fled, and the rain had washed out the traces."
" That rain was a most disagreeable thing," said the farmer,
rubbing his hands, unobserved by his guest, in a pleased and
satisfied manner. " A most disagreeable thing. It washed
out many traces, and aided the escape of those lucky
scoundrels. They stole an excellent pair of horses from me
last year."
" You ought, all of you, to have made a much bolder stand
against them long ago; they have been allowed to go too
far. In fact, they have grown so bold that they will take
away the animals openly from under your eyes. It is even
said, that there is among the settlers on the river an accom-
plice, who has a secret hiding-place for stolen horses."
" Who says so V asked Atkins, starting up.
" It was mentioned at our last meeting," Brown replied,
without observing this movement, or changing his position.
Xl It has also been suggested that, if these depredations don't
cease, a general search upon every farmer's place will be
made."
" Everybody will not readily submit to such a proceeding,"
replied Atkins, ill-humouredly; " we live in a free country,
and to anybody who comes upon my ground, without my
leave, I shall give the order to march; and if he does not
think fit to go, then I shall take down my rifle."
" You see, Mr. Atkins," said Brown, turning round in a
friendly manner, " this is exactly the reason why the Begu-
lators have been obliged to form their association and to
maintain their league. The laws in Arkansas are not suf-
-ficiently stringent. A man against whom there is no posi-
five proof, though he were the greatest rascal upon earth,
might set us all at defiance. He imagines that he has the
right to shoot any one who dares to come near him against
his wish. Yery welL Such a state of things affords a posi-
BROWN LAYS DOWN THE LAW.
239
tive encouragement to crime, and the population is not suf-
ficiently protected. What security can there he to property,
if any thief may secrete goods without the chance of being
detected? With horses, for instance, rainy weather washes
out all the traces, and the rascals are perfectly safe, if they
only choose their opportunity."
" But what are laws made for ?" Atkins inquired, almost
angrily. " What is the use of laws, I say, if they are too
weak to effect the purpose for which they were framed?"
" They are not actually too weak," Brown replied ; " but
circumstances interfere to prevent their execution. Let me
suppose, for the sake of the argument, that a criminal is
really taken up by the sheriff, and is condemned by the judge.
Where is he kept in custody until he can be handed over to
the regular authorities of the State ? He is put into one of
the little block-houses that are used for this purpose, and from
which his friends deliver him the very first night after his
capture."
Atkins smiled.
" I have been told," Brown continued, without observing
it, " that you have yourselves had several striking illustra-
tions of the fact in this county. When the prisoner does,
however, get into the State prison in Little-rock, he is very
seldom properly secured. Have not—at least the rumour is
abroad—several of the criminals who have escaped themselves
declared that the prison is so badly built that the sheriff cannot
get them in quicker than they can get out ? Of what use
then is it for us to obey the laws and hand over criminals to
Government ? We imagine, of course, that they will be
kept in custody; but in less than a fortnight they are again
at liberty, committing depredations upon our property."
" Oh, yes," said Atkins, smiling, " the complaint is not
entirely without foundation; I know that Cotton "
" Where is Cotton at present ?" asked Brown, quickly.
" Cotton!" replied Atkins, sharply, and apparently very
much astonished " Cotton ! how should I know ? If the
sheriff is looking for him, as I have been told that he is,
why should you inquire after him ?"
" I hear that he has been seen in this neighbourhood,"
Brown replied, who did not wish to mention Ellen as his
informant, a3 he feared that he might get ■ the poor girl into
q 2
240
THE EEATHEBE D ARROW.
a scrape. His host's evasive manner of talking, and the fact
of his denying any knowledge of Cotton's whereabouts,
raised his suspicions. " He is even said to have been ob-
served on this road," he added.
" Oh, yes, that's very possible, very possible indeed," said
Atkins, with a smile. " Many people ride along this road
whom I do not even see. Folks like to talk."
" I came here to-day upon an errand for Roberts and Row-
son," said Brown, who wished to give another turn to the
conversation. " Mr. Roberts—but here comes my horse," he
exclaimed suddenly, as one of Atkins's servants led his chest-
nut horse up to the door.
" Pray remain here," said his host, observing that Brown
was about to leave the room. "Dan will attend to the horse.
Dan, take the horse to the stable, give him a good feed, and
then put the saddle and the other things in the space between
the houses, and when you have done "
While speaking, Atkins stepped out of the house, and
finished the sentence in a lower tone of voice, so that Brown
could not hear what he said. The man, however, nodded sig-
nificantly, as much as to say that he fully understood the hint
given him. He led the animal away, and was not seen again
during the evening.
"You were going to deliver a message to me," Atkins said
to his guest, stepping back into the house.
" Yes," Brown replied, as if awaking from a trance.
" Mr. Rowson will come here on Monday morning with his—
with his father-in-law, in order to have a look at your house
and grounds, and he hopes that you will be kind enough to
wait at home for him, if he should be detained, and not get
here so soon as he might wish."
" Well, I will do so," replied Atkins, in a pleased manner.
"I think that we shall be able to do business together.
They are, both of them, very good sort of people, who will
not be hard upon a poor devil about to emigrate. The
wedding is to take place the day after to-morrow, is it not ?"
" Yes," replied Brown, in a low voice; "I believe so—the
day after to-morrow."
" You will be present at the ceremony, wont you?"
"Who! I? no; I believe I shall not; our meeting is likely
ATKINS IN A DILEMMA.
241
to last until late in tlie evening, and in that case I shall
spend the night at Barill's."
" What meeting 1"
A meeting of the Regulators; we shall meet to-morrow
at Barill's."
" A meeting to-morrow! It must have been fixed very
secretly indeed. I never heard a syllable about it."
" Of course word was only sent to those who are Regu-
lators ; but I am astonished," continued Brown, who fancied
that he saw a favourable opportunity for putting in a good
word for poor Wilson, "I am astonished that Wilson did not
tell you about it—he promised to convey the intelligence to
people in this neighbourhood, and there was no necessity for
making a mystery of it."
" Mr. Wilson has not been in my house for a long while,"
answered Atkins, who seemed agitated at the mere mention
of his name; " and thus it happens that I did not hear any-
thing of the matter. It is all the same, as I am not a
Regulator, and consequently have no interest in the meeting.
I have been told that in Texas similar associations have been
formed."
"Yes," said Brown, unwilling to give up his attack so
easily, and resolved to make another trial. " Wilson seems
to mean to settle permanently in this neighbourhood," he
continued, thus bringing the conversation back to the point
from which Atkins seemed anxious to turn it away; " and I
believe you could not wish for a better neighbour."
" You appear to forget that I can hardly reckon myself
as belonging to this part of the country," replied Atkins,
" as I shall sell out immediately, perhaps 011 Monday, but
here's my good wife with the dinner-things. How short the
days are ! I forgot to ask you, Mr. Brown, how your uncle
is going on ; we were all very sorry to hear that he had been
confined to the house by a fever. One cannot keep off these
cursed fevers, and they frequently attack the strongest men
in the worst form."
Brown perceived that it would be utterly impossible for
him to do anything to advance his friend's interests, at least
for the present.
Mrs. Atkins, and soon afterwards Ellen with the baby,
242
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
returned to the house. He would willingly have entered
into conversation with the pretty girl, but he was afraid of
getting her into a scrape. A friendly glance she cast
slyly at him told him plainly enough that she understood
his former kindness, in taking Mrs. Atkins off. Brown con-
eluded that she had made the best use of the opportunity
afforded by her absence. The conversation turned upon sub-
jects of general interest, such as pasture, hunting, a survey of
the neighbouring lands, and the quarrels among the settlers,
which were not unfrequently connected with that survey,
a murder which had been committed a few days before
on the other bank of the Arkansas, when a cattle-dealer had
been shot, and his pocket-book, which was said to have con-
tained about a thousand dollars, had been taken. ISTo clue
had hitherto been obtained that might lead to the detection of
the murderer. Then they talked about legislation, the election
of sheriff and governor, and so on, until the Yankee clock,
which adorned the chimney-piece, struck eight. The little one,
which had slumbered quietly in its cradle, grew restless, and
began to cry. Ellen took it out of its nest, and walked up
and down the room, humming a lullaby; but it would not
go to sleep again. It cried more and more; and in the
course of a quarter of an hour it seemed to be so ill that the
women, frightened to death, kept running in all directions,
in search of whatever remedies the house afforded.
Everything was in vain, and the mulatto and a white
labourer, who had been employed during the week cut-
ting a large pirogue* out of an immense trunk of a tree,
were sent by the agonized mother in different directions, in
order to summon such assistance for the poor little sufferer
as the wives of the farmers in the neighbourhood could afford.
All who were supposed to understand anything of infants'
diseases were asked to come as quickly as their horses could
bring them.
The mother, in the meanwhile, behaved like a person who
was raving mad, and continually reproached poor Ellen with
having neglected the child. She even declared that the
poor girl wished to get rid of it, that she might no longer
be bothered with having to nurse it. In vain Ellen asserted
her innocence, and reminded the mother of the love she had
* Large canoe.
A FRESH ARRIVAL.
243
always borne the little one. All she could say produced no
effect upon Mrs. Atkins, who told her to hold her tongue,
if she did not wish to learn how obstinate servants were
treated.
Brown felt indignant at this, and resolved to do every-
thing in his power to aid his friend, and to get the poor girl
away from people who treated her so badly. Aware that
anything he might say would only increase the annoyances
to which it was but too evident that Ellen was subjected,
he resolved to bide his time.
The confusion had reached the highest possible pitch. The
poor little sufferer seemed to grow worse every moment.
Ellen endeavoured, with weeping eyes, to soothe her favourite;
while Mrs. Atkins, quite heedless of the presence of the
stranger, ran up and down the room, wringing her hands,
declaring that this was a punishment from Heaven, who now
struck her, in the person of the poor innocent child, for
all her sins and wickedness. Of a sudden, a strange voice
was heard outside, asking for admittance. The dogs were
roused, and began to bark and growl fiercely. The wind,
which during the day had blown gently from the south, had
now changed, and came from the north-east in violent gusts,
whistling through the branches of the gigantic trees. When
the door was opened, the candle, which stood on the table,
was blown out; and thus, the fire in the chimney-place being
at a low ebb, the house was suddenly left in darkness.
" Hallo, in there ! can I have a night's lodging here ?" the
voice again cried. " The deuce take the dogs—will you be
quiet ?"
" Quiet, Hector! quiet, Hick! Down with you, you beasts
—can't you let a man speak ?" cried Atkins, who had stepped
into the doorway. " Come in," he said to the stranger, " my
boy shall attend to the horse."
"Will the dogs bite?" asked the other, cautiously, as, in
acceptation of the invitation, he put his leg over the fence.
"Ho," said Atkins, "not when I am present. Come in,
and mind you do not fall over the timber there. Don't hurt
yourself—mind, there are three steps down, the lower one is
rather unsteady. Oh, Ellen, do light the candle again."
Ellen had, in the meantime, been very busily engaged
lighting the chimney-fire, and the room was soon again suf-
THE EEATHEEED AB110W.
ficiently illumined for the different occupants to see each
other's faces.
The stranger stepped into the apartment, put down his old
coat, and the cap of otter-skin, and with a salute stepped up
to the chimney, and into the bright reflection of the fire,
which again flamed up vigorously. He was a little stout man,
with lively grey eyes, long yellowish hair, and many freckfes
on his face. He was dressed in a brown woollen hunting-shirt,
and gaiters of the same kind. He carried an old saddle-
pouch upon his arm, which he now put down in the chimney-
corner; it seemed to contain everything which he wanted for
a ride through the wood, and in such a wild country. His
eyes, as he approached the two men, glanced eagerly from one
to the other, and he seemed to consult within himself which
of the two he was to address as the master of the house.
Mrs. Atkins was not apparently very well pleased with her
new guest, for, with an ill-humoured expression, she took the
little sufferer, covered it with a blanket, and told Ellen to
follow her with a light into the other house, where she
ordered a fire to be kindled immediately. Ellen quickly
obeyed the order, and it appeared probable that Mrs. Atkins
would not be again visible during the evening.
" It blows quite a gale," said the stranger, after a long
pause, in which he seemed to be speculating on the proba-
biiities as to which of the two men before him might be his
host. " It blows as if it meant to tear the oaks up by the
roots."
"Yes, it is rather boisterous outside," said Atkins, casting
an inquisitive glance at his visitor,—" do you come from a
long distance ?''
" No, not very far; only from the Mississippi."
"You are going to the west, I presume?"
"Yes, to Foi't Gibson ; how far is it to the Eourche-la-
Eave ?"
" I live on that river," said Atkins, looking at the stranger,
while Brown, who had before felt rather uncomfortable at
the screams of the child and the entrance of the new comer,
now took his seat again near the fire, and amused himself by
stirring it with the poker.
" You have followed the course of the river for several
miles," he said, taking part in the conversation; "but you
THE THREE QUESTIONS.
245
did not see the stream, the reedland being almost a quarter
of a mile broad, and very thick."
" Yes, I thought that the river could not be far from my
road—that's very fine reed. Is the pasture good hereabouts?"
" Very good," replied Atkins ; and again he fixed his eye
upon the stranger. Brown left off stirring the fire, and, quite
absorbed, let the wooden poker fall among the glowing
embers which flamed high up. He looked musingly into the
chimney, as if he wished to recal to memory something which
he had almost forgotten.
" I have been riding rather sharply," the stranger said at
last, breaking the general silence, " and the wind has made
one thirsty. May I ask you for a drink of water?"
" Of course you may," replied Atkins, rising and hasten-
ing to the bucket to fetch some water. Brown, in whose
mind a sudden thought now flashed, looked earnestly at the
stranger. The latter seemed bent on examining him closely,
but turned quickly towards Atkins, took the water from his
hand, and drank freely.
"Hearing you ask for water, reminds me that I am thirsty
myself," said Brown, quite composedly. He remembered
with perfect distinctness the conversation which he had over-
heard in the hut on the Arkansas, and did not mean on any
account to let the two men perceive that his suspicions had
been aroused.
" Stop, gentlemen," exclaimed Atkins, " you drink the
cold stuff while such a storm howls outside. How would it
be if we were just to put a few drops of whisky into it ?
That will be a great improvement, and thus qualified, the
cold water can do no harm."
" I imagine that the whisky wilL not hurt either of us,"
said the stranger, quite pleased, while their host went to
a cupboard, and speedily produced a jug and three tin
cups.
"IIere, Mr. Brown—help yourself," said Atkins, holding
out the jug to him ; " oh, do it properly, that's but a drop.
That looks better—don't be afraid of it. The more boisterous
it is outside, the more we must try to make ourselves com-
fortable inside. And now, sir, what is your name ? Mine is
Atkins, and this gentleman is called Brown."
"My name is Jones," answered the guest, "John Jones ;
246
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
that's not difficult to remember, is it? Well, let's drink to
our better acquaintance. Mr. Atkins, your good health—
Mr. Brown." He raised his glass to his lips, and a strange
expression passed over Atkins's features, as the man, who
called himself J ones, drank to the Regulator's good health
and better acquaintance. Careful not to betray himself even
by a glance of his eye, he speedily checked himself, and his
features reassumed their wonted appearance.
Again he pledged his guests with seeming goodwill, say-
ing, " May we become and always remain good friends."
Ellen had meanwhile spread out the mattresses and blankets
upon the ground. To Atkins's inquiry about the baby, she
replied that it still suffered great pain, while nobody seemed
to know what was the matter with it.
" Can you be spared for a quarter of an hour from nurs-
ing ?" asked her father.
" I hardly know, Mrs. "
" Very well; just put the things to the fire," said Atkins,
checking himself. "You must get a little supper ready for
Mr. J ones. I will speak to Mrs. Atkins about it while you
are doing the work."
He left the room, and Ellen soon completed all the neces-
sary preparations for the simple meal of western farmers. It
consisted of nothing more than warm maize-bread, fried
bacon, hot coffee, and some butter, cheese, and honey. The
two men sat quietly in the chimney, and Brown watched
the slender form of the pretty girl. She appeared to attend
to all her duties carefully. Jones, as if buried in deep
thought, kept poking the fire and knocking off the glowing
embers from the logs—a labour in which he only from time
to time paused in order to cast a somewhat impatient glance,
first at the clock, which stood over the chinmey-piece, then
at the door by which he expected Atkins to come back.
The host at last made his appearance, and supper was by
that time ready. More cooking was however in store for
Ellen, as horses' hoofs were heard outside; the voices of
several women mingled in the din, and the sharp accents of
Mrs. Atkins giving orders for coffee from the other house
rose above every sound.
Brown was sitting quietly in the chimney-corner, resting
his head upon the mantelpiece, when Atkins lighted a candle,
BROWN RETIRES EOR THE NIGHT.
247
and said to him, in a very courteous manner—" Mr. Brown,
you seem tired; here is a candle ; and if you like to go to
bed I will show you your bedroom."
" Pray, do not give yourself any trouble on my account,"
said the young man, who noticed the beds Ellen had put
together in the corner. " I can wait, and am by no means
sleepy."
"We have a bed up here," replied Atkins, " where there
is no fear that you will be disturbed ; and to-morrow morn-
ing, as soon as you have a mind, you can repair to Barill's.
We shall not get much rest down here ; I hear that several
of the farmers' wives have arrived. The child must really
be worse than I at first imagined."
" You seem to have plenty of lady-visitors."
" Alas, too many," said the farmer, with a sigh; " and
Heaven grant that the poor little thing may have strength to
recover, or they will talk it to death, and "
" Well, under the circumstances, I really think it will be
better for me to retire," said the young man, smiling. " Good
night, gentlemen. Mr. Jones will join me later, I suppose 1"
" There is only one bed upstairs. I shall have to try to
accommodate Mr. Jones down here."
" Oh, don't give yourself any trouble upon my account," said
Jones, holding out his cup to Ellen, who filled it from a large
tin vessel. (e Good night, then. If you don't leave too early
to-morrow, I shall perhaps have the pleasure of going part
of the way with you; though, I remember, T hardly know
in what direction you are travelling."
"IJp the river. I shall be off very early," said Brown, in
reply; " so good night."
He nodded to the young woman, and the next moment
disappeared with his host into the upper part of the house,
which was, after all, of very simple and somewhat rude con-
struction.
Atkins soon returned with the candle, and he, as well as
the stranger, kept a strict silence so long as Ellen remained
in the room. She had to make the bed for the guest,
and to clear away the tray and cloth. At last she had finished
everything. She put the candle upon the table, took the
coffee-pot and a basketfull of cups with her to the other
house, and retired with a gentle " Good night," which was
248
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
not heard by either of the men, or, at least, not noticed
by them. Ho sooner had she left the room than Atkins
rose, put out the candle, so that the room was only partially
lighted by the embers in the hearth, and motioned to his
guest to follow him.
" Somebody has sent you to me," he said, in an under-
tone, when he had led him some distance from the house, so
that they might not be overheard.
" Yes," replied the stranger. " What is your name ?"
" Atkins."
"Very good—I bring you some horses."
" Where are they ?"
" At the bend, near the brook."
" Are they in the water, then ?"
" Of course they are."
" But how do you know the place 1 have you ever been in
this neighbourhood before V
" I should think so," said the other, smiling. " Here I
spent my earliest years. Brogan got this place of me, and
he sold it to you."
" It is you, then, who made that secret' "
" Yes, but enough of that," said Jones, cautiously; "what's
the use of giving things their proper names ? some one might,
this dark night, overhear us. I never speak much about these
matters. The entrance is near the corner of the fence."
" It is ; just where the stream flows past."
"Very well; you had better see about getting the horses
under cover."
" I will go and fetch them."
" Don't you require help V
" I can manage till we get them inside the fence," said the
stranger, as he turned away from his host, and disappeared in
the dark.
Atkins returned to the house, went cautiously round it,
crossed the yard towards a kind of shed, where six or eight
horses were running about, got over the fence, and was soon
lost in the surrounding darkness.
Brown, perceiving through the chinks in the roof that the
two men went together from the house, was thereby con-
firmed in his suspicions, and was for some time undecided
whether to follow them, and catch them in the act, or to
brown's vigil.
249
remain where he was, and let them quietly finish their
nocturnal business. What could he do, alone and unarmed,
against them"? They were certainly prepared against any
surprise ; he might give them warning of the discovery he
had made, and thus all chance of their detection would be
lost. Actuated by these considerations, he remained quietly
stretched upon his couch, and meditated upon the facts and
circumstances of the day.
Ellen, the poor innocent girl, was certainly not an accorn-
plice in these dreadful proceedings, or she would not so
naively have spoken of the visits of Cotton, for whom the
authorities had been for some time searching. Where did
this Cotton live ? where was there a hut or a thicket that
could so long conceal a criminal in the neighbourhood?
Evidently his retreat was close at hand, for he could hardly
dare to walk any long distance, especially during the day-
time. Where was his hiding-place ? The young man then
run over the names of the settlers in the neighbourhood.
There was Wilson ; he could not be with him. Pelter ; he,
too, was one of the Regulators. Johnson; that might be
possible. Eresh suspicions now flashed across his mind.
Johnson's horses had been found the night they had pursued
the horse-stealers. Harfield, however, declared he was
certain that he had seen the prints of his own horses' hoofs.
He was sure that the traces on the northern bank of the
river were those of his own horses; and yet, while fol-
lowing those on the southern bank, they came upon other
animals. Curtis, Cook, and Harfield affirmed that some
very large prints of one particular horse had not been seen
anywhere on the previous day. Johnson and Cotton—
between these two, then, there must be some kind of under-
standing. Brown's ideas grew confused ; the different figures
and places he had seen mingled themselves, forming various
motley images; and at last he dreamt he was transformed
into the preacher Rowson, and that Marion was bending over
him, and kissing him, and calling him by the most tender
names. Even in his dream his heart grieved that all this
should be meant for the image of his rival. At last even
these visions faded, and his mind, as well as his body, over-
come by the anxieties and exertions of the day, sank into a
profound slumber.
250
THE EEATHEBED ABBOW.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE DEPREDATORS—UNEXPECTED GUESTS—THE NEW PLAN.
The reader must imagine that it is twilight, on the same
evening in which the scenes described in our last chapter
occurred, and we must transport him to a small, but rather
snug log-hut, which stood in the middle of the forest, and
seemed not to be connected with the different habitations in
the neighbourhood by any road or distinguishable path. In
this hut Johnson lived. He had bought the place of a
hunter about a year before the period at which our tale com-
mences for the sum of twenty dollars cash, a blanket, and a
bowie-knife. He had, indeed, made a beginning towards
cultivating a field, but soon abandoned the attempt, and
fenced in a little yard, to keep away from his door the swine
and cows that were left to wander freely in the wood.
The place also served for a horse he made use of in
his various excursions. As he was but very rarely to be
found at home, and as his hut, as we before mentioned, was
situated in an out-of-the-way part, he was troubled with but
few visitors, and those that did venture so far were generally
bold hunters who had lost the track in pursuit of game.
The owner of the hut thus desired solitude, and his wish was
completely fulfilled.
The only person in the neighbourhood with whom he had
any intercourse Avas Atkins. The mulatto, who was en-
trusted with his master's secrets, often went from one to the
other, bearing messages. On the evening in question, the
solitary hut bore by no means a desolate or dreary appearance.
In the chimney a bright, cheerful fire was crackling; on a
long iron pole, reaching across it, hung a large iron pot,
and around the glow were sitting, on a low chair and a
stool, Cotton and Johnson, absorbed in close conversation,
and both of them anxiously looking forward to the boiling
of the contents of the pot or kettle before them.
" Listen, Johnson, here are bubbles coming up," said
Cotton, impatiently; "go on, that I may get my drink. I
must make haste, or I shall not find Atkins at home."
DAff, THE MULATTO.
251
" Only wait a few seconds more. The drink will be flat
and insipid if the water does not boil properly," replied his
companion. " But stop ; now it begins. Reach me your
cup; I will not detain you longer."
" The deuce ! it is hot," said the other, putting the tin cup
to his lips. " In these cursed vessels nothing gets cool."
"Well, that can't be helped," said Johnson, laughing; "we
can't afford glass and porcelain here. But who the deuce
comes here T
" Where V cried Cotton, scrambling up the little ladder
which connected the upper part of the house with the lower.
"Oh, you can remain where you are," said Johnson, who
had approached one of the crevices to reconnoitre; " it is
only Dan, Atkins's mulatto."
" What the deuce does he want V said Cotton, astonished,
coming back and resuming his former seat. " I hope he
does not bring bad news."
" Here he is, and may speak for himself," said Johnson,
opening the door, and letting the faithful servant in. " Well,
what do you bring us V
" Massa Cotton is to remain up here," replied the mulatto,
showing his teeth, and taking off his hat. " Massa Brown is
with master, and will sleep there."
" Brown! What brings him there ?" exclaimed Cotton,
angrily; " and just now, when I have important business
to talk over with Atkins."
" He is on his way to attend a meeting of the Regulators
to-morrow, at Barill's," said the mulatto, spitting his tobacco
into the chimney, with considerable familiarity.
" Meeting of the Regulators—a plague on it!" said Cotton,
gnashing his teeth. " If I could do as I liked, I would lead
those fellows a pretty dance to-morrow. Only let them wait
—their time will come ; and if they cannot be dealt with
in the lump, yet they may be taken in detail."
" Has your master sent any other message to us V asked
J ohnson.
"No, massa; nothing more. I believe he will come up
here to-morrow himself."
" Then, tell him that we shall expect him. Do you hear ?
What are you standing there for, staring V
" Massa," said the mulatto, and his ivory teeth became
252
THE EEATnERED AREOW.
visible from one end of his mouth to the other—one might,
perhaps, say with more truth, from ear to ear. " Massa,
there stands an empty cup."
" Oh, the rogue is thirsty," said Johnson, laughing. "Very
well, take it; drink, and get yourself gone."
" Thank you, massa," said Dan, pouring the hot beverage
down his throat.
Having disposed of it, he nodded a good evening to both,
and soon after dashed through the thick sassafras bushes
that surrounded the place, on his way home.
"Well," said Cotton, reclining at his ease, " I can at least
make myself at home this evening, and shall not have to go
out. Brown ! Regulators ! A plague upon those fellows!
1 wish that the d "
He paused suddenly in his conversation on hearing the
clatter of a horse's hoofs outside ; and he again displayed the
same alacrity as before in running up his ladder, that he
might withdraw from the observation of the new-comer.
Once more his precaution proved needless. Johnson, who
was on the look-out, exclaimed, with astonishment—" Row-
son !" and before Cotton could return to the fire, or Johnson
open the door, their friend was knocking and demanding
admittance.
" What the deuce makes you keep one waiting outside V
Rowson exclaimed, impatiently, as Johnson was not so quick
in opening the door as he expected.
" Hallo!" said Cotton, laughing, as the door opened.
"Are you preaching 1 You must be in a wonderful hurry.
Suppose that we had just now, by chance, some strangers
with us ; would not the Methodist cut a nice figure with his
mouth full of curses V
"A plague upon them all!" said the preacher, angrily; " it
will soon be perfectly indifferent whether the people here
think I am praying or cursing. I must be off."
"What?" cried Johnson, terrified, jumping up from the
chair on which he had but just taken his seat. " Have they
discovered that "
"Nonsense," returned the preacher, angrily; "you had
better mind what you are saying. Nothing has as yet been
discovered. Still there is great risk that at any moment a
revelation may take place. The Indian has returned."
MORE ELOOE.
253
"I wish he had remained where he was," exclaimed
Cotton ; " that Red-skin has always been a thorn in my
side, and I would give much to have him put out of the
way."
'■'Never mind; the Indian, after all, wont carry everything
before him," said Johnson, with a satanic smile. The hunter
at the same time filled his cup again, and offered another
to Rowson, who accepted the challenge, and emptied it at a
draught. "The traces disappeared long ago; and without
their aid the copper-coloured rascal can do nothing."
" That is not all," continued the Methodist. " The people
about here have gone mad again with the old Regulator
mania. To-morrow a large meeting will be held, and there
are several suspicious persons in the neighbourhood whom
they mean to take up, and, as a matter of course, to subject
to a rigid examination. How do you like that ?"
" The devil !" cried Johnson. " Under the circumstances,
a change of air will do me a wonderful deal of good. They
are sure to visit this retreat before they do anything else. I
do not, however, see what you have to fear. Nobody, surely,
can have thrown the slightest suspicion upon you V
" It is the Indian who makes me uneasy," said Rowson.
If I only knew some means of getting rid of that rascal."
" It would be rather a difficult thing to do," said Cotton,
musing; "yet not altogether impossible."
" Then you wish to increase the stir and excitement in the
country, do you ? No ; blood enough has been shed in these
parts already; and the better plan will be to look out for
some other retreat, and that as quickly as possible, for the
storm may burst upon our heads any day."
" The thing might be managed, with caution," continued
the other, not paying any attention to Rowson's interrup-
tion. " It is reported that the Indian killed the chief of
one of his tribes, and fled hither in consequence. Nothing,
then, could be more natural than that some relative of the
murdered man should follow him into these parts to pay the
debt of blood. In order to execute a thing of this kind
safely and in the usual manner, it would of course be neces-
sary to make use of a poisoned arrow; and one has not lived
for years in Texas and in Arkansas without having learnt
how to prepare such a weapon."
£
25 4
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
" Do you -understand how to prepare the poison ?" asked
Rowson, quickly.
" Of what use is it if he does ?" Johnson observed, angrily;
" the Indian is but one person, whom we might easily enough
keep at bay. The danger is more imminent. When rascally
Regulators really get upon the right scent, and at last lay
hold of us, the devil might stand godfather to us. No;
what Rowson says is quite right; and it would be better for
all of us if we were on the other side of Uncle Sam's terri-
tory. Still, I do not fancy that there is any immediate
hurry; at any rate, we can wait a little. Some of us have
never been suspected—for instance, Rowson, and even At-
kins. You can therefore attend their meetings; and should
you hear anything that seems suspicious, it will then be time
enough to mount our horses and to ride off. We shall soon
find as good a field for our exertions as we have found in
Arkansas."
" I rather doubt that," said Rowson; " moreover, it is all
very well for you bachelors to talk; for when the crisis
arrives, you have but to spring into the saddle, and you are
free men. But I "
" Why, surely you are a bachelor too ?" Johnson observed.
" Yes, to-day I am; but I shall not be after to-morrow.",
" You take much too gloomy a view of matters," said
Cotton, laughing. " Hang it! if I had such a name in the
neighbourhood as you have, and were as well liked by the
women as you are, ten horses would not drag me out of the
county. But if you really are so afraid of an exposure, why
the deuce do you marry 1 Can't you put the affair off a
little ? It will be rather disagreeable whenever one comes
to see you to be always upon one's guard."
" I cannot retreat now without creating suspicion," said
the preacher, pacing up and down the room in great agi-
tation. " If I had known of the danger this morning—
then it would at least have been possible to postpone the
wedding ; but now—a plague upon it ! let me only get
married, and my wife must follow me wherever I go. I can
easily trump up an excuse. A letter from my old aunt in
Memphis, expressing her desire to see me again before her
death, will be sufficient. If I once get off safely, they
may say whatever they like about me. I will take care
COTHSTTEE-PBOJECTS.
255
that they don't catch me again. I must confess that I
do not like that Indian; I am afraid of that accursed Red-
skin."
" Well," Cotton muttered, angrily, "if he should become
dangerous, he can he removed at any time quickly enough.
Just now, as you before observed, such a course would only
create more ill-feeling among the settlers, already sufficiently
excited. Be it our care at present to prepare "
" I wish you would leave that accursed Indian out of the
question," said Johnson, impatiently; "it is the Regulators
whom we have to fear ; their association is the quarter from
which danger threatens us, and let us, therefore, look in that
direction. Can't you attend their meeting, Rowson V
" Yes—at least I hope so," he replied. " They can make
no serious objection to my presence. At any rate, I intend
to try it on."
" In that case why should we fret and torment ourselves to
death for nothing % It will be easy for you to obtain infor-
mation of every important step they are about to take, and
we need stand under no apprehension of being surprised."
" Under the circumstances, I do not think it will bo
advisable for me to buy Atkins's house and land," said Row-
son ; " the devil might play us a trick after all, and then I
should be terribly deceived."
" That depends upon how you are off for cash," answered
Johnson j " if you can spare the two hundred dollars which
he demands, you might lull suspicion by making the pur-
chase ; but if "
" Yes, you are right," said Rowson, quickly coming to a
determination; " I will buy the place on Monday next.
Moreover, I shall, from this day forth, give up these trans-
actions. I will, at least, try to live as an honest man, and
to enjoy tranquillity."
"It is almost time that you did," said Cotton, with a
glance full of mistrust. " In that case, I should advise the
reverend gentleman to take his young wife to the Island,
and to settle there—it would offer a first-rate field for a
missionary."
Rowson turned away, evidently annoyed; but Johnson
continued the conversation by observing to the Methodist—
"As Cotton speaks of the Island, I believe it is time to mako
e 2
258
THE EEATHEEED AEKOW.
me acquainted with all the particulars ; I do, indeed, know
that it is situated in the Mississippi, and have a pretty
tolerable idea of its whereabouts. Though I have twice
taken horses there, I have never yet set foot upon it. The
rogues who received the animals were so mysterious in their
behaviour, that nothing was to be got out of them."
" I was treated in a similar manner the other day," said
Cotton, with an oath. " Had the Regulators been upon our
heels, they would no doubt have caught us. These Islanders
would not even allow us to step into their boat. We had to
deliver up the horses, and Weston and I remained squatting
on the bank, and two hours afterwards they came back and
brought us the money. Weston almost died from curiosity."
" Listen, then," whispered Rowson, as if afraid of spies.
" Nobody can hear us from the outside1?"
"No, no," said Johnson; "you may speak with perfect
safety. Yet I wish Cotton had kept his dog here, instead of
leaving it at Atkins's."
" It is better where it is," Cotton observed. " But go on.
Time presses, and I am tired."
"Very well," said Rowson. "I do not see why you
should not know the whole of that secret, part of which has
already been entrusted to you. You know the Island—at
least, the way to it. Further down there is another, with
several splendid hiding-places, affording a sure refuge in case
the inhabitants of the upper island should be attacked or
hunted out. A good swimmer can easily swim over to the
lower island, especially in the night-time. The fellows to
whom these places belong used to be under the leadership of
Morell, who at present is a shoemaker, or something of that
kind, in the House of Correction in Philadelphia. At any
rate, they have taught him a handicraft. At this moment,
the man in authority on the Island is a certain—but never
mind, the name is of no consequence—I have, moreover,
taken an oath not to divulge it."
" Is it, then, a well-organized band of robbers ?" Cotton
asked.
" Yes ; the best organized band that ever existed, and
almost safe against discovery; for it is the interest of those
with whom they are connected to support, but never to
betray them."
THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE ISLAND.
257
"And how do they manage to carry on their business,
since they never commit depredations against their neigh-
bours, who do not even suspect their presence ?"
" They imitate the example of the fox," said Rowson,
laughing, "who never robs the farmyards near his own den,
or, at least, only does so in the greatest extremity."
" Let us have no more of your moral observations, if you
please," said Cotton ; " do keep to the subject."
"Very well, then, to the subject. With the States in
the midst of which they live they have very little to do.
They carry on their operations to the east, and with the
Mississippi States their connexions are very extensive. This
is why they stand so much in need of our horses. The prin--
cipal part of their spoil comes to them down the river. In
all large towns, on the Mississippi as well as the Ohio, on
the Wabash, the Illinois, yea, even the Missouri, they have
their agents, mostly young fellows from Kentucky and
Illinois. They know every craft that goes down the river,
and what cargoes they carry. If it happens to be anything
they require, or anything they think they can quickly dis-
pose of in the southern cities and to their advantage, thej
try to procure the berth of mate, pilot, or something else
on board. They steer the doomed vessel down the stream,
until they come opposite the Island, when the}7- run it
ashore, generally pretending it to be an accident. This is
usually done at night-time, when there is but one of the
regular crew upon deck. By a signal determined upon
beforehand, they announce the approach of fresh booty,
and as for the crew—why, they soon put them out of the
way."
" That accounts," exclaimed Cotton, " for the numbers of
corpses that may be always seen floating about in the Missis-
sippi. Last February I was in Natchez, and seven floated by
at one time, and not one of them bore traces of any wounds.
We imagined at the time that they came from some boat
which had foundered."
" Oh, yes, they know how to manage matters," said Row-
son, smiling. " But in good truth, I don't like that kind of
business j it is too bloody for my taste. I don't want to
have anything to do with it."
"Nor I either," said Cotton, shuddering, "Heaven be
258
THE EEATHEEED AEBOW.
merciful to us ! that is making regular butchery of it. But
how do they manage when there are women in the boats V
" Young women are taken care of in the interior of the
Island, for every member is allowed to have a wife."
" Then they do not kill their female captives ?" said John-
son, nervously.
" I do not know whether they do or not, and besides, it is
110 business of mine," replied Rowson. " The great protection
to those in the Island is, that it may always be regarded as a
last asylum by every one. If our affairs come to a crisis, we
are sure to be received there, and to be protected also; you
may rely upon that."
"I saw enough of their protection the last time I was
there," cried Cotton. " I might have died upon the shore
before one of the rogues would have stretohed out a hand to
aid me."
"Because you did not know the right signal," said Rowson,
laughing. " Do you suppose they would take anybody
whom they might meet at the landing-place into their con-
fidence ?"
" "What is the proper signal then ?"
" To run four times up and down between the two large
trees, which stand upon the shore there—of course this must
be done at night, with a burning piece of wood in one's hand.
Just try that, and you will see how soon a boat with armed
men will make its appearance."
"Four times," said Cotton, thoughtfully. "Well, who
knows how soon we may all of us be compelled to throw
ourselves upon the hospitality of those people1?"
" When once you enter the Island," continued Rowson,
"you belong to them, and must not hope to return."
" Have you been there ?" asked the hunter.
" No, not yet," the Methodist replied, rather abruptly; "but
where is Weston ? would it not be as well to inform him of
the danger with which we are threatened ?"
" A tkins has sent him to the upper settlements," observed
Johnson; "he is to be back to-morrow, and will then pay
us a visit here."
"All right," said Cotton, yawning; "I am tired, and shall
go to bed. Is there anything left in the kettle, Johnson?"
"No, you have the remainder before you in the cup."
JOHNSON AND EOWSON.
259
"Well, good night; he who wakes first must call the
others." Having said this, he spread out a few deer-skins
which were lying in a corner, drew an old blanket over his
shoulders, laid down upon his hard couch, and in a few
minutes fell asleep.
Johnson and Rowson sat for some time in silence staring at
the glowing embers. Both evidently had something which they
desired to speak about, but neither of them seemed willing
to open the subject. The Methodist walked several times up
and down the room, and then stood still leaning against the
chimney-piece. At last J ohnson broke silence, by asking—
"Are you really afraid that we are discoveredV
"No," replied the preacher, in a scarcely audible tone of
voice. " No, but I am afraid that we shall be."
" How is that possible ?"
"Possible! you should ask, how is it possible that we have
escaped detection so long."
" You are timid, and see spectres everywhere."
"At any rate, such foolishness cannot do anybody any
harm," replied the preacher, with a cautious look. " I am
afraid that the Indian has grown suspicious; the glance he
cast at me to-day almost forbids the possibility of doubt."
" You have, indeed, particular reasons for dreading the
resentment of the Indian," whispered Johnson.
" Who told you "
" Whist! our host," said his friend. " Ho not be alarmed;
it is perhaps better for you that I should be made acquainted
with the matter. Moreover, the thing was necessary, and I
should have acted in the same manner; but have you taken
care to remove all traces ?"
" That question is superfluous. I washed my clothes the
same night, though that was rather a hard job, with the
wound in my arm. I cut out the rent in my coat, made by
the tomahawk of the little she-devil, and put another patch
there, and my knife I buried for a whole week. In spite of
all this, an indescribable alarm seizes me when I consider
the events of that evening, and I do not know, but I almost
seem to rue "
"Oh, nonsense!" said Johnson, scornfully; "how is it
with that other affair—have you recovered the little knife ?"
" No," replied Rowson, in a whisper, in a still lower key
260
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
than the former one; " that is in Roberts's hands; I saw
it myself. He showed it to me, and asked me whether I
knew whose it was. How it was, Johnson, that I did not
betray myself at that moment I really hardly know."
"It is said that near the Arkansas a rich fellow has been
waylaid and robbed of more than a thousand dollars," ob-
served Johnson, with a sharp glance at his friend. " You
were in that part of the country at the time. Did you not
hear anything of the affair ?"
" Oh, a plague upon your mad talk !" said the preacher,
with an oath. "Do you suppose that I can account for
every murder that has been committed in the State ? Mind
your own business, and let me alone. Are you certain that
Weston does not talk ? We ought not to have sent him to
the Island."
"I believe he is faithful," replied Johnson, thoughtfully.
"By Heaven! one cannot look into other people's hearts.
You really mean to get married to-morrow?"
" Yes, I do; though not under the fairest auspices, it is
true. I believe it to be the best thing I can do. If we
are discovered, the deuce may take everything. It will not
be the worst of my offences to let my wife take her chance
with the rest."
" If such are your principles, matrimony will not stand
much in your way," said his friend, laughing. " You do not
care much about the girl, I suppose 2"
" Do you think I should have exposed myself to all these
perils in order to gain her if I did not love her V replied the
preacher. " It is a wild and mad passion that attracts me
to that pure being; and I feel that this love is the greatest
sin I ever committed in my life."
" And yet you can think of leaving her ?"
" Show me any possibility of taking her with me in my
flight against her will, and you will find me perfectly ready.
But it wont do. Any stranger to whom she might appeal
would grant her protection ; and that's just the kind of
thing I wish to avoid. Ho ; if I could now retrace my steps,
I might do so; -perhaps, even if I had the chance, I might not
avail myself of it. It is, howevei', too late ; and so she must
share my fate as long as it may be possible. She will, at
least, bo mine."
A NIGHT VISITOR.
261
" Have you taken any measures of precaution in your
liouse, in case flight should become necessary at some time
or other ?"
"1 think you have known me long enough to be certain
that I should not neglect that," said the preacher. " In the
reedland immediately below the house a good canoe lies care-
fully concealed. In it is a little portmanteau with all requi-
sites for travel. It has been packed ever since the night
when the Indian woman discovered us, and my arms are
always ready and at hand—you yourself know the secret way."
" How many will the canoe hold ?"
" Four, or five in case of necessity. It is large, and splen-
didly built. With three oars we can reach the Arkansas in
six hours."
" You have taken ample precautions, and I hope that we
shall not be compelled to avail ourselves of them. If we
can only throw the Regulators off our tracks this time, we
are safe for ever. But good night; you had better lie down
there upon the mattress. I will look to your horse in the
meantime."
Rowson, quite fatigued, consented willingly, and soon
nothing was to be heard but the deep breathing of the
sleepers. All at once the loud shrill cry of an owl sounded
in the stillness of the night. It was repeated several times,
and Johnson rose, and stepped across the men lying in the
middle of the room towards the door.
"Well, what are you creeping about for?" asked Rowson,
indignantly, putting his hand to his arm, upon which John-
son trod in passing.
" Did you hear the owl ?" asked Johnson, in a low voice.
" Well, bless me, are you going to hunt owls ?" Rowson
muttered. "You have no hens whose precious lives might
be endangered."
"What!" cried Johnson, when the same sounds were
again heard ; " that's Atkins, sure enough. What can bring
him down here in night and mist ? Come in," Johnson ex-
claimed, stepping to the door—" come in ; there are only
friends here."
" Good evening, Johnson," said the broad-shouldered
farmer, stepping over the little fence and approaching the
door. "We are late guests, are we not ?"
262
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" We! what do you mean by we ? Who have you brought
here ?"
"A friend; one that has merchandize; he wishes to be
introduced to you. But who on earth is with you in the
house ?"
" Cotton and Bowson."
" Bowson !" exclaimed the stranger, who was well wrapped
up in a large mantle—" Bowson !" and he stepped forward.
" Eh ! I should not have thought of finding an old acquaint-
ance here this evening."
" An old acquaintance !" muttered Bowson, at the chim-
ney-place, where he was busy endeavouring to make the
embers burn up again—" an old acquaintance ! Who can
that be ?"
" You know Bowson, do you ?"
" Know him ! how can you ask me such a question ?" said
the little man. " Does he preach still ?"
" That he can best answer himself," said the Methodist,
stepping forward, by no means in the friendliest of moods.
In his hand he held a flaming torch, and after examining
the stranger for some time he at last recognised him, and
exclaimed joyfully—" By my faith, Hokker, what on earth
brings you back to Arkansas ? Did the air grow too hot
for you in Missouri? Welcome here, old boy! Only
come in, or the wind will blow our torches out."
"We cannot stay long," said Atkins; "we have only
stolen away secretly from home ; but if "
" Oil, don't you be speechifying," said Cotton, from the
interior of the house ; " time wont pass away more slowly
before the door than it does inside, and there is a cold
draught comes through the door."
There was nothing to be said against this. The men fol-
lowed Bowson, who led the way with his torch to the
chimney-corner, where the empty drinking vessels were
scattered about.
" Have you anything left to drink ?" asked Atkins, bending
over the large iron kettle, and tilting it on one side. "Beally,
there isn't a drop left, as true as I am alive."
"Only wait a quarter of an hour," said Johnson, "and
there shall be no lack of drink."
"Bo," Atkins cried, "we really must "
JOHN JONES GIVES AN ACCOUNT OE HIMSELE. 263
"Well, go on, and say what you have to say. In the
meantime, the water will boil, and then we will dispute the
point."
"Well, Hokker, how do things look in Missouri?" asked
Rowson, shaking him heartily by the hand.
" First of all, don't call me Hokker," said the stranger,
laughing; "I am called Jones—John Jones—if anybody
should ask you."
"'Very good, very good," said Rowson; " it is all the same
to me. But what brings you here ?"
The little man, who must in former times have been an
intimate friend of Rowson's, proceeded to relate that he
had left Missouri on account of some misunderstandings, and
had taken up his residence in Franklin and Crawford county,
the most western parts of the State, where alone, accord-
ing to what he said, was it possible to be at once in what
he chose to call business relations with the white men as
well as the Indians. At present some affair, in which
he was a partner, had induced him to visit Yell county,
since, owing to some envious men, the formerly favoured road
down the Arkansas river had become dangerous. The little
man further stated that he intended to remain at least for a
few days in that part of the country in which the scene of
our narration is laid, in order, on the one hand, to let his
traces grow cold, on the other to get more intimately ac-
quainted with the neighbourhood. It appeared that he
liked it very much from having formerly resided there for
some time. Rowson listened to his old friend with particular
attention, and now and then, while he was speaking, nodded
complacently. When he had ended, and Johnson was filling
the cups with the drink he-had just finished brewing, Rowson
jumped up, held out his hand to Jones, and said—
"Will you join us? Will you at once play your part in
the comedy we are acting here ? Say, yes; and you will
have to begin to-morrow."
" Why, to speak the truth, that has commenced already,
and not very long ago," replied the stranger, smiling; " and
as far as the comedy is concerned, I have acted with ad-
vantage in pieces of intrigue already. I made good use
of the time I spent at New Orleans. However, be it as
you say, if you think me fit for the undertaking; and it
264
THE EE AT HE RET) ARROW.
will also be to our advantage—I mean to mine and that of
my friends in the upper part of the State—I am your man.
But what sliall I have to do ?"
"We will tell you all that presently," said Rowson, rub-
bing his hands with glee, and half-emptying a cup which
Johnson offered him. " To-morrow the Regulators hold
their meeting."
" If that is all the good news you have to tell me," said
Jones, laughing, "you might have saved yourself the trouble.
In fact, their vigilance is likely to be a reason why I should
set off upon my journey much more rapidly than I had
intended."
" Nay, that cannot be," said Rowson. " You must attend
the meeting."
" I! well, I like that! it is rather a good idea," said
Jones, with amazement.
"Yes, you," continued Row-son. "None of the settlers
here know you ; those who lived in this neighbourhood
when you built Atkins's house are dead, or have emi-
grated, some time since. I myself thought of attending, but
I should find it a much more difficult matter. In the
first place, I can hardly spare the time ; however, I should
have strained a point to get at their intentions if you
had not come; moreover, there are some people in this
neighbourhood who do not like me, and I am sure my
presence would act as a spell upon them ; they would keep
many things silent that would otherwise come out; with
you it will be all right. I shall introduce you to young
Brown. Mind, I shall introduce you as ' a Regulator from
Missouri,' who has come to Arkansas in order to establish
a connexion between his league and ours, that both States
may unite their forces. You can assure him that this is
the only way to put a stop to the robberies which, as far as
horseflesh is concerned, threaten to ruin the industrious
farmers of the backwoods."
"Splendid! splendid!" said Atkins, joyfully; " that's a
capital plan !"
"But I do not know whether I have time," said Jones,
thoughtfully, knocking the empty tin cup against his chair.
" Whether you have time ?" replied Rowson; " why,
could you employ your time better than by finding out and
A BRILLIANT IDEA.
265
defeating their plans 1 Were they carried out, the connexion
between us and your friends would be rendered impossible,
or, at least, so dangerous that no reasonable person would
risk his neck on such a chance."
"That's true enough," said Jones, holding out his cup to
be filled ; " that is true, indeed: but will Brown believe
me 1 I saw him to-night, and never told him that I was
connected with the Regulators."
" You did not know that he was a Regulator, and you
could not trust any stranger with such a secret."
" That's true again ; but will the other Regulators trust
me V
"Don't be afraid on that point," said Johnson; "I
heard some time ago that they meant to enter into commu-
nication with the surrounding counties, and so such an offer
would just suit them."
" A spy! a real genuine spy !" said the Missourian, smiling,
to himself; " and to be thrown regularly amongst the Regu-
lators, like a violet amongst a bouquet of roses. That will
be a very amusing adventure."
" Will you do what we propose ?" asked Rowson.
" Of course," Jones replied. "I shall send some of them
up the river, and others to various places. I shall make
myself a good name, and whenever at some future time we
mean to do a good stroke of business, we will send them all
in a lump in the wrong direction, and—ha ! ha ! ha !—shall
have the air pure. A splendid idea this !"
" Then you do not intend to go to the meeting to-morrow,
Rowson ?" Cotton remarked.
"No ; it is no longer necessary that I should do so," re-
plied the preacher.
" And how are we to know what their plans are V
"If something important is decided upon," Rowson ob-
served, thoughtfully, " Jones, who will at any rate return to
Atkins's towards the evening, will let him know. Atkins
can then send the mulatto up here with the information.
As for myself, to-morrow morning I must finish some im-
portant business ; and to-morrow night I shall spend at
Roberts's. On Sunday morning, at nine o'clock, I will be at
the cross oak—you know the tree I mean, Atkins, the one
into which that branch has fallen in such a manner that it
266
the eeathered arrow.
looks like a cross. Very well, at that place I shall be sure to
wait, and there you will send the mulatto. Whatever
happens, you must send him. It may be possible that I
shall have a message for you, and I should not have time to
ride over here."
"Well, everything is now settled," said Atkinscome,
Jones, or they will miss us at home. There is an awful row
at my house. The young un is ill, and Betsy has sent the
mulatto and my workman in search of assistance. Three
old women had arrived when we left, and I am quite per-
suaded that we shall have the place full by to-morrow. A
similar thing happened once before."
" At all events, don't let Brown go away before I arrive,"
Bowson observed.
"No, don't be afraid; and mind you are not late, for
though I may make the breakfast half an hour later, I shall
not be able to detain him long."
The men wished one another good-night. Atkins and
Jones sprang over the fence, and disappeared in the dark-
ness. The others once more sought their couches to finish
the night's rest which had been disturbed by the unexpected
visit. Cotton muttered, as he wrapped his blanket round
him, " If any one disturbs me again to-night, I shall garotte
him—that much is certain."
In a few moments the dreadful noise he made in snoring
proved how fatigued he was, and how much he stood in need
of rest.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE PIONEER FAMILY—THE NEW REGULATOR FALLS INTO THE SNARE.
The boisterous gale that had been raging all night subsided,
as if exhausted and fatigued, towards break of day. The
first rays of the sun shone brightly on the tops of the lofty
trees, and tinged the summits of the distant hills with their
ruddy light.
The early cocks had already left off crowing, and strutted
about with grave looks and heads erect, as if proud at
having fulfilled their duty in making known to the neigh-
cook's surprise.
267
bours around that they were still alive. They paced gravely
about the different farmyards, casting longing looks at the
doors of the houses, waiting for some kind soul to appear
with an armful of maize in order to feed the horses. The latter
had been neighing impatiently, and trotting up and down
near the fences for some time. The cunning fowls knew, of
course, that they should get their share of the grains by hook
or by crook. The geese gabbled, the dogs barked, the blue
smoke ascended in clouds towards the tops of the pines,
adorned with many millions of sparkling diamond dew-drops.
Even the yellow river, which rolled along beneath the over-
hanging reeds and willows, seemed to flow more rapidly
under the influence of the enlivening sunlight. In some
parts it appeared to undermine the banks; at others to
direct all its force against them, tearing away large pieces of
soil and mighty trees.
Quite in harmony with this genial morning appeared
a solitary horseman, who trotted along through the forest
by a narrow road on a strong little pony, humming a
gay tune, and only now and then spurring the spirited animal.
Anxious not to arrive too late for the meeting, he had left
home without having taken anything. It was Cook.
Suddenly and with astonishment he reined-in the animal
he was riding, which, on account of the unexpected move-
ment, jumped upon his hind legs and executed some wonder-
ful evolutions, and then remained standing still and quiet, as
a hunter ought to do, pricking his ears, seemingly not less
astonished than his master, and listening to some sound not
usual in such a place. A house was not to be met with in a
circuit of three miles, and yet a loud crowing resounded
from the middle of the wood just behind a thicket of holly
and sassafras-bushes. It was a very gay and loud house-
»cock, and Cook looked around astonished and bewildered.
"I have not missed my road, I hope," he muttered to
himself. " 0 dear me, no ! I know every path or deer-track
in the wood. New settlers ! Well, that is hardly to be
expected in this secluded place. Hallo ! are not these wheel-
traces beside the path 1 The rain has indeed almost
obliterated them; but yes, truly, there they have crushed
a bush, and here they have bruised the oak. They are evi-
dently emigrants, so they will have some news to tell."
2G8
THE EEATHERED AllROW.
With a light pressure of his thigh he caused his pony to
bound forward in the hope of overtaking the strangers.
Neighing loudly, the animal seemed to wish thereby to give
his master to understand with what eagerness he hurried on
after the travellers.
In a few minutes Cook reached one of those camps of
emigrants, which, especially in Arkansas, and on the road
towards the Far West, or to Texas, are frequently met with.
Two large tilted waggons formed the centre of the group,
around which several pair of oxen, yoked and fastened
together, were ranged. A little white-headed fellow, about
eight or nine years old, was busily engaged putting pieces
of maize-stalks into their mouths ; while the animals, fixing
their large good-natured eyes languidly and lazily upon the
next piece which was coming to them, kept grinding with
their strong teeth what they had in their mouths. With
their long tongues, from time to time, they licked the hand
of their young purveyor, as if to call his attention to the fact
that they were ready for fresh supplies of food.
Five horses were grazing near at hand, in an excellent
piece of reedland, tied together, and having bells round their
necks ; or, as the country term is, '''hobbled." The emigrants
themselves had evidently passed the night between the
waggons, having no tent or shelter beneath which a man could
have slept, while the rain was pouring down. They were
squatting round what served them for a table. It consisted
of deals laid upon the ground, being covered with a large
sheet. This kind of breakfast-table harmonized well enough
with the seats, which were of very rude contri vance.
The small family sat down quite in Turkish fashion. It
consisted of husband, wife, two grown-up daughters, and
three young lads; the eldest one or two and twenty, the
younger, the child already mentioned, about eight.
" Come, Ben," cried the father to the little fellow, " the
animals have had enough; they were in the reedland all
night, and don't want any more feeding. Keep quiet, dogs !
I wonder what's the matter with those animals. They have
been barking and howling ever since midnight, because a
wretched panther happened to pass somewhere in the neigh-
bourhood. Down, I say !"
Notwithstanding this friendly admonition, the dogs, which
EKEAKEAST IN" THE FOEEST.
2G9
were fastened under the cart or waggon did not seem by
any means inclined to obey the order, but barked still more
violently, looking in the direction whence Cook was now
approaching.
" Good morning to all," he cried, in a friendly tone, as,
when about ten paces from the group, he sprang from the
saddle and threw the bridle over the neck of his little pony;
" good morning, and good cheer !"
" That we are just going to make," replied the head of the
emigrant family. " Come and take some with us, if you have
not yet breakfasted. Come, Anne, a mug for the gentleman.
.Fall to^—help yourself."
" Thank you," said Cook, accepting the invitation without
ceremony. " Why, this is a most lucky meeting. I could
hardly expect to find such good company and such an excel-
lent breakfast in the heart of the forest. Yes " he looked
round at his pony, which was grazing, but all the time kept
looking with ears erect towards the waggon, in which Ben-
jamin was nestling amongst the maize.
" Bring an armful of maize, Ben," cried the emigrant, per-
ceiving his guest's movement. "You can put it into the
iron pot which is standing there beside the cart. The pony
wont mind what kind of vessel his meal is served in."
The animal seemed to give bis assent to this proposition
by a low neigh, and as soon as Ben had removed the saddle
and bridle, set about doing honour to the meal placed before
him.
" Where do you come from, sir V said Cook at last, after
a pause, of which all present had made good use in satis-
fying their appetites.
"From Tennessee, near the Wolf Biver."
" And where are you bound V
"To Franklin County, at the foot of the Ozark Moun-
tains."
" Got a place already1?"
"Not yet, but I shall soon find something suitable; I
have a brother over there."
" Hem ! there is some capital land about here "
"Yes, I know there is; but the folks on the Fourche-la-
Fave are said to be too fond of horse-flesh."
" Ho, ho !" Cook exclaimed, laughing. " That's what the
3
270
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
people along tlie Arkansas have made you believe, is it?
Things are not quite so bad as they are represented. Yet,
to speak sincerely, the evil is bad enough. I am on my way
to a meeting of the Regulators, and hope we shall soon put
an end to that nuisance. Arkansas will no longer be per-
mitted to enjoy the miserable distinction of being an asylum
for highwaymen, thieves, and depredators of every kind."
" You say Arkansas," replied the farmer, laughing. "Yet,
if you speak of the matter in the United States generally,
even in Tennessee, or more to the north and east, it is
true, people always attribute it to Arkansas. Bat if one
crosses the Mississippi into Arkansas itself, then the Four che-
Ict-Fave is the word. You do enjoy a capital reputation in
the country up aboiit."
" I dare say," said Cook. " You must remember that they
exaggerate enormously. Though there are some good-for-
nothing fellows about, yet it would be the d I mean
to say, we shall get rid of them. I wish you could be
present at our meeting. After all, this is Saturday; and
you mil scarcely think of proceeding on your journey to-
morrow."
" To-morrow !" the emigrant exclaimed; " oh, because it is
Sunday 1 That makes no difference under the circumstances;
I must avail myself of the fine weather, as I wish, if possible,
to get hold of a piece of arable land, and hope to be able even
yet to sow a few acres of Indian corn. You can well ima-
gine that I have no time whatever to lose."
"ISTo, you have not; I merely thought you might take an
interest in getting acquainted' with the laws of the Regu-
lators."
"Yes, the matter does interest me," replied the Ten-
nessee man. " Do you really mean to have recourse to
Lynch-law? I heard so the other day, but could hardly
believe it."
"We do, and it is necessary," replied Cook; "we are not
yet quite sufficiently settled to deal with criminals in the
ordinary way. Everything is in a transition state. At the
same time, no State stands more in need of a regular adminis-
tration of justice than this very Arkansas. Something must
be done, if we don't intend to be ruined; or, as you say your-
.self, if we are not to get such a name in the other States that
A SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE.
271
no emigrants will venture to settle amongst us. Our land
will become almost valueless, and nobody will be found to
occupy it."'
" I perceive what you mean," said the Tennessee man. " I
see; we did the same thing five years ago, when Tennessee
was a district. A lot of rascals had congregated together
there; but a few yards of hemp, and vigorous prosecution of
offenders, soon set matters to rights. Things are not even
now in a very secure state on the other side of the Arkansas.
As we were coming up the river in the beginning of the
week, a farmer, who used to live there, was killed on his
way home from the ' Indian nation,' where he had been
selling pigs."
"I heard of the circumstance," said Cook, shuddering.
"Has not the murderer been discovered ?"
" Ho," replied the old man, angrily, striking the deal table
with his fist. The blow was a violent one, and it made the
salt-castor and other things upon the table dance. " Ho;
and I only hope the pale-faced scoundrel may again come
within reach of me while I have a rifle in my hand. Were I
behind a tree, or even in the open plain, I will be hanged if
I did not let the daylight enter into his skull—that much is
certain."
" You know him, then ?"
"Ho, I do not know him; yet I saw him—or, at least, I
believe I did,. In fact, I have no doubt it was the murderer.
Our waggon was proceeding along the road, while I and
my Hed here—my eldest son—had gone off the track a little,
hoping to shoot some deer, for we had seen plenty of tracks,
and had arrived at the head of a small lake. Hed went on
one side, and I took the other, when I observed a small path
which came from the thicket, and evidently led towards the
main road, which we had just left, and on which our waggon
had to pass, being at that time perhaps half a mile in the rear.
All at once I heard something rustling among the bushes, and,
thinking it was a stag or some wild turkeys, I stepped behind
a tree. Two men on horseback suddenly appeared: the elder
was dressed as our farming people generally are; the other
was easily recognised by a broad-brimmed hat. They were
engaged in close conversation, and passed me without taking
any notice. I did not address them, as I wished to avoid
s 2
272
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
making any unnecessary noise that might have the effect of
driving away the game. I had walked on slowly for per-
haps a hundred paces, the travellers having meanwhile dis-
appeared in the bushes behind, when I suddenly heard a shot
in the direction in which I lost sight of them. At first I
thought that my son Ned, unable on account of some thicket
to find a clear path on the other side of the river, had fired
off his l-ifle as a signal to me; but soon after my boy answered
me from the opposite shore of the lake, and so I naturally
concluded that the shot proceeded from some person hunting
in the neighbourhood. Of course I took no further notice of
the matter, but went on my way.
" It was late in the afternoon, and the same evening we
were overtaken by people who told us of a murder which had
just been committed. The dead man, they said, had been
shot through the head. Neither of the two horsemen I had
noticed passed my people's waggon. No sooner did I hear
this, than I mounted my horse—the womankind kept
crying most awfully—and galloped back as fast as my
animal could go, until I reached a farmhouse, in which
people told me the dead body was deposited. It turned out as
I had anticipated. In the dead body I recognised one of
the two men I had seen riding along the road that very day.
The victim was the elder of the two. The man in the
broad-brimmed hat must have been the murderer. I de-
scribed him as well as I could ; but none of the people
present seemed to know him—nobody remembered having
seen him upon the road. I remained two whole days in the
neighbourhood; the murderer had disappeared, without
leaving any trace. According to the calculations of those
who knew how many pigs the unfortunate victim had taken,
and what they were worth among the Indians, he must have
had about a thousand dollars with him, all of which had, of
course, disappeared.
" y es, yes," said Cook, " such things are of too common
occurrence in this neighboTirhood-—even more atrocious acts
have been committed. Well, let us hope that we shall soon
be able to crush the serpent's head. People on the other
side of the Arkansas may also try to get rid of their vermin.
By-the-bye, which route do you think of taking ?"
OLD STEVENSON.
27S
" I do not myself know exactly: the road, I believe,
stretches along by the side of the river."
" There is a road on each side, and that on the opposite
side would, perhaps, be the best for you; for higher up, the
passage through the river, especially with waggons, is rather
difficult."
" In what manner shall I be able to cross best 1 How
far are we from the next house ?"
" The next house is Wilson's," said Cook; "and the next
after that is Atkins's, about a mile and a half further on.
I think j ou can get across at the first. There is a very good
ferry-boat, and a broad, solid road down to the river."
" Is the ferryman's name Wilson T
"No; Wilson resides there—but the ferryman's name is
Curneales."
" I thank you for your information and advice. I think
I shall do as you suggest; and if at some time or other
you come near my place, you must not forget to inquire for
old Stevenson, and you will always be welcome."
" Much obliged," said Cook, who had in the meantime got
up and saddled his pony. " It is high time for me to be off,
or I shall get behindhand, as I have several miles to ride.
Good-bye."
With a hearty shake of the hand, the young farmer took
leave of each member of the family, and soon after trotted
away on his pony.
After riding for about an hour, he reached Atkins's door,
where, to his astonishment, he found Brown, whom he ima-
gined at his place of destination, or at least on his road
thither. Brown stood at the side of his pony, which was
saddled, and seemed to be engaged in close conversation with
the stranger who had arrived the night before. Bowson in
the meanwhile had made his appearance, and he introduced
the stranger as an old acquaintance.
" Hallo, Cook !" shouted Brown, in great glee. " I am
glad you are come. Now we can ride in company."
" Good morning, good morning," said Cook. " I thought
you had been on the road long ago."
" It is my fault," said Atkins; " or rather my wife's—for
she has been uncommonly long this morning getting the
274
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
breakfast. I suppose she could not help it; she was delayed
by the child's illness."
" I should have ridden away long ago," said Brown; " but
Mi\ Atkins "
"We could not let you go without having taken some
refreshment," Atkins said, interrupting him. "No, I could
never suffer that. Besides, you will still be in time, and
delay has increased the company."
"I really think no time has been lost," said Brown,
shaking his friend Cook by the hand. " Mr. Bowson," he
continued, addressing the preacher, who had given his horse
to the mulatto, " you are determined, then, not to come with
us. I thought, when I saw you coming, that you wished to
attend our meeting."
" I should like to be present at your meeting very much,"
replied the Methodist, "if urgent business did not prevent
it. I have to celebrate my wedding to-morrow, and it is plain
that, under the circumstances, I have plenty to attend to."
"No doubt," replied Brown, his voice being scarcely
audible. " And this gentleman is, as you say, a Regulator ?
He did not speak of that last night."
"You will find that natural enough," replied Mr. J ones, with
a bland smile, " if you consider that I was amongst strangers."
" It was most praiseworthy precaution. You were going
to Fort Gibson, were you not V'
" I was; in fact, such is still my intention; but having
met here, quite by chance, an old friend in Mr. Bowson, I
intend spending a few days in the neighbourhood, and I
should very much like to be present at the meeting of the
Regulators to-day. Perhaps it will not be impossible to join
our efforts with yours. It would be much easier for us to
attain our common aim by joint efforts than alone."
"No doubt," replied Brown, looking earnestly at him;
" and so you wish me to introduce you to the Regulators V
" Such is my wish, and you would much oblige me "
" I should also thank you for your interest in behalf of my
friend," Bowson said, interrupting the speaker. " As I am
just beginning housekeeping, he cannot come to stay with
me immediately; but Mr. Atkins will, I believe, be kind
enough to give him shelter to-night. The day after to-mor-
row I shall be able to offer him accommodation."
ELLEN GOES ON A. JOURNEY.
273
" Don't give yourself any trouble about it, Mr. Rowson,"
said Brown, smiling. "Mr. Jones will, I doubt not, stay
some time with us: whether he will be pleased by his visit
is another question."
"I am easily satisfied." replied Jones, apparently much
delighted at the turn affairs had taken ; " but had we not
better mount and be off?—it is getting late."
" Mr. Jones's horse !" Atkins shouted to the mulatto, who
stood in the doorway staring at the men.
" Listen, Brown—I don't half like that man's face," Cook
whispered to his friend.
• " When we reach Barill's, I must speak a few words with
you alone," the other replied, in the same manner.
" Is there anything "
" Hush ! be quiet !—there will be plenty of time when
we get there."
Jones had meanwhile mounted, and Brown was just step-
ping into his stirrup, when the mulatto led out two morn
horses, one of which was saddled for a lady.
" God bless me!" cried Cook; " another lady's saddle ! I
have just been counting those hung up there between the
houses. They are no less than seven. This, then, is the
eighth. What is the matter ?"
"My goodwife has some visitors," said Atkins; "they
came to see the sick child. But this saddle here is Ellen's;
she is going to Roberts's."
At that moment the door opened, and Ellen came out,
with her bonnet and shawl on, and a little parcel in her
hand, which she gave to the mulatto. As she turned her
face towards Brown, he saw that she had been weeping.
She turned away quickly, mounted, and galloped down the
road, followed by the mulatto.
" What is the matter with the girl ?" Brown, with friendly
sympathy, asked the master of the house, who was busily
engaged cutting an uncommonly large quid of tobacco. The
preacher continued to gaze after her, and, with a shake of his
head, said, " I rather think her eyes looked as if she had been
weeping."
" Oh, nonsense !" replied Atkins. " She did not like to
leave the sick child; she said she should not see it again. And,
I believe my goodwife has had some words with her; she
270
the feathered arrow.
does grumble sometimes, though she never means any harm.
The stupid little thing has taken it to heart. She will be all
right by-and-by, when she gets a good husband."
" Come along, Brown; what the deuce detains you?—time
presses," cried Cook, impatiently.
" Yes, yes," Brown replied; " I only wish to say a few
words to Mr. Bowson—a question "
" He has gone into the house, and you can speak to him
to-morrow, or even to-night. It will be noon before we get
there; and the people have been expecting us these last four
hours, I am sure."
"Very well, then; good-bye," replied the young man,
nodding to those who stood near. He trotted rapidly away,
followed by Cook and the stranger; and they all disappeared
by the path which led into the forest.
CHAPTER XXV.
HARrER AND MARION—ELLEN ARRIVES AT ROBERTS'S.
The sun shone brightly on Roberts's dwelling. The pine-trees
and the oaks that grew around the field and the farm-yard
cast showers of the bright dew which glistened on their
leaves to the ground.
Eour large, stately wild turkeys, bred from eggs found in
the wood, strutted about proudly in the open space in front
of the house, seemingly anxious, by a display of all their
beauty, to deserve the maize-grains which Marion brought
them in a little basket. On the little, low hickory-bushes
which had been left near the dwelling for the sake of shade,
the blue jays made a great noise, and the red cardinal
birds fluttered about. Here and there, a merry silver-grey
squirrel glided down some tree, leapt on the fence, ran along
it, closely following its zigzag windings, and, frightened by
some hen rustling in the leaves, swung itself up again upon
the next tree, and on reaching the top, turned its little head
slyly round and listened with erect ears in order to divine
from what the suspicious noise below might proceed.
The two women were alone: Roberts went with his
dogs into the forest at daybreak to look after his flocks, and
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER.
277
had promised to be back before dimier-time. Mrs. Roberts
busied herself in an astonishing manner among the pots
and saucepans. The pantry and the larder were looked
through, and several boxes, glasses, and other vessels brought
forth, containing honey and pickles. These were all pro-
duced in readiness for the great feast to be given at the
wedding. To Marion the baking had been entrusted, and
she was engaged kneading the dough with her tender and
white hands into little flat biscuits, which were now ranged
in long rows upon the table.
The two women were attired in the ordinary fashion of
American backwoods-women. They wore garments of their
own weaving. The stuff was of the most solid and durable
kind; the colours and designs had been chosen with much
taste : for Mrs. Roberts prided herself not to be outdone in
that respect by any woman in Arkansas, " nor in the rest of
the United States" either; though she admitted, not with
less pride, that her daughter was almost her equal.
Marion had done up her hair in a plain and homely style.
The only ornament she wore was a white rose-bud. She had
just finished her work, and kept looking down the road
silently, thoughtfully, her hands crossed before her, her little
head leaning upon the well-polished door-post.
" Is he not coming yet ?" asked her mother, holding up to
her nose a stone jar with the air of a connoisseur.
" Who ?" said Marion, startled as if in a fright, and
turning quickly towards her mother.
'•'Who?" asked the latter, not observing her daughter's
emotion,—" Who ? silly girl ! Sam, whom you yourself have
sent down to Mr. Harper to invite him here to-day. Though,
indeed, he does not deserve this special mark of attention.
He might have made his appearance long ago !"
" Why, he has been ill, you know."
" At any rate, his nephew, who has now joined the Regu-
lators, might have come. You have been unwell, too, and it
would not have been moi*e than polite to inquire respecting
your health. He knows he is always well received here,
and he has nothing whatever to do."
" He has been nursing his uncle," said Marion.
" Oh yes; I know you always take his part, ever since that
affair with the "
278
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
" —Panther," added the girl, blushing deeply, and,
though speaking in an under-tone, almost with an accent
of reproach.
"Well, he saved your life then, no doubt,'' said the
old dame; " that, after all, is not more than any one else
would have done in his place, and But I will say
nothing against him, child: I do not object to him in
any way; he is a well-disposed young man, and that's just
why I am angry with him for not calling sometimes. The
matter with Heathcott, indeed "
" But, then " her daughter said, in a tone of reproach,
interrupting the old lady's speech.
" I know what you mean," her mother continued, without
heeding the interruption. " If his conscience is so clear,
why has he never made his appearance here ? Mr. Bowson
is quite of my opinion in this respect."
" Mr. Bowson is just the person who has every possible
reason for defending Mr. Brown to the utmost of his power,"
exclaimed Marion, turning eagerly to her mother. " His
conduct in this matter does not please me."
" He has defended him, too," her mother replied. " He
took his part warmly, I assure you, But it is not his fault
if he cannot entirely conquer his suspicion."
Marion turned aside, to hide a tear that stole into her
eyes. Her mother was fully occupied getting various things
ready for dinner, and did not observe her daughter's grief.
Stepping to the little window cut in the logs, which, rather
contrary to Arkansas fashion, boasted of a pane of glass,
she observed three horsemen approaching. They turned
out to be Harper, Bahrens, and the negro boy who had been
sent for them.
" Good gracious !" cried Mrs. Boberts ; " here comes Mr.
Harper already, and I have not done yet. Oh, that rogue
of a boy ! did I not tell him to say twelve o'clock ?"
Never mind, mamma," said Marion, smiling, and secretly
wiping away the tears from her eyes. " The two men are
not particular about that; they are good friends of father's,
and I should think Sam met them on the road."
The matter could not be helped ; so Mrs. Boberts, as
quickly as possibly, put her bonnet straight, adjusted her
apron and dress, and went to meet her guests. Her
MBS. BOBEBTS S GUESTS.
279
face looked rather hot, but there was a kind expression
upon it.
"Welcome, Mr. Harper—you are as welcome as if you
had returned from the dead," said she, holding out her hand.
" Come in, gentlemen; my goodman will soon be back
again; he only went to look after some cows that have not
come home to be milked for some time. Come in, Mr.
Bahrens. You must excuse my not being quite dressed."
" Mrs. Roberts," said Bahrens, " I am afraid I am en-
croaching, coming uninvited. I only heard as I was on my
way that you had company."
" I thought you were going to the meeting of the Regu-
lators," replied Mrs. Roberts, " otherwise I would have sent
for .you. But do come in ; we must not settle these matters
in the doorway."
The two men obeyed her invitation. Harper, though he
still looked very pale as if suffering, had recovered all his
wonted good-humour, which made him a general favourite.
Being rather tired, he sat down, and took a glass of a
nice restorative which had been prepared expressly for him.
He then related how he had fared during his illness,
who had come to nurse him, what kind of physic he had
taken, and how he had recovered. He answered to all
possible inquiries with amiable alacrity, and was lavish of
his commendations of his nephew and his three neighbours,
Wilson, Cook, and Roberts, who had taken so great an in-
terest in him. " Even Bahrens," he said, holding out his
hand to him, "left his maize-field and came over to me
for a few days. They all were kind to me, and what more
can I want here in the forest ?"
Conversation now turned upon subjects in which all were
immediately interested ; that is to say, upon all manner of
vegetables and other eatables. Mrs. Roberts looked among
her knives for a particularly sharp one, which, she said, she
wanted to go into the garden to cut some salad.
Bahrens, who had made the best use of his time by
telling stories of fabulously large asparagus and incredibly
thick cabbage-heads, insisted on accompanying her, and
Harper remained with Marion in the house.
Although the young girl had been longing all the morning
to have a few minutes' quiet conversation with Harper, in
280
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
order to speak of their friend, as he was the only person to
whom she could speak freely, when this wish was really ful-
filled she hesitated and felt uncomfortable. It seemed to
her as if all the blood from her heart was rushing up to
her temples and cheeks ; her tongue appeared to be glued
to her throat, and she could not utter a word. Harper,
too, was silent. Both evidently were thinking of the same
thing, but were afraid to touch upon a subject so delicate
and so painful; yet, on the other hand, they could not
converse upon any indifferent topic. At last Harper broke
the silence, which had become painful. Taking the young
gild's hand, he said, in a sad but kind tone of voice—
" How are you getting on, Marion 1 Well, I hope ; are you
not 1 I am glad, very glad, to find you looking so well and
contented. You are a good, noble girl,—you are. Mr.
Rowson," he continued, as Marion still kept silence,—" Mr.
Rowson is a good man, and will do everything to render
you as happy as you deserve to be. That—the boy, I mean
—after all, is but young; and, you see, it is perhaps
better so.—He has joined the Regulators now," he con-
tinued, after a pause, understanding the inquiring glance
cast at him by the beautiful girl. " He only wants to
try whether he can find out the real murderers. It would
be a good thing to have the fellows hanged."
" He is not guilty, is he ?" asked the girl, with an anxious
look.
" Guilty V said Harper, starting ; " is there any one who
thinks him guilty 1 I do not believe that you do," he
added, taking her white hand and patting it in a friendly
manner. "Not you; but other people shall also be con-
vinced. I myself at one time was almost inclined to believe
it. I knew that his blood runs high; but the fact that the
money was taken startled me. Afterwards it turned out
that my nephew on that very day wore his mocassins, and
the tracks were those of boots or shoes. No, he has no blood
upon his head. I hope that some chance or other will lead
to the discovery of the real criminal."
" That's the reason why the Regulators are assembled, is
it not ?" asked the young woman.
"Well, they, too, are but men," said old Harper, with a
shake of his head; " they are not even Indians. I wish
BAHBENS AT HIS OLD TEICKS.
281.
Assowaum had remained with us! The rogue went away
slyly, quite slyly—quite Indian-like, and has never been
heard of since. Bill always declares that he will come
back."
" Mr. liowson said, a short time since, that the sly way in
which the Indian went away speaks against him," said
Marion.
" Oh ! I wish Mr. liowson would be a little more cautious
with his suspicions," cried the old man, eagerly. " It is not
proper to charge a man with such a horrible deed, though he
be only an Indian. I would wager my head that he had
nothing to do with it."
" Does Mr. Brown still intend to go to Texas T' whispered
Marion.
"Yes," answered Harper, growing sad and grave. " I
cannot get that extravagant idea out of his head, and think
if they discovered the murderer to-day he would be off to-
morrow. Has he bought the horse of your father yet 1"
" That's what made me ask," said Marion. " I heard my
father say this morning that he was going to catch the chest-
nut horse which generally grazes up in the valley, for Mr.
Brown. I am exceedingly sorry to be the cause of driving
him away from you."
" It was to be so, dear Marion," said the old man, standing
up and kissing her on the forehead ; " and it is, I suppose,
for the best that things have turned out thus—who can
tell 1 Therefore, cheer up, my dear girl, and do your best."
He took her by the arm, raised her face to his, and tried
to look cheerfully and carelessly into her eyes ; but his voice
began to falter, and he had a hard struggle to contain
himself.
At this juncture Mrs. Boberts returned from the garden
with Bahrens. Although the good dame kept laughing, yet it
was not without a certain degree of repugnance, because
she felt convinced that Mr. Bahrens was relating things
that could not be possible, how much soever she might be
disposed to believe what he said. Bahrens, on his part,
stuck to what he said, offered to prove his statements, and
called Harper as a witness to the truth of his most extra-
ordinary tales.
They were engaged in this half-serious, half-jocular dis-
282
THE EEATHEBED ABBOW.
cussion, when two horses stopped before the house, and Ellen
entered, followed by the young mulatto.
The two girls were old acquaintances, and, consequently,
greeted each other with great cordiality. Mrs. Roberts also
received the orphan with much kindness, Rowson having
told her—the truth for once—so muph that was good of her :
he had also mentioned that her foster-mother, Mrs. Atkins,
treated her more like a slave than an adopted child.
Harper did not know Ellen, but Bahrens had seen her
frequently.
She inquired kindly of her new mistress, or rather friend,
whether she had come in time, stating that she had been a
little delayed at home.
" Quite early enough, my dear child," said Mrs. Roberts,
" quite early enough. We shall ride over to your new home
to-morrow. Many things will still be required, for it cannot
be supposed that a bachelor could succeed in getting his
house arranged properly. Afterwards we shall call upon
the judge, where Mr. Rowson will preach in the afternoon,
and be married afterwards. In the evening we will bring
them home; and you, my dear girl, will remain with them,
together with our negro boy, whom you may keep to help
you for about a fortnight."
This affair was soon settled, and the more serious and
important business of the dinner engrossed the attention of
the ladies. But neither Rowson nor Roberts made their
appearance, and Mrs. Roberts began to grow impatient.
Bahrens, after repeated requests, had sounded the horn for
the second time. The notes were carried afar through the
wood, and were at last answered by Roberts's hunting-cry in
the distance. Soon his merry messengers, or heralds, the
pack of hounds, came barking along the road. A few
minutes afterwards, Roberts and Rowson were seen trotting
towards the house.
THE EVEHTEHL HAY.
283
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE MEETING OP THE REGULATORS—JONES IN A DISAGREEABLE
SITUATION—PLOT AND COUNTER PLOT.
On that memorable morning, around Barill's small dwelling
a goodly number not only of the neighbours, but also of such
settlers as lived at a certain distance, had assembled. None
were, however, allowed to enter the house, in which two
corpulent negro women, borrowed for the occasion from a
neighbouring mill that belonged to a prosperous man in
Little-rock, were working vigorously. They were getting
breakfast ready for such of the guests as had come from some
distance ; and at the same time they were making the
necessary preparations for dinner. A good-sized kettle,
suspended on a stick placed across two clothes-props, boiled
fast, that they might always have a good supply of hot water
ready. This was necessary, now and then, to counteract the
cool morning air with a hot and spicy beverage.
Though the cup which generally brought so much joy and
liveliness among the "men of Arkansas" went round their
circle pretty freely, yet an almost solemn gravity seemed to
have chained the tongues of most of them. Under a noble,
wide-spreading tree stood the Regulators. Attention and
firm decision were visible upon their dark, sunburnt faces.
They had collected round a man who, with lively gestures
and fiuent tongue, seemed to be imparting to them some-
thing very interesting.
He was one of those half-whites, half-Indians, whose dark
face cast suspicion upon his descent, reputed low even in the
backwoods, and brought on him the name of a " Canadian
Frenchman," a " Half-Indian," or the common nickname
" Jumbo." He was telling the men around that lie had come
from the nation of the Cherokees, following the tracks of
horses which had been stolen from him and from a friend.
He declared that he had traced them to within about five
miles from the spot upon which he was standing, but there
he had lost the trail. Quite disgusted, he had already
started off on his way home, when he heard of the meeting
284
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
of the Regulators, and thought it would be well to ride over
in order to give them a description of his animals, that they
might not be taken away or sold so easily.
The Canadian—for he himself gave himself out to be a
Canadian—was a little, stout man, with long glossy hair, dark
fiery eyes, ivory teeth, and prominent cheeks, after the
Indian fashion : his large nose was rather crooked. His
dress was that of the civilized Indians; and even the belt he
wore was made of red wool, embroidered with beads, and
decked with claws of panthers and bears.
The Regulators remarked that it was very strange that
most of the tracks should lead into their neighbourhood, and
then disappear in an unaccountable manner. During this
conversation, Brown, Jones, and Cook rode up, and were
warmly received by those before the hut. Shortly afterwards
llarfield approached from another direction. First of all, he
took breakfast, declaring he had ridden that morning fifteen
miles without having broken his fast.
When he had done, and approached the circle of his friends,
for whose benefit the Canadian was l-epeating his tale, Jones
began to take a part In the conversation. He asked the
half-Indian whether among the horses that had been stolen
there was not a white one with one black leg.
The stranger eagerly answered in the affirmative.
" Then I saw them," said Jones, striking his right fist in
the palm of his left hand; "hang me if I have not seen
them !"
" But where ?" asked the other, sharply.
'• About fifteen miles from this. It was late last night,
upon the ridge of the hill'which divides the waters of the
Mamell from those of this river."
"In what direction were they going?" asked the other,
eagerly. " Were they upon the open road, or "
" They were crossing the road just as I was climbing up
that steep hill from the other side," replied Jones.
" How many men were with them ?"
" Only one; at least, as far as I could see."
" That was them!" exclaimed the Canadian, joyfully.
" A farmer on the border also saw them ; but he could not
tell me about the man, having been too far olf. But where
shall I find the trail ?"
BROWN OPENS THE MEETING.
285
" Why, I am afraid, rain and wind will have washed all
traces out," said J ones, thoughtfully ; " but when you reach
the summit of the mountain, the last houses you pass being
called Greathouses, ride along the ridge for about four or
five miles; and if you find nothing to the left, I think you
had better go to the bank of the Arkansas, which flows
almost past there, and ask about the blockhouses there.
That will be all you can do."
" Then I wont lose any time," said the stranger. " Thank
you for your information and advice. Good-bye, gentle-
men."
Without more ado, the Canadian was about to mount his
horse in order to pursue the thief, when Brown seized him
by the sleeve of his leathern hunting-shirt, and said to him,
as he looked up in amazement—
" Spare us another half-hour. The hints given you are
very uncertain, and will take you a good deal of time. You
can stay with us a little while longer. Besides, your horse
seems. very much fatigued, and wants rest; if in an hour's
time you still think fit to pursue the trail, I will lend you
mine, which is quite fresh, and will soon enable you to make
up for the time you lose by staying."
" Suppose the fellow should get a boat to take him across
the river T said J ones.
" There's no danger of that; there are not many steam-
boats yet upon the Arkansas. You will wait a little, and
then take my pony V
The half-caste nodded with his head, quite satisfied. He
accepted Brown's invitation to the breakfast-table still more
eagerly than he did his advice. He declared he had not
broken his fast since the morning before, and, to the dismay
of the negro woman, attacked the viands and beverages in a
most ferocious manner.
" Gentlemen," said Brown, addressing the rest of the meet-
ing, " in the first place I have to introduce a stranger to
you, who has been recommended to me by Mr. Bowson, and
who wishes to make our acquaintance, being a .Regulator
from the Missouri. He hopes to establish a connexion
between us and the Northern States. He also wished to ba
present at our meetings, in order to see how they are carried
on. Is it not so, Mr. J ones ?"
T
286
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
J ones bowed assent.
"As he has commenced," continued Brown, "by helping
to set upon the right road one who wanted assistance, and
who has applied to us for aid, I believe that he wants no
further recommendation to be admitted to our otherwise
secret meeting—don't you think so ?"
" That is quite sufficient," cried the men. Harfield stepped
forward and saluted the new-comer. He expressed his joy
at the prospect of being brought into connexion with a
. brother-state, which would be desirable in many respects.
"What do you wish to say, Brown?" asked Cook of his
friend, who had stepped with him aside.
"Watch that man closely, and do not let him be away
for a minute," said Brown, in a whisper; " he is one of the
band. Hush !—no more words about it. You may tell
Wilson • and mind you both have an eye upon him. Have
you your revolver ready? I now want, first of all, to get
those negroes out of the way. I do not trust the rascals;
they would give the alarm."
" That's all a lie, then, about his having seen the horses?"
asked Cook.
" Hush! he is looking in this direction," said Brown, in a
whisper. " He must not know that he is discovered. Take
Wilson aside, and try to get the eating over, that we may
get those negroes out of the way."
The men were standing about in groups. Jones was
engaged in a private conversation with the Canadian about
some questions of detail connected with the stolen horses,
and Cook again approached Brown, saying—
"I don't know how to get rid of those deuced negroes.
They are expected to remain here all day. What is to be
done, must therefore be done quickly. I will take care that
the blackies don't run away and spread the news all over
the neighbourhood."
"Have you spoken to Wilson?" asked Brown.
"Yes; don't be afraid; he is sure not to get away. That
will be a capital stroke we are going to do. But I see the
proceedings are about to begin."
Harfield approached Brown, and asked him whether they
ought not to enter into discussion at once, as several of
those present seemed anxious to get home again as soon as
the plot thickens.
287
possible. Brown took him aside, and told him, in as few
words as possible, his suspicion—yea, his conviction—that
the stranger was, if not a downright thief, at any rate a
very cunning and dangerous accomplice.
"And what do you mean to do?" asked Harfield, quickly.
" I shall speak of that presently, said Brown, in a whisper.
" I am only afraid of the negroes, in case we have to take
any steps against him. Who knows in whose pay they
may be?"
"A plague upon it! you are right," said Harfield. "1
really think I saw the stranger making signs to one of the
negroes. Treason might ruin us altogether. But stop, I
can manage it. Barill knows his own people; I will speak
to him about it. In the meantime, put off any decisive
measures until you see me come forward and take off my
hat. Away! Jones is approachmg. I guess he wont like
seeing two of us speaking together."
Harfield went away; and Brown, as chief of the Begu-
lators, opened the proceedings in a truly Arkansian fashion.
He stepped on the stump of a felled tree, in order to see and
be seen better. He addressed the meeting upon the business
of the day, and referred to the legal objections to their asso-
ciation. He wound up by asking them whether they were
still firmly resolved to carry out the illegal part of their
proceedings by Lynch-law, and to punish even with death
those who, in the opinion of the majority of the Regulators,
deserved such punishment. A loud and thundering Yes
was the reply, and bore testimony to the resolution of the
members.
Brown observed that Barill had, in the meantime, been
speaking to two young fellows, who separated themselves
from the rest; the one taking his stand on a trunk of a
tree exactly opposite the door. He then commenced a very
close examination of the lock of his rifle ; while the otherj
holding his horse ready saddled, stood beside him, con-
versing.
" Well, massa," said one of the negro women to those two
men, taking a basketful of chips from the hands of a black
boy of about twelve years of age, and strewing them before
the door of the house, " do you not wish to hear what the
masters have to say ?"
t 2
2S3
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" I am too young, Lyddy," replied he, laughing; " am
not handsome enough : only handsome people may listen
to it."
" 0 golly !" said the negro woman, " nonsense, massa.
Massa Hostler over there "
" Who, Lyddy ?"
" Oh, massa! Massa Hostler there," replied the black
woman, evidently with embarrassment, — " Massa Hostler
also not very handsome. What has massa with his gun?
All right ?"
" You don't understand, Lyddy, that when an army is
camping anywhere, posts are put out."
" O golly—golly !" cried the black woman, laughing, until
her eyes almost came out like two large white balls; and
two rows of white shining teeth, of which a shark need not
have been ashamed, became visible. "Sentries before the
kitchen door. O golly—golly !"
The young men joined in the laughter, and had their fun
with the two negro women. While washing up the kitchen-
things in the interior of the small house, and superintending
the cooking that had begun afresh, they stepped from time to
time into the doorway, and seemed to show a particular
interest in what was going on in the circle of the men not
far off.
"We have, then, come here together, my friends," con-
tinued Brown, " to remove the evil which has given us a
bad name in all the States of the Union. We will indeed
make a firm and a bold stand against those open enemies.
It is more difficult to act against those who creep in amongst
us under the mask of friendship: they flatter us and
shake hands with us in daytime, though at night they
hold intercourse with the robbers.
" But how are we to find them out ? you will say—how
are we to strip the mask from their faces 1 It is difficult,
no doubt; but there is a Power above which sometimes
places evidence in our hands in the most extraordinary
manner."
At this stage of the proceedings, Harfield approached, took
off his hat, and wiped his forehead.
" You may call it accident or fate," continued Brown,
observing him, " that revealed such a secret to me ; and now,
JOKES GETS ALAEMED.
2S9
comrades, I hope that we have got upon the right scent, and
shall turn out the wolf."
" Where ? Found what 1 What have you discovered,
Brown ? Who is it 1 Is it any one here in the settlement 1
Is it one of the Fourche-la-Fave men ?" exclaimed the diffe-
rent Regulators.
Jones, who had been leaning against a tree quietly enjoy-
ing what he thought the success of his stratagem, turned his
head towards the house to ascertain whether, in the worst,
his retreat still lay open. He met Cook's glance. The
Regulator was standing close at his side, a little back, and
said to him, in a whisper—
" Well, how do you like that ? You could not have come
at a more appropriate time. They will be astonished in
Missouri when they hear that, wont they ?"
" Yes, it seems very favourable," said Jones—" very favour-
able indeed. I—I am very curious " He turned his
head in another direction, and perceived Wilson, who was
leaning against a tree, apparently quite indifferently. " —I
am very curious indeed to know who is meant by that.
It's a pity that I do not know the people in the neighbour-
hood."
" Oh, you may make their acquaintance by-and-by," replied
Cook; "but, listen."
" Immediately," Brown answered those who asked these
questions. "Immediately; you shall know everything pre-
sently. Chance—we will, then, call it so—gave me, a few
weeks ago, a clue,—under what circumstances I shall after-
wards state. I did not at the time understand the value of
what I had discovered; it has, however, become clear to me
since. It was an agreement between two honourable men—
a method by which one of their company could make him-
self understood to another by means of words and signs,
though they might be entire strangers."
" Do you want anything ?" Cook said to J ones, as the
latter seemed anxious to get to the outer portion of the circle.
" Only a glass of water," J ones replied, in a whisper. " I
shall be back in a moment."
" Lyddy, a glass of water for Mr. J ones," said Cook, in so
loud a voice that all turned round and gazed at him with
astonishment.
290
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
Brown paused in his addi'ess, with a smile, and Jones
turned pale as death. The black woman, who had been
waiting for an opportunity to come nearer to the men, and
especially to the spot where J ones stood, quickly served a
mug of water, and, as quickly as her corpulence would per-
mit, advanced towards the tree where he stood.
He thanked her, took the mug, and drank. He availed
himself of the opportunity to whisper a few words to the negro
woman, and to keep stationed outside of the circle. Wilson
came forward, and standing close to the stranger, opposite
Cook, also asked the negro woman for a drink. Brown at a
glance comprehended the state of affairs, and continued—
"A question as to the situation of the Fourche-la-Fave
—a question as to the state of the pasture-grounds in the
neighbourhood—and a request for a glass of water;—these
were the signs. Who, think you, is the traitor amongst us ?"
At this moment Lyddy came from the kitchen with a little
basketful of maize, and went to the stranger's horse and put
the reins over. This was just while all present were listen-
ing in breathless silence for the name of the traitor and
criminal. Cook observed the movement on the part of the
negro woman.
"Gentlemen," said the leader of the Regulators, raising
his voice, " I was last night in the house of our neighbour
Atkins, and he is the traitor."
"A strange affair, that," said Cook, in an under-tone, to
Jones, leaning his arm on his shoulder, as if in great confi-
dence,—" A very strange affair that, isn't it ?"
Jones looked into his face with staring eyes and ashy
cheeks. He felt that he was betrayed; he felt that Brown's
eye was fixed upon him, though he did not dare to look
up. He knew there was no safety for him but in rapid
flight, and that he must get off in the best manner he could.
He placed his right hand under his waistcoat, feeling for his
bowie-knife, and cast a glance at the negro woman, who had just
finished her preparations. All this was the work of but a
few moments. At Brown's last words, a murmur of astonish-
ment and indignation burst from the assembled Regulators.
"But that scoundrel," continued Brown, in a low voice,
stretching out his arm towards the stranger—"that scoundrel,
who, with his thievish tricks, under the cover of night, has
THE SPY SEIZED.
291
crept into our settlement—yea, even amongst us—has had the
audacity to introduce himself as a 'Regulator from the
Missouri—it is that fellow."
All turned round in terror and indignation towards the
man pointed out. Jones drew his broad knife from its sheath,
and raised it over his head in order to cut his way out.
Those near him, who had not, of course, in the least expected
such a movement, drew back frightened. Wilson, from the
moment he had seen the stranger's hand under his waistcoat,
perceived his design, and completely understood his plan.
The steel had hardly flashed in the hand of the traitor, when
Wilson seized his arm with an iron grasp. At the next
moment, the spy, knocked down by the powerful fist of his
antagonist, lay under him struggling in vain against his
assailant. A wild astonishment—a strange feeling of
surprise—had at first rendered the men almost unfit for
action. This kind of prostration lasted but for a moment,
and all their powers were soon called into play, as it became
necessary for them to take measures for their safety.
" Stop the negro I" Brown cried, as soon as he saw that the
spy had been secured. He had been looking round very
carefully, and he was just in time. As his eye glanced over
the assembly, he perceived the light jacket of the negro boy,
who, serpent-like, glided into the thick bushes. It was evi-
dent that he wished to get away, in order to warn the other
confederates of the turn which affairs had taken. One of the
Regulators, however, who had been stationed as a sentinel,
kept his eye upon the young fellow. Something in hid
demeanour had from the first excited his suspicions. Just as
the negro was about to disappear in the thicket, the young
man sprang into his saddle, put spurs to his little spirites
animal, which bounded like a hurricane over the trunks of
felled trees that lay across the road, and he came up with
the negro in a few seconds.
The negro boy, perceiving that his retreat was cut off,
crouched down upon the_ ground, and begged for mercy in
supplicating tones. He promised not to run away—that he
would not stir even a step from the house.
The two fat negro women also appeared perfectly para-
lysed, and did not attempt to set a foot out of the house ; they
certainly would not have had much chance of escaping by
202
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
means of flight. The little building in which the three black
prisoners were confined was surrounded by several sentries.
They did not, however, treat their charge harshly, but kept
urging them not to allow their despair to cause them to
neglect the necessary preparations for dinner.
Jones had in the meantime been secured, and he was led
into the circle of the men. He stood with downcast eyes,
and obstinately refused to answer any questions.
" Put on the hickory," cried several in a breath. " Curse
the dog ! bind him to a dogwood-tree,'"' and let him peel the
bark !—hang him up by his hands, and set the dogs at him 1"
were the friendly suggestions made for the benefit of the
victim. Pale and bound, with his teeth clenched spasmodi-
cally, he stood among the Regulators, apparently expecting
some extreme measure, which he did not, however, seem
to fear.
Several of the more uncivilized backwoodsmen were about
to put their threats into immediate execution ; and one was
busying himself taking off the bark of a papao-tree, to serve
as a rope for fastening the prisoner to the dogwood-tree.
Brown interfered, in order to restrain them from acting
so hastily, and said—" Stop! Leave that man alone. As
long as there is any chance of our attaining our aim with-
out such means, it is always better to defer making use of
them. Atkins remains to be dealt with. He is sure to
know more of the crimes committed in this neighbourhood
than this fellow. I am quite positive that he and Atkins
were entire strangers until the evening before last."
" Then, it is all a lie about his having seen my horses, and
he only wanted to send me upon a fool's errand into the
Mamell mountains," said the half-caste man, stepping for-
ward, with an angry brow.
Brown checked him, and said—" He is certain to have
* The dogwood-tree is a kind of wild Cornelius cherry, with bitter, un-
palatable berries. The bark may he easily peeled off. This tree abounds
in Arkansas. It rarely attains to more than from three to five inches in
diameter. It was very frequently made use of by the Regulators, as well
as by overseers of slaves, as a stake. The poor wretches writhing under
the castigation often strip the tree of its bark. Hence has arisen the
proverbial expression in Arkansas—"to let a person peel dogwood bark,"
—meaning to flog him.
ON" THE EIGHT TRACK.
293
seen your horses ; for I have not the least doubt that he is
the very man who brought them here."
" A plague upon "
" Stop !" continued Brown, taking the angry man by the
shoulder ; " they are here. Atkins cannot have sent them
away yet, although he probably meant to do so yesterday."
" Let us search his place at once," cried Harfield. " If
we find the animals there, then we shall have proof positive."
"I am afraid our search would not be successful," said
Brown. " I was in his farmyard this morning, and closely
observed its arrangements. If he has the horses in his keep-
ing, they are certainly not within his fences, and there must
be some secret place upon his grounds—most likely in the
reed-valley—where the horses are concealed. They may be
screened by the tall and thick reeds—perhaps, also, by some
trees cut down for that special purpose."
" The entrance to this hiding-place must, however, be
from his house," cried Cook, impatiently.
"No doubt," replied Brown; "at least, I cannot imagine
any other way in which it could be contrived. But it is all
the same; no judge will hold him responsible for animals run-
ning free in the forest."
" A truce to the judges and their Courts," said Smiers,
stepping forward. "We did not meet together here to ask
what the Courts would say in the matter. A truce to them!
I say again. We will support our own rights; and when we
are convinced that what we are doing is proper and just, let
us care but little what others think about it. That's the reason
why we made you our chief; and if you don't like to under-
take the responsibilities, you have only to say so, and another
will be chosen in your stead."
Brown was about to reply, when Harfield interfered, and
attracted the attention of the assembled Regulators. Turn-
ing to his friends in general, and more particularly to the
last speaker, who seemed to have the majority with him, he
said—
" Gentlemen, you all know me, and probably none of you
suppose that I lack enthusiasm in this good cause. Mr.
Brown, however, is right. It is not sufficient for us to know
that Atkins is an accomplice, and that he has received:
and secreted the stolen animals; we must discover whether
294
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
lie still follows these evil practices, and in what manner he
effects his object.
" Evidently he must have accomplices. Just hind that
boy, if he attempts to stir, or to set his foot out of the block-
house," continued Harfield, pointing to the young negro,
who was at that moment gliding towards the doorway. "You
must take better care of the fellow, or he will spoil all the
fun; he meditates mischief. I have heard," he continued,
after this admonition to the sentinels, who, in the interest
they took in the matter, somewhat relaxed in their vigilance
—"I have been told that Atkins seldom or ever leaves his
house ; he must consequently have people to assist in these
evil practices, and they cannot live at any great distance
from his place."
"Johnson has a kind of a cottage at a very short distance
from his house," said Wilson.
" Perdition on that wretch!" Harfield exclaimed, for-
getting his previous resolution of remaining unmoved. " Then,
that rascal plays the same game, and we were after all de-
ceived by him when we rode after the horses and overtook
him with his lot. A plague upon him ! Wait a moment,"
he continued, after a short pause; " in this case, vigilance
and patience will accomplish more than frantic violence. I
am of Brown's opinion, that it will be better to give the
affair our serious and mature consideration, and not to act
rashly, and perhaps foolishly. We have several hours for
deliberation, and then we can come to some determination.
Brown will perhaps be good enough to let us know what
plan he has to propose."
" With great pleasure," said Brown, mounting the rude
rostrum once more. " My plan is easily told, and as easily
understood. We know how to obtain admission to our
neighbour's hiding-place. He can have no idea that we have
got a clue to his secret; and as that is now our secret, my
proposal is, that we should send somebody to Atkins—a
person, mind you, that, he does not know: this Canadian,
perhaps, would be just the man—and he can take some
horses there."
The half-caste man shook his head. " No, that wont do,"
he said. " I was there this morning at break of day. He
beown's plan.
295
did not see my horse, it is true, as I left the animal outside;
but he saw me. There was a lot of women "
" That's awkward. Well, then, we shall have to find
another person to go in your place. He can make use of
the watchword, receive his instructions, and discover all their
schemes by taking the horses he has with him to the place
Atkins points out. By that means we shall know every-
thing. In the meanwhile, we must be in ambush close at
hand, and at a given signal rush forward,"
" That's all very well," Wilson said ; " but where are we
to find, and by this evening, a person whom Atkins does not
know 1 Why, he is acquainted with almost everybody in
Arkansas."
" What were you doing at Atkins's place ?" Harfield asked
the Canadian.
" I went there to ask about the horses I had lost."
" And what was his answer ?"
" That he had not seen any."
"Well, that was a lie, at any rate. It will, however, be
a difficult job to meet with a person whom he does not know.
Does he know you, Hefner 1"
"I should think so," replied the individual addressed;
" he has known me these five years."
" And you, Jenkins ?"
" He knows me as well as he does his nearest neighbour."
" And you, Williams?"
" He knows them all, Mr. Brown," said the man last ad-
dressed. "We must try some other plan. If we could only
find out the road "
" Stop!" cried Cook; " I have got it—an excellent idea!
The old man wont mind the delay of a day or two ; we can
supply him with food for his family, and provender for his
cattle."
" Of whom are you speaking ?" several of the men ex-
claimed in a breath.
" Did you not notice, this morning, a waggon crossing the
river at your ferry, Wilson ?" asked Cook.
" I have been here ever since last night," the young man
replied, with a blush. " But what about that ?"
" The people with that waggon cannot be, at the furthest,
296
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
more than two miles from the other side of the river," re-
plied Cook. " He is an old Tennessee-man, with his family.
The father, or one of the sons, must aid us in this business.
Atkins does not hnow them; and if we manage everything
carefully, the old fox may be caught."
" Who can we send after them ?" asked Wilson ; " and
will the pursuer have much chance of finding them ?"
" Oh, nothing can be easier," replied Cook. " Get over
the river, cut across the plain on the left-hand side, ride past
the lake, and when you have reached the road, look for the
tracks of a cart. If the emigrants have got over, you must
overtake them in a very short time; and if they have not
crossed, so much the better, for in that case you will come
up with them on your way down to the river."
" Don't you think it would be much better," said Brown,
"if you were to go yourself? It seems that you have
already made acquaintance with the old man, and you can
prevail upon him to do what we require more readily than
anybody else."
" I will go if you deem it necessary," Cook replied: " I
shall not stand in the way of the accomplishment of our
plans. I really think it will not be a very difficult matter to
obtain the old man's assistance; in fact, I believe he wont
even leave it to his sons, but will go himself."
" Well, then, that point is settled," said Curtis, laughing
and rubbing his hands. " I really believe we shall in the
end discover the villains—who will pay dearly for their de-
predations; they shall get a taste of hemp that will last
them a long time. But what are we to do with our pri-
soners in the meanwhile ? I rather suspect that negro. The
wretched blackie has twice endeavoured to sneak away; and
I have not the slightest doubt that, were he free, he would
go straight to Atkins."
"We must bind them hand and foot," said Brown; "for
we cannot expose ourselves now to the risk of being be-
trayed."
" The negresses, too ?" asked Wilson.
" The lad, at any rate," Harfield answered. " As to the
two women, a watch will be sufficient; and if the boy makes
the slightest attempt to escape, bind him to a dogwood-tree,
and teach him to dance. Where is the papao-bark ?"
jones completely toiled.
297
" You had better use a rope," Barill suggested; " there
is one under the bed, in the corner. Is Jones well secured ?"
As he uttered these words, he stepped up to the prisoner in
order to examine his bonds, when the Missourian—who, in
some extraordinary manner, had succeeded in freeing his hands
—sprang away from the tree to which he had been made fast,
and set off to the forest as fast as his legs would carry him.
He did not run far. Though Barill drew back—not so
much from fear as surprise—Wilson, who was hardly ten
paces behind him, overtook him after a sharp chase. The
culprit, perceiving this to be his last chance, prepared to
resist his pursuer; though the latter was of a much more
powerful frame, and tried to grapple with him, making use
of fists and teeth in the fury of despair.
Wilson was obliged to exert all his skill, and at last a
powerful blow brought his exasperated antagonist to the
ground. He was bound hand and foot, and carried into the
house, which was guarded by four men armed with loaded
rifles in order to prevent his escape. Cook saddled his little
pony, and trotted towards the river in pursuit of his acquain-
tances of the morning. Brown and Harfield placed sentinels
in all directions to cut off the connexion with the other
settlements, and to prevent any one getting away to warn
Atkins of the state of affairs. The other Regulators took
care that dinner was prepared, whilst, collected in groups,
they reposed under the shade of the trees which had been left
standing at intervals in the clearing. They consulted about
their plan for the evening while they rested in order to re-
fresh their exhausted frames.
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE RETURN FROM THE MEETING.
In the wild forests of the West, in which the abodes of the
few settlers are often separated by wide and rugged tracts,
people more fully appreciate the value of having good neigh-
bours. They not only maintain friendly relations with each
other in a general manner, but they also help and assist one
298
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
another in cases of need ; for there are hi any circumstances
in this kind of life in which the individual farmer could do
hut little without the aid of his fellows. Such are, the
ploughing of the virgin soil—the collecting into a heap the
large trunks of trees to be burnt, to prepare the land for the
reception of Indian corn—the scooping out of trunks of trees
for canoes—or even the making of the patchwork furniture
for the beds, which in winter protect new-comers against the
severe northern blast that forces its way through the nume-
rous apertures in their simple blockhouses. They respond
willingly to any call made upon their good offices, and only
require asking to come with axe or plough and work till late
in the evening—perhaps harder and more diligently than
during the course of the whole year they would labour for
themselves.
While the men respond readily and willingly to these
claims upon their time, the women show themselves still
more eager in cases of illness—occurrences rare enough in
the backwoods—to tender such help and advice as lie in
their power. No one who can leave his abode will wait for
a second summons; and, provided with all kinds of medi-
cine hastily collected, they mount their horses, and are seen
trotting to the spot at which their services are required as
cheerfully as if they were going to a feast or a merry-making.
Mrs. Atkins was not, indeed, a very great favourite in the
neighbourhood; for, in the first place, she hardly visited
any one, and only very rarely attended the prayer-meetings :
aud besides, she was never to be seen at the patchwork frolic,
or at a trunk-roll meeting, from which her husband was
rarely absent. She thus necessarily became somewhat es-
tranged from the beautiful Arkansas women. It was there-
fore a matter of surprise that she had on this occasion sent
out to seek aid, in the middle of the night, with such alacrity.
She would not have done this unless forced by serious
danger, and few could refuse to help a child. The old grudge
was forgotten; and before the sun attained its meridian, eleven
women, most of them married and somewhat advanced in
years, had arrived, with all kinds of powders and liniments,
and more particularly with an almost incredible quantity of
calomel, in order to preserve the life of the sweet child. The
WONDERFUL CURES.
little invalid was indeed in a very sad and even dangerous
state, as a violent fever raged through its veins. Its suffer-
ings must have been excruciating, for it could with difficulty
be appeased, crying and moaning almost uninterruptedly. Its
mother paced the room in despair, leaving the baby almost
entirely in the hands of strangers, among whom the widow
Fulweal had established a reputation as a doctor for chil-
dren. For, as Mrs. Mullins told Mrs. Atkins in confidence,
she had already cured three children of diseases unknown to
any other woman in the neighbourhood. Five others, it is
true, had died under her hands ; but they had been afflicted
with incurable maladies, as Mrs. Mullins could testify, having
been present at the death of three of them. Mrs. Mullins
suggested, too, that her own experience with respect to chil-
dren and their ailments was not to be despised.
Amongst the ladies present, there were, besides Mrs. Ful-
weal and Mullins, Mesdames Barill, Smith, Teller, Hostler,
and Bowles; two Miss Heifers, in the somewhat dangerous
stage of-past twenty-five, as they themselves confessed when
compelled to state their ages; and several other farmers'
wives from the northern and southern bank of the Fourche-
la-Fave.
The new visitors occupied all the sleeping apartments
at Atkins's, and Mrs. Fulweal in particular appeared to
wield a certain superiority in this little circle,—a supe-
riority which, though otherwise by no means conceded in the
settlement, was now freely granted, on account of the especial
cleverness she possessed in the art then most required.
It was after noon, and the women were engaged in seeking
to afford relief to the little sufferer, trying all kinds of reme-
dies, and almost choking it with syrup, tisanes, and calomel
powder, which they administered in quantities enough to kill
six hardy town children, when three of the Regulators
trotted along the road which led from Barill's to Atkins's.
They proceeded slowly, and kept stopping from time to time
as if they were waiting for somebody whom they expected
to overtake them. At last, just as they had reached a little
hill, a horseman appeared on the opposite heights. He ap-
proached at a rapid gallop, and at a distance waved his hat
as if he wished his companions to halt.
TilE JFEATHEEED AEEOW.
It was Cook, whose little animal seemed bathed in perspi-
ration. He soon joined his three friends, Brown, Curtis, and
Wilson.
" A plague !" he exclaimed, on pulling up sharply, as he
drew his hat down over his eyes. " What do you run away
for, as if you had all kinds of treasures to lose ? Look at my
pony—I shall expect the Regulators to provide me with
another."
"We wished to wait for you on the top of this hill, Cook,"
said Curtis, " since "
" And could you not have done that as well at Barill's
house, so that we might have set out together like reasonable
men ? Do you suppose I found the Tennessee man sitting in
the road, ready saddled and bridled, only waiting for me to
come up ?"
" Will he do what we require ?" Brown exclaimed, quickly.
" What should you say if he would not consent, eh?" asked
Cook, turning round to him. " In that case you gentlemen
would have had a nice ride on horseback, and there would
be an end of the matter."
" But he is coming, is he not ?"
" Ay, of course," said W ilson, smiling ; " only look at his
face—he cannot conceal his satisfaction. Come, out with
your story, Cook ; time presses, and if you keep us standing
here, it will excite suspicion."
" And yet we must remain here until we have come to
some understanding on all points," said Cook. " Why did you
not wait at the proper place?—it serves you quite right.
You fancy, because you have finished your dinner, that other
people can wait till the next meal-time. However, to speak
seriously, Stevenson is coming, with his eldest son, and three
of his horses."
"In addition to the animal which he rides?" asked Brown.
" Every horse-stealer of course rides on the stolen hox-ses,"
said Cook, laughing. "Oh, Brown ! you are still very green
in these matters. These, indeed, are the chief recommenda-
tions of a horse-stealer who is up to his business,—to stick
for a week together on the back of an animal, and then to
be able to make shift on foot. Every horse of his own that
he rides is so much pure loss. But what plan have you
decided upon ?"
bbown's pl.vn or opepaxioms. o'3l
" Has not Harfield told you ?"
" No ; he relied upon my catching you on the road. The
lazy fellow was lying under a tree taking his repose."
" I suppose he told you this much, at least—namely, thai
you and Curtis must sleep at Atkins's to-night."
" Yes ; but nothing more."
" And where is the Tennessee man ?"
" Up at Barill's with his son. The old man was all firs
and flames when I told him of our plan, and was quite-
ready to take all his nags with him at once.; but when the
women heard of robbers in the neighbourhood, there was »
grand uproar, and they declared their people should not ga
But the old Tennessee man stood his ground, and would make
no further concession than that the two youngest boys should
remain behind to protect the women. They covered them-
selves with knives and pistols, to quiet the women; Ben,
the youngest, was warned not to hurt himself; and then
.we set off as fast as the horses would carry us. Now for your
plan."
" It is simply this," replied Brown. " The Tennessee man
—what's his name ?"
" Stevenson."
11 Stevenson must remain at Barill's until night—you
two, Cook and Curtis, will accompany us to Atkins's, and
there take up your quarters under some pretext or another.
And we two, Wilson and I, will ride past."
" Then why did you come down here so soon? You might*
as well have remained at Barill's," Cook said.
" In order that Atkins may not have his suspicions ex-
cited," replied Wilson; " if he sees us ride quietly homewards,
he will of course believe that everything is all right, and will
not make any further inquiries. As Brown is the leader at
the Fourche-la-Fave, Atkins will think the meeting is all
over, as soon as he sees that he is off home."
" And where shall you conceal yourself in the meanwhile?"
" We shall ride as far as Wilson's house, leave our horses
there, and return on foot."
" Listen; you will have to take good care of spies. I
would not trust some of our neighbours out of the z-eacli of
my rifle," said Cook, in a warning voice.
"We trust them no more than you do," replied Wilson,
u
302
THE FEATHERED ATtUOW.
" But in order to lull suspicion we shall shoulder our rifles
and go to the salt-lagoon that is south of my house. It is
not far, and we can be at the appointed place in a very short
.time."
" And where will the others go ?"
" Vvrilson, who has often been in Atkins's house, thinks he
can with tolerable certainty point out the place where the
secret door is to be found. At any rate, the reedland—
which stretches from Atkins's house down as far as the
Fourche-la-Fave—must furnish us with a hiding-place. It
is almost impossible to penetrate this retreat. Hecker as-
sured me some time ago that he shot a turkey, and though
he heard it fall, he could not get at it, on account of trunks
and stumps."
" What number shall we muster V
" About eighteen • and that will be qpite sufficient."
" What shall we say to Atkins if he asks about Jones V
" Curtis has settled that already; but I may as well re-
peat it. You must say that Harfield has taken him to a
•meeting on the Petite-Jeanne, whence—as that river is
somewhat nearer to the frontier, and therefore more exposed
to robberies from that quarter—a detachment of Peculators
is to be sent to the Missouri border."
" And will he believe that ?"
" Why not ? He will think Jones has persuaded them
into it in order to draw them off the trails of the rascals
nearer at home. When you are in the house, and hear
our signal—the shrill whistle—you must immediately seize
upon his weapons, for we will spill no blood if it can be
.avoided."
And what shall we do with all the women who were
there this morning V
" They will be somewhat in our way; but that cannot be
helped. Moreover, if they should be there still, they sleep
in the other house, and can in no way interfere with the
^execution of our plan."
" Would a shot not be a better signal V
" A shot! in the middle of the night ! No ; that would
neecr do. Why should we alarm the neighbourhood—espe-
cially when it can be helped T
" You have said nothing of the mulatto ; he is, of course,
assowaum's unaccountable absence.
303
in league with his master3 and if any of their party happen
to be near the place, he is sure to go and call them."
"We will guard all the roads and paths," said Curtis,
" and he must fall into our hands."
" Should he take the way through the wood, what then V*
" I do not think he will do that such a dark night," re-
plied Brown 3 " but if he does, it cannot be helped. Should
we catch the principal receiver in the act, we must make
him name his accomplices in the robbery of Harfield'siiorses;
and among them we shall be sure to find the murderer of the
Indian woman."
" Come, then," said Cook, " this loitering on the top of the
hill might, if we were seen, create suspicion. I wish the
Indian were here, he would be of great service to us. I
almost begin to think that he has gone for good, though
such a conclusion did in the beginning seem highly impro-
bable. It is certaMly extraordinary that he should not have
communicated his intention to any of us."
" Mullins says he believes that he saw him yesterday in
the wood," observed Curtis 3 " but it was in a thicket, and
only for a minute. He also told me that he had called to
him—that is, shouted in the direction in which he had seen
him—but could not make him hear, or, at any rate, show
himself."
" He has not left the neighbourhood," said Brown 3 " I
would swear to that, for he asked me to promise not to
leave the country until Alapaha had been avenged 3 and it
is not probable that he would have left the task of doing that
to me."
"Well, we shall see," said Cook, shaking his head. "If,
however, he really intends coming back, and if he wishes'
that something may be done in his affair—which, indeed, is
also our own—he would have done better, in my opinion,
to have remained here, and to have instituted his investi-
gations upon the spot itself. But, as I said before, we
shall see."
After this conversation, the men hastened on and ap~
proached Atkins's dwelling, which was situated at the foot of
a gentle incline. He stood at the doorway, and seemed to
be expecting them. When they reached his fence, and he
did not observe the stranger amongst them, he wont to
u 2
304
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
meet them. A question respecting the stranger seemed to
be upon his tongue; but he did not give utterance to it.
" How is the child, Mr. Atkins ?" asked Brown.
" I am sorry to say, not very well. I fear we shall lose
the poor thing. Well, is the meeting over ?"
" For the present—yes. The ladies from the neighbour-
hood are all still here, are they not ?"
" Almost all of them ; or, at any rate, eleven out of the
dozen—enough to kill half-a-dozen children; but such is my
good lady's wish. Well, has anything been decided upon?
But," he said, suddenly, " will you not dismount, gentlemen,
and rest a little ? you have plenty of time for a halt; or per-
haps you will accept of the shelter of my roof for the night."
"No, I thank you, Atkins," said Brown; "at least, I
thank you for myself; uncle has gone over to Boberts's, and
so I shall have to look after the house and feed the animals;
otherwise I should have been most happy to accept your in-
vitation."
" I tell you what it is, Brown ; you may ride on by your-
self," said Curtis. " I shall remain here for the night; I
have nothing to do at home."
" And I shall keep you company," said Cook—" that is, if
Atkins has room for two guests, and his lady-visitors have
not occupied all the rooms."
" Plenty of accommodation—only dismount; I am curious
to have the news. Where -did you leave my guest ?"
" He went with Harfield to the Petite-Jeanne; but we
will tell you all about it when we get in-doors," replied
Cook, as he took the saddle off his steed and hung it on the
fence.
Curtis followed his example, and Brown (Wilson having
ridden on) waved his hand to the company and galloped off
in order to overtake his friend.
Atkins conducted his two guests into his house, where
they found sitting in the chimney-corner another young man,
whom their host introduced as Mr. Weston, "his cousin,"
adding that he had come to the Fourche-la-Fave with the
intention of settling there, but that he wanted, in the first
place, to get acquainted with the country, and would there-
fore live with him (Atkins) until he had done this and found
a farm.
ATKINS GBOWS ANXIOUS.
305
" I am much mistaken," said Curtis, " if I have not seen
you before somewhere, or, at least, somebody uncommonly
like you."
" That is very possible," Weston replied, a little confused.
" Once, on my way to Little-rock, I stopped here for a few
days. I believe I met you at the hunt."
" So you did," said Curtis, " now I remember; it was
pretty high on the river where you were squatting. My
memory has not deceived me, then."
"You said that Mr. Jones had gone over with the others
to the Petite-Jeanne," Atkins observed, rather anxiously,
" did you not ? Is he going to remain there long T
" No," replied Curtis; " he asked us to tell you, in case
we passed your house, that he would return at the latest by
noon the day after to-morrow."
" Are the Regulators in that part of the country going to
hold a meeting too 1"
" Yes, as I understand, to-morrow morning. Harfield
has induced several of the Fourche-la-Fave men to go over
with him."
"But I thought you intended to name some suspected
persons at your meeting, and to arrest and examine them.
Have you altered your plan T' asked Atkins; and it was
evident to all that he felt peculiarly interested in the
matter.
" It is true that such was our intention," said Cook, step-
ping to the chimney, and putting his feet to the fire, in order
to dxy his boots; " but we have not yet been able to come
to an understanding. In fact, we do not think that we have
sufficient grounds to proceed against any one in particular •
and Jones, as well as Brown, were not quite agreeable to the
adoption of that plan."
" Mr. Brown was not V asked Atkins, astonished.
" No—however, next week I think we must cariy it out;
for something must be done," said Cook; " otherwise the
rascals will make game of the Regulators."
"Weston, will you be so kind as to look after these gen-
tlemen's horses ?" said Atkins, addressing the young man,
who had risen and gone to the door. " You may take the
saddles from the fence," he continued, as the other was about
to obey, " those wretched cows nearly consumed one yester-
306
the feathered areow.
day ; and tlien go over to my wife, she wanted to speak to
you;'
Weston nodded, in token of his readiness to do everything
as desired; carried the saddles into the house, and went
round to the hack part of the premises. On reaching this
locality, instead of making for the little stable in which the
horses stood, he jumped the fence, where he could not be
observed from the house, and the next moment he had dis-
appeared in the thick wood in the rear.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE INDIAN ON JOHNSON'S TRAIL—JOHNSON RESOLVES TO KILL HIM—
THE ISSUE.
" I wonder where Weston can be ?" said Cotton, pacing up
and down impatiently in the little hut, which for several
days had served him for shelter and an asylum. " This
morning he promised to bring me news, and by this time the
Regulators must surely have separated. They will not keep
together for a week. I am growing nervous here at the
idea of being seized and Lynched. A plague upon the
scoundrels ! I shall have to bid good-bye to this neighbour-
hood. Such a life as I lead is really insupportable."
" There will always be time enough for flight," replied
Johnson, yawning. He was reclining upon the only bed in
the room. " I should not like to lose that other lot of which
Jones spoke, and which we shall be able to get next week.
There are no less than seventeen horses ! Such a prize will
defray the expenses of moving."
" I do not see how we are to get them all away," grumbled
Cotton ; " and, besides, the horses which Weston has hunted
up will arrive at about the same time ; and if the fellows are
not able to follow such a trail, they must be blind, indeed."
"We shall not take them through the wood," Johnson
observed. "Weston has already made an agreement with
the captain of a steamboat, who will take them on board at
Port Gibson."
" In that case, our pursuers will only be the more certain
tveston's intelligence.
to find us out," exclaimed Cotton, with astonishment, stop-
ping suddenly in his walk.
"And what does it matter?" said Johnson, laughing.
" They cannot catch a steamboat. Moreover, we shall dis-
embark at Little-rock ; and if even they should follow us iu
another boat—though you know it is not often that two or
three steamers are to be found at Fort Gibson at the same
time—they are sure to be thrown off the scent. At any
rate, we shall have time to reach the Mississippi swamp, and
thence the Island. Fourche-la-Fave wont see me again in
a hurry."
" It will be a great loss for the county," replied Cotton ;
"but here comes Weston. Well, it is about time—the sun
is setting."
While Cotton was speaking, Weston leaped over the
low fence, and the next moment appeared at the door of
the hut.
"What is up?" Johnson exclaimed, rising hastily from
his couch, as he caught sight of the ashy face of the
young man. "Your countenance tells me that something is
wrong; what is it ? Are the Regulators "
"No, no," whispered Weston, shaking his head; "we
have nothing to fear from them yet."
" What is up, then ?" asked Cotton, angrily; " you look
as pale as death. Speak out, man, what is the matter ?"
"The Indian has returned," the other replied, throwing
himself, quite exhausted, into the only chair of which the
room could boast.
"Well, if that is all," observed Johnson, with a jeer, re-
suming his old station on the bed ; " if it is nothing more,
you might have spared us the alarm. What nonsense, to
come in here just as if half-a-dozen of those yelping Regu-
lator hounds were at your heels. What did they do at their
meeting ? Where is Jones ?"
"He has gone to the Petite-Jeanne with Harfield. There
will be another meeting to-morrow. Cook and Curtis are at
Atkins's. Nothing has been resolved upon concerning us.
So far so good; but as regards the Indian, you, Johnson,
ought not to take it so lightly. It is your trail he is
tracking."
."Mine?" Johnson ejaculated, and his fears seemed to re-
808
TIIE FEATHERED ARROW.
•yive. He continued, with an air of incredulity—" How
should he he upon my trail ? Harfield and all his band
were upon it, and yet they were obliged to go back without
having accomplished their object."
" Have you been along the path between this place and
Atkins's house to-day 1" asked Weston.
" Yes, about half an hour ago. Why ?"
" As I was coming here by that very path," Weston con-
tinned, "just at the spot where the young gum-tree has
fallen across the road, as I was going to turn round, I saw
something moviug. I thought at first it was a bear which
had strayed there, but I recognised the Indian, who was
walking straight towards me, in a stooping posture, with his
eyes closely fixed iipon the ground. A meeting seemed
unavoidable, and I had made up my mind to advance
from behind the bush which sheltered me, in order to speak
to him, when, at about fifteen paces from me, he stopped.
He had reached a wet and swampy part of the road, and
seemed to be examining some tracks. I noticed that he
found some of them very distinctly marked. He knelt down,
took his tomahawk from his belt, and compared the track
with the measure of another, which he had to all appearance
marked upon the handle. He drew himself up, and, turning
his back upon me, shook his arm in a threatening manner
towards this house. He then left the path, went to the right,
straight over the hill, and disappeared in the forest."
"And the foot-print?" asked Johnson, eagerly.
" Was yours," Weston replied. " As soon as that accursed
savage had disappeared, I came quickly forth out of my
hiding-place, and examined the track, which I saw plainly
enough Avas yours."
" Did you not follow the Indian ?" asked Cotton, while
Johnson, lost in meditation, kept pacing the room, stamping
the floor, and grinding his teeth.
Weston Avas about to reply, when Johnson, stopping in his
walk, asked—" What became of him ?"
" I did not at first deem it safe to follow," said Weston.
" To speak seriously, I had no particular Avish to be found by
the Indian upon his trail. I could not, however, refrain
from running up to the top of the hillock. From that place,
you knoAv, one can look over the valley as far as the brier-
assowatjm's encampment.
309
tliicket. I crept as quietly as possible to the top, still fear-
ing that the Indian might have remained hidden somewhere
on the road. He was not there, and I was about to retire,
thinking he had turned back through one of the little valleys
that cross to the right and left towards Fourche-la-Fave, or
shaped his course through the pine-thicket on the ridge of
the opposite hill to the higher parts of the mountain range,
when suddenly I saw below, for it was getting dark, what
seemed to be a flash of fire. Immediately after, all was
dark again; but in a few moments I saw the same light
again, and felt assured that the Indian was trying to
kindle his fire, probably intending to camp there for the
night."
" And where is that spot 1" asked Johnson, quickly.
" You know the place—-just on this side of the sweetbrier-
thicket," said Weston, " where, in the last hurricane, a great
number of pines were blown down upon the hill."
" The spot where we shot the wild cat some time since ?"
"Just there," exclaimed Weston. "As far as I could
make out, that must be the identical spot."
" Then he has selected the ground under an overhang-
ing rock, which will afford him shelter from the dew, as
well as any foul weather that may arise," said Johnson, in a
voice half suppressed with passion. He then took down his
rifle from the place above the bed, where it hung, and ex-
amined the lock.
"What do you intend to do?" asked Cotton, amazed.
" Make an end to that Indian spy's career," replied the
other.
" Nonsense, Johnson," exclaimed Cotton, angrily. " You
will only raise the whole neighbourhood against us. What
does it matter to you whether that red beast knows the
length of your soles or not? As long as we only leave
the print of our own shoes in the mud there is no
danger, and he may examine as long as he pleases ; with a
horse's shoe the case would be somewhat different, no doubt,
and "
"You do not understand that," said Johnson, with a
sinister look; " this is not the first time the fellow has taken
the measure of my foot. I know that he has done it before
upon other occasions. There can no longer be any doubt but
810
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
lie is on the right track, and, what is the worst of the matter,
he knows it too ; therefore he must die."
" I will be hanged if I understand you," said Cotton,
knocking the logs of wood in the chimney together with his
feet. " If the matter is not very pressing, I should advise
you to defer it until "
" Until the .Regulators have got me fairly in their claws,
and tied me up to the nearest oak? Not so, you prudent
man. No ; there is no security for me so long as that Red-
skin lives—therefore he must die."
"I should like to know what grudge you bear the Red-*
skin T replied Cotton, in an angry mood. " A—when—the
—affair with—well, with that squaw happened, you were
many miles distant on the road, and suspicion cannot there-
fore fall upon you ; and as for the horses "
"But I tell you," cried Johnson, driven to extremities,
" horses have nothing whatever to do with the matter, and
—but what is the use of going over that story with you ?"
" Ah!—so," said Cotton, in long-drawn tones, suddenly
halting, as if a new idea had flashed across his mind ; " does
the wind blow from that quarter 1 I see ; I did not know
you had been concerned in that business."
" Oh, bother your suspicions," replied Johnson, ill-
humouredly. " I wish it was quite dark; I am all On fire
with impatience."
"Yes, yes," continued Cotton, not paying the least at ten-,
tion to the interruption; " if matters stand thus, then, in-
deed, I should advise you to make all safe. Why did you
not tell me about the affair 1 I certainly should not have
betrayed you."
" What are you talking about, I wonder ?" asked Weston,
quite astounded. " I can make nothing out of your con-
founded hints. What does all this eternal mystery mean T
" Yes, this is just the time to stand still, telling stories,"
Johnson replied, with a sneer. "No, I shall be off. I can
no longer contain myself."
" J ohnson," said Cotton, " I do nob like the rifle. The
report of a gun in the middle of the night w.ill be heard too
far; and why make this useless noise 1 I have got the
arrows ready, of which we spoke. Do you know how to
handle a bow V
POISONED "WEAPONS.
Sit
"Like ail Indian,"'replied Jolmson. "I lived for seven
years among the Shawanese; but—a plague upon it! I
always thought a bow a very treacherous weapon—I prefer
a bullet "
"Well, at least you can make a trial with the arrows,"
said Cotton, going up a low ladder into the upper room.
He soon returned with a bow made of hickory-wood, and
four arrows. " Here," he said, " now try your hand. Stop,
here is a potato. I will place it in the ashes. Step back
into the corner. Now, aim at the potato."
Johnson took the bow in his hand, and examined it with
a smile upon his countenance. He stood aiming for several
seconds, and then launched the arrow at the target, in the
corner of the hearth.
" Excellent," cried Cotton; " a capital shot. Only aim
as well at the red scoundrel, and he will not run very far
afterwards."
"After all, I do not consider it a safe method," said
Johnson, hesitating, though pleased at his good shot.
" Uncertain % Why, the poison will kill a man in five
minutes," Cotton exclaimed, in a whisper; " only touch the
Indian in the arm, or the finger, and he will not be able to
get to this house again, were he to run in a straight line as
quickly as his legs would carry him."
" Is the poison sure to kill ?"
" As sure as I hope to escape the clutches of these rascally
Regulators."
" Oh, spare that poor Indian's life !" Weston said. "Why
spill his blood ? Too much has already been shed; I really
grow quite sick of your company. You speak of a human
life as if it was that of a stag or a bear."
" Now, that fellow begins to talk nonsense," said J ohnson,
as he examined the arrow which he held in his hand. " I
wish you would mind your own business, and let us do as we
please. The Indian shall die."
" In that case, I will have nothing to do with it," ex-
claimed Weston, resolutely. " His blood be upon your heads.
To-morrow I shall return to Missouri. I joined you for the
purpose of horse-stealing; but I find you thirst for blood—
nothing but blood—I shudder at it—good night!"
He rose, as if about to leave the room.
312
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Stop !" cried Johnson, half frightened, half threatening,
running towards the door. Apparently without any definite
purpose, he held the poisoned darts towards the young man.
" You intend to betray us !"
" Help !" cried Weston, drawing back aghast from the
terrible weapons. " Murder !"
" A plague upon you!" cried Cotton, angrily, pushing
Johnson, who had not quite conquered his distrust, from the
door, and placing himself between it and the young man.
" What madness seizes you ?"
" I had forgotten about these poisoned arrows," said John-
son. " But why do you wish to go, Weston V
" Because, in the first place, they will miss me at Atkins's;
and because, secondly, I do not wish to be a witness of a
fresh murder. To suppose that I wish to betray you, is not
only wicked, but also absurd. I am too deeply committed
with you to hope for pardon, even if I were not bound by
my oath."
" You remember the oath !" said Johnson, in a softened
tone of voice.
" Yes," Weston replied, with a slight shudder; " you have
nothing to fear from me; but another time you ought to be
more cautious with such weapons, and let him live!
Johnson, let him live !" he said, beseechingly, taking the
arm of the mui'derous-looking man. " There may be some
hope of security without taking his blood. Consider that
the poor fellow has already lost his wife "
" I will be hanged if I listen any longer to this stufi,"
exclaimed Johnson angrily, freeing himself from the young
man's grasp. " Go—away with you—you cannot be of any
use to us. But, Weston, remember your oath, and do not
suppose that, even if God pardoned you, in case of betrayal,
you could escape my vengeance."
" Reserve your threats for others," said Weston, gravely;
" I am no traitor, but I wish to have no further communica-
tion with you. I shall return to Missouri to-morrow morn-
ing—I am not fit for such work."
"You had better say, not yet seasoned to it," said Cotton,
laughing. "Well, I wish you good luck, Weston, if you
really are serious; and—if I am lucky, I shall join you in
Missouri in a few years."
DARK SUSPICIONS.
313
"Farewell, Johnson," Weston replied, holding out his
hand to him; " let us cherish no ill-will."
"Farewell," the other answered moodily, as he turned
away.
The young man departed, climbed the fence, and the next
moment had disappeared through the thick brushwood which
surrounded the house.
" We ought not to have let him off thus," said Johnson,
pacing the room. " I do not trust that fellow."
" He is honest enough," Cotton replied; " I know him—
he will never betray any one ; there are others, however, in
whom I do not place much confidence."
" You mean Rowson?" Johnson suggested, halting before
him.
"Yes!"
" He is too deeply involved. If everybody were as safe
as he "
" Yes, he is safe enough for the present; but let him get
into a scrape, with the rope on one side, and the hope of
escape on the other, I would much rather trust to my legs
than to his honesty. I do not rely much on him."
" It is getting dark," said Johnson. " I shall go now. I
do not know how it is, but I should, after all, prefer the
rifle."
"You are a fool!" Cotton exclaimed; "you can shoot
with as great certainty with the one as the other; and in
one case there is no fear of discovery, whilst in the other the
report must betray you. If they find the corpse "
"I shall be far away from this place," replied Johnson.
" Do you suppose I meant to remain here longer, exposed
to those Regulators ?"
" But the horses'?"
" You may manage that lot yourselves; to-morrow I shall
set out for the Island. I shall get my things ready during
the night, and at break of day take one of Roberts's horses,
which are always grazing near his house. Before they can
find the Indian I shall be away."
" But Rowson ?"
" He may follow me when he perceives danger—he knows
where I am bound. Will you accompany me '?"
" I promised Atkins that I would look after the next lot
THE EEAXHEKEE AlcEO w.
of horses, and I mean to keep my word. Moreover, neces-
sity compels me, for my purse is empty. The last adventure
brought wonderfully little. When that is done, I may per-
haps accompany Atkins to Texas. So you persist in taking
the rifle ?"
"The rifle and the arrows," said Johnson. " I shall try
the poison first, and if I am not quite satisfied with my shot,
then the lead may he of use."
" Do you think you can creep safely up to him unob-
served ?"
"If he squats where I expect to find him, I can do so
very safely, as there are not many dry leaves near the
rocks," Johnson replied, exchanging his heavy shoes for light
mocassins.
" Well, if it must be so, at least take care to aim steadily,
and mind you hit him well," said Cotton.
" Don't be afraid; if I can once approach within the right
distance, he is mine. Besides, that place is very solitary, and
he must bawl very loud if he means to arouse anybody.
Where will you remain in the meanwhile ?"
" Here—I will brew a good lot of hot stuff, in order that
you should find something warm on your return. Heath-
-cott then "
" Don't allude to that old story, but make your drink, that
will be a good deal more reasonable."
" Don't keep me waiting long," the hunter called after
him, as Johnson was about to leave the hut.
" I shall not lose any time, you may readily imagine," the
other replied, as he slammed the door, and with a cautious,
but quick step, glided through the dark forest towards the
nearest mountain-ridge, in which direction Weston said that
lie had observed the Indian's fire.
The night was very dark; no star shone in the sky covered
with sombre clouds, and the waving of the tops of the trees
gave warning of an approaching storm. High up on the
mountain-ridge which divides the waters of the Fourche-la-
Dave from those of the Mamell a solitary wolf howled its night-
cry hoarsely, and the owl replied from the dark pine-top, in
which it hoped to find shelter from the approaching tempest.
Animals and men sought protection in the warm chimney,
or in the thick reedland. The murderer, with his sanguinary
THE MUKDEllEE A3STD HIS VICTIM.
315
thoughts, heedless of the signs of a hurricane, grasping his
rifle aud his bow firmly in his clenched hands, pursued his
way along the path. The more wildly the elements raged
the better pleased was he, for this very storm afforded him
greater security. Should he really find the Indian squatting
at that place, lie would certainly in such a storm be under
the protection of the overhanging rock, and thus would not
hear the steps of his approaching foe. The noise in the
branches of the trees would drown every other sound.
Itevenge was certain if the victim could be found.
Cautiously Johnson followed the windings of the little
ravine, though he might have taken a nearer way to the spot
which was so well known to him. It is difficult on a starless
night to keep straight through the forest, and even the ex-
perienced backwoodsman does not attempt to do this except-
ing in cases of absolute necessity.
He had covered the points of the poisoned arrows with a
woollen cloth, so that he might not by any accident wound
himself. With his weapons in his left hand, feeling his way
with his right, he climbed higher and higher, until he was
certain of his whereabouts.
In this spot the ravine made a sudden curve, and just
above it was the rock where the Indian must be lying.
Johnson resolved to examine the place, since discovery was
no longer to be feared. He avoided any unnecessary noise,
and crept onward over the trunks which had fallen across
the ravine. He left his rifle at a spot where he could easily
get it again, as he did not wish to be impeded by carrying
too many weapons. In tbis manner he glided, serpent-like,
towards the corner which still separated him from his
victim.
Triumph ! his heart beat almost audibly; for there—
stretched out before the fire—he caught sight of the red son
of the woods, little suspecting the impending danger from
lead and poison. His weapons rested at his side, and sup-
porting his head with his right arm, he looked thoughtfully
into the glimmering flame. Johnson grasped his bow, rose
convulsively, and looked towards his foe, as if anxious to
choose the best part of his body at which to aim the deadly
arrow. The distance between him and his victim was now
little more than ten paces. An obstacle appeared—the
316
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
Indian's blanket, which he had hung up to windward in order
to protect himself against the rain, concealed the greater
part of his body, so that only his forehead and part of his
right arm were visible, while the rest of his body was com-
pletely hidden by the woollen awning. Johnson soon made up
his mind as to the part of the Indian's body at which he
should aim, and had he had his rifle at hand instead of the
arrows, would not have hesitated another moment. But he
dreaded lest the blanket should ward off his shot, or take
the poison out of the arrow. This new alarm caused him to
hesitate, as he did not like to fire without being quite certain
as to his aim.
His apprehension was increased by dread of his powerful
antagonist. Johnson knew that he was resolute, and would
if only wounded pursue and probably overtake him, and split
his skull with his sharp tomahawk.
The blanket was, however, stretched out in such a manner
that he merely had to creep up on the right-hand side, behind
a thick tree, which stood close to the ravine, in order to get
an aim at the breast of the squatting foe. The arrow could
not fail to do execution at that capital spot. Just at
that moment a flash of lightning illumined the scene,
and cast its pale, ghastly light over the landscape. The
gigantic trees cracked and waved their immense branches, as
the next minute they rocked in the fearful hurricane.
Johnson got up, intending to creep to the place he had fixed
upon in order to execute the murderous deed. A stone
slipped from under his right hand, with which he had hitherto
kept a firm hold upon the protruding roots of a large oak,
and rolled down into the bottom of the ravine. Johnson
remained motionless, hugging the ground in order not to
betray himself to his victim. After a pause he raised his
head slowly in order to see what effect this unexpected noise
might have had upon the Indian.
The sound had not escaped the watchful ear of the savage.
Listening with all attention, he raised his head over the
blanket and gazed around the space illumined by his fire.
Johnson crouched beneath the shadow of the oak, which grew
out of the ravine, and so Assowaum did not perceive him.
A brighter flash of lightning illumined the ravine, and the
would-be assassin shrunk back. The Indian, too, seemed
THE ASSASSIN TOILED.
317
blinded by the flash, for he pressed his hand upon his eyes
and then resumed his former position. Johnson watched
him eagerly for a moment, then, serpent-like, glided back
live or six paces, and reached a place where he could not
have been seen by his victim, even if it had been broad
daylight. He climbed up the right side, behind the
tree lie wished to reach, from which position he had his
victim close before him. On reaching this spot he bent his
bow slowly, fixed the deadly arrow, and raised himself
cautiously for the shot. He almost uttered a cry of amaze-
ment and terror on perceiving that the place before the fire
was empty—that Assowaum had disappeared! Before
another idea could enter his mind, before he could even move
a limb, he felt a hand upon his shoulder ; starting back in
horror, he gazed into the threatening face of his foe—saw
the arm of the Red man raised—the tomahawk flashed in the
light of the fire, which, flaming up, threw an uncertain light
over the scene—and struck by the flat side of the dangerous
weapon, he fell without a cry, completely stunned.
Fearful, indeed, was his awakening. The lightning
flashed through the waving tops of the trees. Rolling
thunder followed. The sluices of heaven seemed open, and
all nature was in, convulsion. Bound so fast that he could not
move a limb, nor utter a sound, the wretch lay at the root of
a hickory-tree—left alone amid the raging of the furious
elements. In vain he wrestled with the force of despair, in
order to burst the links, and to free at least one arm. In
vain he stretched his limbs, till the blood almost sprang
forth from the sharp leathern belt which held them fast.
Exhausted, he at last ceased his useless endeavours, and fel
back upon the ground, breathing heavily, and again uncor
scious.
The storm had somewhat subsided, yet the rain still
streamed down, and the wind drove the dark masses of
clouds along. The clear face of the moon now and then
broke through the veil, shedding her pale silvery light upon
the earth. Johnson had just roused up from his second
swoon. An ague shook his limbs, and for the first time the
dreadful idea flashed across his mind that the Indian had
left him to perish, and that Cotton, tired of waiting, would
seek to make his escape, and leave him to die a slow death,
x
318
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
from hunger, unless some savage wolf should happen to come
to put an end to his miserable existence. He .could already
hear their wild howls on the neighbouring hills. They were
assembling after the storm to go in search of prey, and he had
often observed their tracks crossing the ravine, at the spot
in which he was now a prisoner. - It was just in their way
from the hills down to the river. "Was he then to end his
days in so horrible a manner ? The howling approached ;
the wolf scents his prey for many a mile. Again the
miserable man struggled violently, until the blood seemed
starting from his veins. Despair gave him the force of a
giant, but he could not break the bonds with which the
Indian had bound him. Then he lay quiet and stiff, as if
hewn out of stone. Why was he listening in anguish, yet in
hope 1 Why was his look fixed on that dark clump of trees
in the ravine 1 It was not in that direction that he heard
the howl of the wolves. Their cry came from quite* a
different quarter. Ho, it was not the wolves that attracted
his attention, but a well-known and friendly cry. It was
the imitation of the owl, the sign among the confederates.
It must be Atkins or Cotton, perhaps both of them. They
were in search of him, and here he lay, bound and fastened,
unable to move a limb, or to reply by a single sound.
Hearer and nearer came the voices ; louder and louder was
liis name re-echoed.
At last a form appeared upon the upper part of the
ravine. Johnson could clearly recognise the outlines
of the figure in the dark background. Again the cry
of the owl resounded three times, and even four times.
The prisoner writhed like a worm, but could not free
himself from his bonds. At last—at* last steps were
heai'd nearer. The man had crossed the ravine. Knowing
the place where the Indian had camped, he went round it.
He must now perceive his friend. Again that signal cry
sounded, and with his body bent forward the hunter listened.
Johnson tried his utmost to make a noise amongst the leaves
with his foot, or to shake a young tree close at hand, but all
his efforts were in vain. The wind stiiTed the branches;
the leaves were damp, and his foot produced no noise. Yet
the figure still approached. It was Cotton. J ohnson could
distinguish the very hat he wore; could see the light shining
JOHNSON'S DESPAIR.
319
upon his pale face. He came straight towards him : twenty
paces further, and he must touch his friend's body. Again
he stopped; uttered that signal cry, and listened in all
directions. He could hardly hope to see his friend, lie
merely wished to hear his answer to his repeated shouts.
How and then he cast a shy and stealthy glance into the
ravine, in which he probably thought that the corpse of the
Indian was to be found. Suddenly he turned round; he
seemed to have changed his plan. After listening a few
moments—almost within reach of his captive associate—he
quickly and quietly disappeared in the nearest thicket.
His last hope of being rescued had passed ; no chance of
salvation remained. The prisoner's heart sank within
him in abject misery. He no longer heeded the howling of
the wild beasts. He appeared to be indifferent to death—
perhaps it was desirable. With one look of defiance, of
powerless rage, directed towards the clear starry sky, now
stretched out in all its purity above him, he closed his eyes,
as if with that glance he bade farewell to every hope of life
and deliverance.
CHAPTER XXIX.
rowson at roberts's—the wild turkey chase—ellen and marion.
Dinner was over, the dishes had been washed and put away,
and round the entrance of the little dwelling the friends had
formed a snug circle. They chatted familiarly upon all
manner of topics.
Rowsou had placed his chair between those of Mrs. Roberts
and her beautiful daughter, and held the hand of his intended
in his own, whilst Harper had taken his place at Ellen's side,
and Bahrens drew up close to Roberts. In spite of the
numerous subjects touched upon, the conversation always
kept coming back to matrimony, and Harper had been asked
for the third time why he was not looking out for a wife*
who might charm his old age.
" And help me off the hooks, I suppose, you mean," said
Harper, laughing.
x 2
£20
XliiS EEATHEEED AEEOW.
" Wliy—in a certain sense—yes," said Mrs. Roberts;
t: but after all, this would not be the principal object.
Resides, I really do not exactly understand what you mean !"
" There is a strange story told in Tennessee," the little
man observed. " I cannot vouch that the wife really did
what is attributed to her; nor do I know whether I may
-relate it here."
u Come, out with it," exclaimed Bahrcns ; " there are two
young women here who will soon be wives, and they may
-perhaps learn something from your tale."
" It may not be of much advantage to their husbands,"
Harper observed, shaking his head.
" You really excite my curiosity, Mr. Harper," said Mrs.
Roberts. " May the girls "
" Oh, it is a very harmless story, and happened to the
judge in Randolph "
" Then it really is true?"
" Certainly. The poor fellow was taken very ill; and as
they kept doctoring him with calomel and castor-oil, he
got weaker and weaker every day, so that the physicians—
that is to say, the few quacks who hovered about in the
neighbourhood—gave him up, and said that nothing could
save him. His wife was at last left quite alone with him;
but the poor fellow suffered dreadfully, and it was said that
he could not die before he had unburthened his conscience.
At last, however, he yielded up his spirit, the neighbours
were called in, and the man was buried the next day—as it
happened to be summer, and very warm. His widow was
disconsolate; she wept and moaned unceasingly. At last
one of her neighbours asked her a question concerning her
husband's last moments.
"' Oh, dear me, my good Mrs. Lewis,' said the widow,
' you should have been here then, and seen how the poor
fellow worried himself. He stamped, and turned, and
clutched the blankets in his hands so tight, that I could
hardly unloosen them again; he could not do it himself; he
must have had the cramp, dear man. I carefully put my
left hand upon his mouth, and kept his nose closed with the
thumb and forefinger, and so he went to sleep like a dear
little angel. It was a great consolation for me to see him
«he bo quietly after all his torments and suffering.' "
HELPING A MAN OFF.
321,
" Why, good Heavens ! she smothered him !" said Mr.?,
Roberts, rising from her seat, rather startled.
" Oh, no," said Harper, with a smile, " she only helped
him to die. There was, indeed, some talk about it after-
wards in the neighbourhood; but the month after the widow
went up to Kentucky, and so the matter ended."
" Why, that is dreadful!" said Marion; " and you tell such
a tale with a smile upon your brow."
" It is in some respects an odd affair," Harper observed,
" It is certainly quite a new picture of matrimonial ten-
derness."
"Dear me," Roberts observed, joining in the conversation;
" there are more such cases in the world. Only think how
the 'steam doctors' are managing at present in Arkansas;—
that tall fellow, Hartfort, the storekeeper, who was here a
fortnight ago—the man, I mean, that was with us when wo
found the corpse. Bahrens, you were there, were you not V
"Yes; but what were you going to say of Hartfort V'
" Oh, I remember; he is now pretending to cure with
steam and calomel. At Locksmith's he put two children
under ground in one week; and the day before yesterday,
when he reached Bestrille's, who has only b^en upon that
piece of land two months—she bought it from Pelter, and
Bestrille paid a great deal too much "
" How do these steam doctors effect their cures V asked
Ellen. " I have heard so much about them, yet could never
learn in what way they go to work."
" Oh, the process would be uncommonly simple and
])armless," said Bahi*ens, "if they would only leave all
that cursed poisonous stuff out of their medicines. The
steam really ought to cure by making the patient perspire,
and they have learned that of the Indians. An Indian
-considers a violent perspiration as a panacea, and tries to
obtain it in all kinds of illness. Tribes that live on the
rivers dig real sweating-batlis in the banks, into which
they creep, whence they throw themselves into the water
immediately. When they live in plains, where they can
have no such advantage, they construct a low tent of
skins—or where they are in communication with whit©
people, of blankets—undress, which operation does not take
an Indian long, creep into this little hut, and get tkeiv
322
THE PEATHEEED AEEOW.
friends to hand them in hot stones, which are heated &t a
large fire close by. The tent is closed up tightly, and on
those stones they pour cold water, which evaporates and fills
the little room with vapour. Many afterwards have cold
water poured all over their body; others omit this addition;
with this, however, the cure ends—except, of course, some
mad dances and conjurations, which they cannot forego ; but
which, at least, do no harm. Our vapour doctors, moreover,
feed their patients with lobelia,'51" and other such infernal
plants, make them beverages with Cayenne pepper in quan-
tities enough to burn their souls out of their bodies, and do
not rest until nature conquers or is conquered."
" I know that—they shall not come near me."
" I really think Bahrens has been a vapour doctor some
time or other, he knows all the process so well," said Harper,
smiling.
" When you have taken a wife, Harper," Bahrens replied,
" then you will want no more vapour doctors,—she will keep
you warm."
" I am safe enough on that score; I do not see where
or how I should get a wife, even if I wanted one, unless
I managed as my brother did, who put himself up at a
lottery."
" Put himself up at a lottery, Mr. Harper ?"
'•'Well, the affair was extremely simple; he made six
hundred lots at ten dollars each, for girls and widows under
thirty years—you ought to have been one of the commissioners
of inquiry—himself, with the six thousand dollars, the price
of the six hundred tickets, constituted the prize."
" But, Mr. Harper- "
"He only managed to sell five hundred and thirty, and
therefore kept seventy himself. He had strong hopes of win-
ning himself back again; but he was sadly disappointed;
a young girl, who had brought three witnesses for her being
only eight and twenty, won him, and he is now a happy
Paterfamilias. Here in Arkansas it might be difficult to
Aell six hundred tickets."
" Not if you were the prize," said Marion, smiling. " I
am convinced that candidates would appear from all sides."
* Lobelia, a kind of poisonous plant, often called Indian tobacco, as the
savages are in the habit of mixing it with their tobacco.
OLD ACQUAINTANCES.
323
" And would you also take a ticket ?"
" Why not ?" said Roberts, laughing. " One often wins
something that is not of much use. She might make a
present of you to some friend—to Ellen, for instance. That
would be allowed, would it not ?"
" Oh, why not ?" replied Harper, " and I should offer but
few objections, too, in such a case."
Rowson listened to the conversation without joining in
the same. He held in his hand the wing of a turkey,
spread to the full extent, which he used as a fan to keep
from Marion the flies and mosquitoes that kept swarming
round her.
Mrs. Roberts also made use of "a fan, for the heat became
•oppressive.
" We shall have a thunderstorm," said Roberts, taking off
his coat; " the air is very sultry ; I must look at the glass
while I think of it, Rowson," he continued, rising and
going towards the door of the house. " Do you know the
people whose cart we saw just as you joined me at the
salt-lagoon ? They were townspeople, former neighbours
of mine. X was very much pleased indeed to meet
them again; and, Marion, the girls have grown up—you
would not remember them."
"Oh, why didn't they call here?" asked Mrs. Roberts.
u One seldom sees old friends. Do you know the Steven-
sons too, Mr. Rowson?"
" Not that I remember," the Methodist replied, " and I
think I may say I have a pretty good memory in general.
Stevenson—the name certainly is familiar to me, yet I hardly
recollect any family in particular."
" He was on the other side of the Arkansas when the
murder was committed," said Roberts, as he re-entered the
room; "and he saw the murderer—fifteen degrees—it is
astonishing."
" Impossible !" Rowson exclaimed, forgetting himself.
" O yes, just look at the glass,—fifteen degrees; ay, more
than fifteen degrees," Roberts replied, mistaking the purport
of Rowson's exclamation, and holding out the thermometer
to him.
" Indeed!" answered Rowson, collecting himself; " but how
could he ?"
324
THE EEA.THEEED AEEOW.
" Could he what ?"
" How could Stevenson have seen the murderer ? It was
said that the old man had killed himself; no traces of any
other person were discovered."
" Nonsense !" said Roberts, shaking his head. " He was
standing behind a tree when the two passed, hardly five
minutes before he heard the report of a gun. He swore to
me that he could point out the criminal among thousands.
If you had come a few paces higher up the road you would
have passed their encampment. He is a splendid old fellow,
and would have pleased you very much."
" I do not doubt it in the least," said Rowson, " but "
"Now tell me, once for all, Roberts," said Bahrens,
interrupting him, "how is that thing you have in your
hand, and which you call a thermometer—how is it coil-
atructed that it will tell you how hot or cold it may be ?"
" "Well, the mercury rises when it is hot," the other replied,
" and falls the colder it becomes."
" And the weather follows that ?"
"No; the thermometer follows the weather."
"You told me once in the Green Mountains it had
become so dreadfully cold because they had not got such an
instrument up there."
"You are quite mistaken," said Roberts, laughing.
" At that time it was cold," Harper exclaimed; " that
winter I lived on the Erie-lake, in Cleveland, and the quick-
silver fell Heaven knows how much below zero. An old
Pennsylvanian, with whom I lived, said it would have fallen
much lower if the thermometer had only been longer."
"Does Mr. Stevenson intend to stay any time in this
neighbourhood?" asked Rowson, who had kept his eyes
fixed upon the ground as if lost in deep thought.
"No; he cannot spare the time. Don't you remember his
saying—but now I recollect, you did not meet me till after-
wards—no; he will proceed at once to the part where he
means to settle, at the foot of the mountain range. He told
me our land here on the Eourche-la-Eave pleases him
uncommonly, and he seemed half inclined to remain here
altogether, but his wife and daughter were afraid of the
horse-stealers. They had heard such tales of them on the
Arkansas—where, if I am not mistaken, they rested two
THE WILD TUTtKEY CHA.SB.
325
days, and bought another pair of oxen—for their old
ones "
" Well, the women need entertain no fears on that account,'*
said Bahrens. "We shall soon get rid of them."
"No doubt," said B-owson, smiling; "people make it a.
good deal worse than it really is; the Fourche-la-Fave has a
much worse name than it deserves."
" Hallo ! what is the matter with the dogs?" cried Roberts,
jumping up; " Poppy has been growling a long time, and
now he is off across the fields as if the devil was at his heels."
" There are some wild turkeys, father," said Marion;
" Ellen and I went in that direction before dinner, and we
saw a flock close to the brook."
" Why didn't you tell us that long ago ?" exclaimed
Roberts; " I have not shot a wild turkey this week. Bahrens,
will you join us ?"
" Certainly," he replied, fetching his rifle, which he always
carried with him; " and if I am not mistaken, the dogs see
them already among the trees."
" O yes ! I know Poppy's voice. Let us be quick, or they
will drive them into the plains, and then they will be diffi-
cult to catch."
Bahrens did not want any further invitation, and the two
men ran along the small path at the back, until they came
up with the dogs, which kept wildly running about, uncer-
tain, as it seemed, where the game had taken shelter. The
hunters, too, in vain searched for the birds; for in the first
instance the foliage was too thick, and in the second the
cunning creatures got so close to the branches, that it was
almost impossible to see them.
" It must have been an old bird," said Bahrens," and they
ai-e not worth much."
" I don't think so," Roberts observed; " only yesterday I
saw four hens together; they certainly cannot be breeding
this time of year; and there is no better eating in the
world than the flesh of young hens."
" In that case we must lie in wait," Bahrens said. " Call
the dogs. You stop where you are, and I will go over
there on the little hill. If we can keep the dogs quiet, it
will not be long before the hens make a move; they never
keep quiet long."
326
THE EEATHEEED ARROW.
Roberts readily joined in the plan, called his dogs, and
made them lie down, and for about a quarter of an hour
neither of the men stirred. At last Bahrens imitated the
wild turkey's cry most admirably, and before long one of
them answered from a tree just above Roberts.
The dogs looked sagaciously at their masters, as much as
to say, " Do you hear, the game is up there?" The cry was
repeated, and the dogs grew impatient because none of the
hunting party stirred, but Roberts wished to wait until
Bahrens had a bird within shot. Several were at last heard
in different parts, and Roberts then raised his rifle, stood up,
and aimed at the game.
The wild turkey had meanwhile risen from the branch
on which she had perched, and turning her long neck in
all directions, looked about in order to see whether danger
had disappeared. The report of Bahrens's rifle was heard,
Snd Roberts having got ready almost at the same moment,
both birds fell with a heavy sound from their perch, and
were at once seized by the dogs.
While the two men had gone in pursuit of their game,
Mrs. Roberts and Harper endeavoured to get into conversa-
tion with the Methodist, and had touched upon various
topics, but Rowson seemed unusually disinclined to give
anything but short replies; he appeared quite lost in thought.
The two girls amused themselves better. They walked
arm in arm before the little dwelling, and talked of all pos-
sible subjects except their future prospects. It was rather
remarkable that both of them should avoid the slightest
reference to the matter. They chatted of their years of
childhood and early youth. They recalled all the bright past,
the loved sports, amusements, and pleasures of bygone times.
" Ah, dear Ellen," said Marion, standing still, and looking
at her friend, with a sigh, "those were beautiful, blissful
times, and we did not know what sorrow, pain, and grief
meant. The passage from that happy age into riper life is
so insensible, comes upon one so gradually, that one is not
aware of it before those sweet days are gone for ever; and
we stand, as it were, before an abyss " She suddenly
stopped, as if afraid to finish the sentence, and turned away
her head that Ellen might not perceive the two large dew-
drops which stood in her eyes.
ELLEN" AND MABION.
327
" Why are you so sad, Marion ?" asked her friend, sooth-
Ingly. "You obtain the realization of your wishes, and I
should think that a union with the man one loves ought
not to make one miserable. I confess that I could not
take such a step without some serious feelings. Have you
other causes of sorrow T
"No, dear Ellen," whispered Marion, still turning away
her face, which was bathed with tears. "No, I am but a
foolish girl, and should, on the contrary, rather look into the
future with joyful confidence. But listen, did you not hear
the reports of two guns ? they seem to have found the game.
Now there will be something for us to do this evening," she
continued, with a smile, turning to Ellen. In her friend's
eyes she saw the traces of tears, and she added, quickly
and anxiously, " Ah, Ellen, dearest, best Ellen, what
ails you? I am a spoiled child, and am always occupied
about myself, so that I have hardly observed—at least not
paid sufficient attention to the fact—that you yourself have
been of late melancholy and downcast. May I know the
cause of this ?"
"Yes," said Ellen, smiling through her tears, "you shall
know everything, but not now. In a few days, when
you are more settled; but," she continued earnestly, "if
I make you my confidante you must do the same to me
in return. I shall expect that you will be equally commu-
nicative."
" I shall only be too happy, dearest Ellen."
" Then you have some secret sorrow upon your mind ?"
" Mother called me, if I am not mistaken. I shall soon
join you again," said Marion, running into the house. Her
mother had not called her, but the poor girl wanted to be
alone—away even from her sympathizing friend—that she
might try to overcome the feeling which had got possession
of her soul. She felt that, the very thought of the man she
loved so warmly was a sin, and that her task was to resign
him altogether, and to live merely for the duties that must
be dear and sacred to her at the side of her husband.
At this juncture the sportsmen returned with the game,
and the conversation again became general, while the girls
had plenty to do in plucking the wild turkeys before they
grew cold—a task which was attended with numerous diffi-
328
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
culties. They both declared that for a long time they had
not had such fine game in their hands.
Rowson appeared to have overcome his melancholy fit, and
to have regained his usual tranquillity. Indeed, for the
occasion, he seemed to wish to lay aside the usual grave de-
ineanour of the Methodist preacher. He was lively and
good-humoured, and pleased Marion better than he had
ever done before. Mrs. Roberts was delighted; and old
Mr. Roberts took Bahrens aside twice, to tell him that he
thought the preacher was quite another man. At first he
had spent nearly six hours in the house without speaking
much, and then there was a certain ease and delightful
ehange in his tone and manner, yea, even in his movements,
which he had never before noticed.
" He is quite another person to-night," he exclaimed,
rubbing his hands with delight. " I will be hanged if it is
not even remarkable how he has changed; however, it is
very much to his advantage, Bahrens—very much to his
advantage."
Yet Roberts did not escape a sermon ; for before retiring
to rest, Rowson delivered a long and monotonous lecture, to
which they were compelled to listen in patience.
The next morning, at breakfast, the plan for the marriage
and holiday was decided upon. Mrs. Roberts gave it as
her opinion that it would be best for them all to set off at
once. She would go to her future son-in-law's dwelling, to
put everything in order. They could dine there, and then
in the afternoon ride over to the house of the judge,
which was hardly a mile distant. Rowson quite agreed to
this, but begged the company to wait about an hour for him,
as he stated that he had to go somewhere on horseback; but
that he should soon be back.
"You, Mr. Harper and Mr. Bahrens, will be our guests
for to-day, wont you ?" said Mrs. Roberts. " I will take no
excuse—Mrs. Bahrens will not say anything about your
absence ; we must enjoy the day together. I only wish
Mr. Brown was here too; but that cannot be helped. Mr
Rowson, you will then finish your business, whatever it maj
be, as soon as possible ; and on your return you will find
us quite ready."
Rowson expressed his assent, mounted the horse which
CLOSE QUARTERS.
829
the negro boy had brought out for him, waved his hand to
the company, and trotted along the country road, quicker
than was his custom when leaving Roberts's, or any other
house in the settlement.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE AMBUSH.
When Weston left Atkins's house, the two visitors made
themselves as comfortable as circumstances would permit,
and Curtis stepped to the porch, and gazed thoughtfully at
the dark masses of clouds which were collecting together in
the west.
" I should not wonder if the storm came this way," said
Atkins. " Only look how the white, thin veils of mist are
flying towards us. I only hope we shall not have a hurri-
cane. Six years ago, when I was at the White River, it
looked exactly like this, and when it came it was fearful,
though if did not last long."
" Were you on the White River six vears ago ?" asked
Cook.
" Yes, and I lived about two miles below the road which
leads from Memphis to Batesville."
" Why, that must have been about the time when they
hung Whitley, who killed his own father—was it not 1"
asked Curtis.
" Somewhat later," observed Atkins. " I arrived about
four weeks after he had been hanged."
The White River boys used to exercise strict justice,"
said Cook. " That horse-stealer—what was his name 1—
they made him dance upon the gallows too."
" I cannot blame them for it," exclaimed Curtis. " Upon
such ruffians no honest man can have any mercy—that is
to say, any honest man who has horses himself. Don't you
think so, Atkins V
" You are rather severe in your ideas of justice," Atkins
replied; " but I think you must be hungry, are you not 1
I will "
" I am much obliged to you," Curtis exclaimed, holding
330
TIIE FEA.THEBED AEKOW.
him back. " We made a good dinner, and can wait your
time; do not give yourself any trouble—your good wife has
not much leisure now to get extra meals."
"No; that is true enough," said Atkins. "There is a
nice hubbub over there—enough to drive a fellow mad."
" Isn't the child better yet T
" Alas ! no ; but one can hardly expect such a thing. I
always think it a bad sign enough, if a patient falls into the-
hands of one doctor; and there are eleven of them, all female
ones. I have now such confidence in the excellence of my
child's constitution, that I really think they cannot kill it,
otherwise it would have died long ago. I must fetch a
candle; it begins to get quite dark. Dear me, how the
wind blows outside ; it is a remarkably stormy spring this
year." With these words he quitted the room, and the two<
.Regulators found themselves alone, and able to converse
freely.
" Hark ye, Curtis," said Cook, after a short pause. " I
am sorry that Atkins should be a member of such a gang."
" Don't speak so loud," the other replied; " who the deuce
can tell whether somebody is not hidden here ? To speak
the truth, I quite agree with you; he is on the whole a very
nice fellow, and I always liked him. He has indeed a some-
what false look, but that may come from his constant en-
deavours to conceal something."
" I wonder what the Regulators will do with him," Cook
continued, meditatively; " I hope they will not hang him.
Listen, Curtis. I should not like to have his death upon
my hands. He has indeed deserved punishment, and I per-
ceive that in self-defence, and in order to put an end to these
evil practices, we must make an example—but hanging, no L
It must not be so severe a doom, if it were only on account
of his wife and child."
"A pretty reason for clemency, that," replied Curtis^
laughing. " If your ideas were to be carried out, every
rogue would have nothing to do but to get married, in order
to save his neck from the rope. No, that fact must not in-
terfere to prevent the just punishment of crime. But we
wont hang him, only "
"Whist! he is coming back," said Cook, checking himself;
dnd the unsuspecting host stepped into the room with a
STEVENSON MAKES HIS APPEARANCE.
331
candle, which he placed upon the table, and lighted it with
a pine-link.
" It blows outside as if it would take the roof off our
heads," he said, poking the coals in the chimney-grate. " If
the wind does not shift, the storm will burst upon us in less
than ten minutes."
" It is a bad job for those who have to be out in it,"
said Curtis; " the cattle, too, flocked round the houses this
evening."
" Were there many people from the Petite-Jeanne at the
meeting ?" asked Atkins.
"Not many," said Cook. "They seemed as if they in-
tended to wait till to-morrow, when the meeting will be held
nearer to them. There was a stranger there, a man who is
looking out for stolen horses."
" A half-caste man," replied Atkins. " Oh, yes; he called
at my house, too, and inquired; I was sorry I could not give
him any information."
" You have nob seen anything of his horses ?" asked Curtis,
looking at him.
"No—how should I?" replied Atkins, in a tone of as-
tonishment. " I have not stepped outside of my fence, and
the thieves wont bring the animals openly under our noses."
" Hardly," said Curtis, smiling; " but what is the matter
with the dogs 1 Why do they make such a terrible noise ?"
" Perhaps one of the Regulators, driven here for shelter
from the storm, approaches," said Cook.
"Probably," replied Atkins; "I will go and see. Be
quiet, you wretches ! Down, I say I"
With these words he stepped out into the open air, and
Curtis whispered to Cook—"That is Stevenson; now look
sharp. But he has chosen his time badly. We shall, at any
rate, be obliged to wait till it clears up. Well, those fellows
in the reedland will have a pretty time of it. When the
rain and hail come down, they will admit that we have got
the most comfortable part of the business."
" How far is it to the Fourche-la-Fave ?" asked somebody
outside, the loud tones of whose voice were heard above the
howling of the dogs.
" Hallo!" cried Atkins, running down the steps, and
hastening towards the fence. " That will be quick work if
332
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
the second lot are here already. Why, Jones t®ld me it might
be another week."
" It runs close by," he replied aloud to a man, who,
wrapped in a thick mantle, was mounted on horseback.
" Who are you, sir ? My name is Atkins."
" Have you good pasture ground here ?" said the stranger,
in a subdued tone of voice.
" Where do you come from V whispered Atkins, equally
low. " Speak."
" I want a drink of water."
" The devil ! Jones told me it would be a week before
you came."
" Let us get the horses in quietly," the stranger continued,
in a whisper. " My boy is here with them, and a dreadful
storm is gathering over our heads."
" The wet wont do them any harm," Atkins replied. " I
have visitors in the house, and cannot come now."
" But the rain would wash away their tracks capitally,"
the other suggested.
"That is true enough; but how many have you V
" Three."
" Only three !—why Jones spoke of seven."
" The others will be here to-morrow evening. It would
not do to make the tracks too plain."
" Is that the boy I am to keep here to send on with the
horses V
" The boy ? Oh, yes; he knows all."
" Does he know the way to the Mississippi T
"We have just come from " The old man was going
to betray himself, but perceiving his mistake just in time,
continued, after a short cough,—" We come from the west
just now, but the boy has been at the Mississippi before. Be
quick, the large drops are already beginning to fall."
"Wait a minute, and I will go and tell those inside
that you are looking for shelter for yourself and your horse.
Hallo ! who is this ?"
A man approached the fence, who was recognised by
Atkins as Weston.
"Ah—you are just come in time, Weston," Atkins ex-
claimed. " Here is a stranger with horses—you know. Go
With him behind the house, and see them safely lodged.
THE STOEM BEEAKS.
333
Afterwards, come to the house; I cannot leave the two
Regulators alone there."
" Regulators ! Have you any Regulators in your house V
"They are only guests, who will remain here for the
night," Atkins said, anxious to quiet his apprehensions.
"You must wait until the storm is over; it is just going to
burst now. When the horses once get to the brook it will
do them no harm; nobody will find their tracks then."
" In the brook ! But they are not standing in the brook
yet; I have them up there, at the corner of the field."
" The deuce take you! Why didn't you bring them to the
old place1?"
" It is the first time I have been here."
"We had better take them in at once," exclaimed
Atkins, annoyed. " I should not particularly like to have
horses' foot-prints seen up there at the corner of the
fence. Take them, Weston, to the back door. I will step
into the house for a moment, and soon join you. Excuse
me a moment, gentlemen," he said, addressing the two Regu-
lators on his return into the room, after he had carefully
closed the door; "a stranger, who seems to be very par-
tieular, and wants to get his horse under shelter, has just
arrived. He will soon come in.—But, hallo! the storm is
coming on with a vengeance. Dear me, how furious it is!
That flash of lightning was blinding; one can hardly get
one's sight again!"
" It is strange how clear one can see everything!" said
Curtis, looking through a little window cut in the logs which
formed the wall. " At such a flash, one can take in all the
fields at a single glance."
" Will you not sit at the fire-side, gentlemen ?" said Atkins,
a little disturbed; "there is a draught where you are, and
here one is much more comfortable."
" Certainly," said Cook, drawing his chair near the fire
and sitting down, putting, in western fashion, his feet upon
the mantelpiece. " Come, Curtis, let the storm roar outside
as long as it pleases, and thank Heaven that you know
your own skin is kept dry."
" I really am thankful for it," said Curtis, laughing,
taking a bottle from the table ; " and in order to show you
how much I value it, we will just drink—bless me, what a.
Y
THE EEATHEBED ABEOW.
-clap of tlmnder!—well, tre will just take a good draught
from this bottle. Hallo I where are you going, Atkins?"
" I must go for a minute to my wife. The women-kind
"will be frightened to death if they are left alone. I shall be
hack again presently."
He went out quickly, taking care to shut the door as
closely as the wooden latch, which supplied the place of a
lock, would allow. For a few seconds the two ^Regulators
kept their seats without moving; then Cook sprang up, and
said in a whisper—
" Curtis, my heart begins to beat wonderfully fast ; what
a night this is ! the lightning really seems to smell of
sulphur ; those fellows in the reedland will get wet through."
" That cannot be helped," replied Curtis, examining the
Toom. " Here are two rifles, one above each door—that is a
necessary precaution."
" The best plan will be to put them out of harm's way.
For ourselves, we shall not require them; and to prevent
Atkins doing injury with them," he continued, standing
upon a chair and taking them down one after the other,
" I think we had better take the powder off the lock. Yes,
indeed, they are both loaded, though the one is covered with
dust. Are there any other weapons about the place 2"
" I don't see any," said Cook, looking about the room;
" perhaps he has some concealed somewhere."
"Just examine the bed, above and below; is there
nothing 2"
"No, I don't fee 1 anything; but—here—yes, I have found
a pair of pistols. Oh, that's not bad; they are handy in
case the necessity should arise. Only wait a little, you
rogue, and we shall spoil your fun. That's a good job done,
and I should like to know which of his four fire-arms will go
off first now."
"You had better be careful with the pistols, they some-
times go off very easily, even when one thinks there is no
powder on the lock; and a single spark—:—"
" I have poured a little tobacco-juice into them, and the
same to the rifles; and he might pull the triggers off before
lie could make them fire."
"I should not wonder if the storm were to blow the roof
■off the house. Did you hea»- *hat tree fall ? By Heavens!
ANXIOUS MOMENTS.
335
I begin to feel very uncomfortable ; I wish we had waited
for a better opportunity."
" My heart beats like a forge-hammer," said Cook, walking
up and down the room. "We shall not even hear their
whistle through the raging storm."
" It is all the same. We must pot quit our post. I wish
I' could see something. It is not nice to walk about like
this in the dark, all in doubt and uncertainty, while one
knows there is a parcel of rough fellows lying in ambush
somewhere, and waiting for their booty. It seems to me
really just like squatting in the forest at night, and hearing
a noise without knowing what or where it is."
"Or in some large cavern with a torch, hearing the
growling of a bear without knowing exactly whereabouts he
may be. I once—dear me, that time a thunderbolt must
have fallen; the lightning and thunder almost came together
—I was once in such a fix."
" Did you not hear something just now ?"
"No. What can one hear in such a raging storm? I
only pity poor Stevenson and his boy—they will have a good
remembrance of Arkansas."
" Is the Canada man with them in the reedland, or have
they posted him in the wood?"
" Oh, no; he is to be one of the attacking party, and good
service, too, he will do. He is a stout fellow. Hark! Did
you hear anything?"
" No, I did not. I wonder what the women will say."
" I am sorry;that the child happens to be ill just now."
" That cannot be helped. By Heavens! that was the
signal whistle. Now, Cook, let us be upon our guard. The
crisis is at hand."
" Come quickly," whispered Atkins to the man, who was
waiting for him outside the fence. " If we only get the
business over, we shall be all the better for the storm; for
this much is certain, it will wash away all tracks. The deuce
take it for all that! it is no joke to be out in such weather.
J ones told me you would not be here for a week."
" Oh, can't you stop talking until we get upon dry ground?"
the old man murmured, pretending to be angry ; " is this
fit weather for conversation ? I have nothing else to do but
to deliver up the animals ; and I wish I had left the job tQ
y 2
386
'XH.E FEATHERED ARROW.
somebody else, for to be exposed to such a pouring rain is
enough to kill one."
" Where are the horses T
"Up there, somewhere at the corner of the fence. My
boy is with them, that is to say, if the rain has not washed
him away."
With these words he put two fingers between his teeth
and gave a low but shrill whistle.
" What are you doing T asked Atkins, astonished.
" Don't you perceive, he answered it over there," said the
old man. " He really is still alive. Where is the entrance V
" Just above there. You are not far from it. When you
come again you had better ride into the brook about a
hundred paces higher up. Do you see the place ?"
" See ! I should like to know how you can think that I
do. See ! See in such weather ! Why, one cannot see
one's hand before one, except when it lightens. Here is
the boy. Ned, come here ; are you still alive V
" Yes, father," whispered the young man. " It is horrible
weather. I feel awfully wet and cold."
"Nonsense! we shall get dry presently. Come, follow us.
Did the horses stand quiet ?"
" Pretty well—except the black one, which kept shying at
the lightning."
" Oficourse; what animal could stand quietly such a night ?
But what are you doing 1 Are you pulling down the fence T
" Yes," said Atkins. " I do not wish to have a door here;
I have therefore hit upon this plan. There are too many
spies in the neighbourhood, and the slightest thing in any
way extraordinary creates suspicion. So, come here; take
care, there are some trees cut down. Ah ! that flash of
lightning was just in time."
" Is the place where you keep the horses far from here ?"
"Not a hundred paces. A plague upon it! what a clap
of thunder! You may let the fence lie until we return,
none of the horses can run away, they are all under the
shed. Now follow me ; this is the place."
Another dazzling flash illumined the scene, and showed
Stevenson that they were standing near a fence, close to
some reeds which had been bitten off on the other side.
"Wait a minute," said Atkins, quickly, "I only want to
THE SIGHAIi GIVEH.
337
push the fence and the lower trunks back; there will be
an opening presently. Now, bring the horses down; nobody
will look for them there. What are you doing ? trea-
chery!"
He had good reason to be surprised; for as soon as the
entrance to the hiding-place was opened, Stevenson gave
a loud shrill whistle. The next moment a bright flash
of lightning lighted up the spot with the splendour of day.
Half blinded by its rays, Atkins looked round, and saw
several dark figures approaching. The thunder rumbled over
their heads. Just at that instant the powerful Tennessee
man stretched out his hand ready to seize the horse-stealer
by the collar; but the darkness favoured the man familiar
with the locality, and he glided away. Stevenson took hold
of his son, who had likewise been rapidly approaching to
catch the criminal. A second flash of lightning showed the
direction in which Atkins was seeking to make his escape;
and Weston, too, who had been nearly paralysed by the
first surprise, was at his side. The direction in which they
bent their flight was guarded, and they had almost fallen
into the hands of two other men, when another flash
showed them the danger. Weston heard from that side the
signal of the pursuers; and at once perceived that this was
no casual and accidental discovery, but a well-concerted plan.
He felt convinced that all chance of escape was cut off,
and hoped to find the small path which ran between the
two houses open, by which he might gain the forest, and
thus at least get off for the present. Just as he was running
along between the two buildings, he heard on his right hand
a desperate struggle. Eefore, the loud voices of the ap-
proaching foe; behind, those already in pursuit. In his
despair he rushed into the room in which the women were
assembled. They rose from their seats with cries of alarm,
not so much on account of the sudden intrusion, as of the
frightful looks of the fugitive.
338
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
CHAPTER XXXI.
the ladies' party—various cases op sick children related fob
the comport of the mother—a surprise.
" Oh, Mrs. Mullins, I would thank you for another cup of
coffee," said the widow Fulweal, as she rocked the groaning
child in her arms, and kept walking up and down the room.
" How his dear little head burns!" she exclaimed, holding
the sick child so near the candle that it moved his feverish
face and began to scream anew.
"Whist, baby—whist! do not cry : what lungs that child
has, and this is now the third dose of calomel I have given
him this blessed day. Whist, baby—whist!"
"Yes," said the elder Miss Heifer, filling her short pipe
and placing some burning embers on it; "yes," she said,
inhaling the smoke at every word; "yes—the poor little
worm—has now—already—to-day—made our arms lame—
poor little thing !"
" Have you a little more of that tobacco, Miss Heifer?"
asked Mrs. Fulweal, stepping to the fire-place and producing
a pipe of the same kind, which had been concealed between
the logs of the wall. " I have only smoked two all day, and
chewing does not agree with me. Oh, Mrs. Mullins, pray
take the baby a little."
" Why do you not chew gum-wax ?"* asked Mrs. Smith.
" I went out in search of wax the morning before last,"
said the young widow, " but Betsy would not give it me
back when I came away. Good heavens ! how the child
keeps crying! Wouldn't you like to take another cup of
coffee, Mrs. Atkins ? It will do you good."
" Thank you—thank you," she said, stepping to the child
and laying her cold icy hand on his glowing forehead.
* A very disagreeable habit among the inhabitants of the Far West of
America, and of Arkansans especially, is to chew a kind of wax or resin,
which oozes from the so-called gum-tree, and has a peculiar, sharp, and by
no means sweet taste. The backwoodsmen—but, above all, the women
and children—chew this gum-wax until they are tired of doing so, and then
pass the quid to some other member of the family, who, without the least
hesitation, chews it in turn.
SICK CHILDEEK.
"Dear me, it gets colder and colder,—it is sure to die
to-night."
" Oh, no; nothing of the kind," said Mrs. Smith, calmingly,
" nothing of the kind, Mrs. Atkins. I have seen children
much worse than this. Mr. Preston's baby had dark purple
spots upon his little cheeks, and was much worse than your
little one. It coughed, too, a great deal more, and yet, for
all that, it did live—that is to say, for five days."
" But it died, after all V asked the mother; in anguish.
"Yes; I am sorry to say it did. We did everything we
could for the poor little thing; Mrs. Fulweal knows that. It
had several doses of Cayenne-pepper. It could not keep it all
down, poor thing, its stomach was so weak. And the
mustard poultice on its back made the skin as red as fire..
It died at last."
" And what a dear angel the child was!" chimed in Mrs.
Fulweal, who had got her pipe alight, and had taken the little
one in her arms again, " a real cherub—it swallowed the
calomel and the castor-oil as if it had been treacle; arid then,
it was a real pleasure to see how calmly it died."
" Mr. Stewart's baby was such a sweet little thing, too,,
before it died," said Mrs. Smith; " it had just such a cough
as this one: it is strange how illness comes on. In the
morning it was fresh and healthy, and in the evening, pale
and dead;—poor little soul!"
" How blue the spots are getting!" said Mrs. Barill,
leaning over the sufferer.
"Where, where?" the mother cried, in anguish "What
did you say about these blue spots ? Are they dangerous %
Heavens ! the child will be taken from me."
" Nonsense !" said Mrs. Fulweal. "Blue spots ! I should
like to know where blue spots are to be found 1 What on
earth does Mrs. Barill know of children's diseases %
The third that died under her hands was hardly six
months' old, and all three were not ill longer than a
week."
" The blue spots, a foreign doctor once assured me, are
a very bad sign," said the youngest Miss Heifer. " My
brother George's girl got them, and she nearly died that very
night. As it was, she lived till the next morning."
" Has the child really got those blue spots ?" Mrs. Atkins
340
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
exclaimed, in agony. " Have things gone so far already ?
Must it, then, really die ?"
" Oh dear me, no," said Mrs. Heifer. " There is no danger.
The blue spots are nothing. I do not like that wheezing
cough. My poor little girl, who died last month, coughed
exactly like that."
The mother sat down upon her bed, wringing her hands.
" Ladies," said Mrs. Howies, who had been sitting quietly
smoking her pipe, and now knocked the ashes out on the
hearth, " I really do not see why you should worry this
poor woman so. Good gracious ! that is lightning ! it struck
all my nerves—neither blue spots nor a wheezing cough are
so certain " She paused, for the roar of the thunder
drowned even the child's crying. "They are by no means
certain signs," she continued, when the storm became a little
quieter, " that one should always expect death. I myself
know of two cases where both the children recovered; that
is, the one went blind, and the other was afterwards bitten
by a mad dog—but then the blue spots had nothing to do
with that. What is the use of worrying oneself, when
there is no real danger ?"
"You think, then, my child may get better?"
" Why not ? It has taken medicine enough to cure six
children ; and if it did not look so yellow about its eyes "
" Yellow about its eyes ?" asked the mother in terror,
approaching the child with her candle. " What does that
mean? Mrs. Fulweal, pray tell me—you are experienced;
do tell me. Do you think that " She did not dare to
finish the sentence, but burying her face in her hands, she
whispered, " I have deserved it—have deserved it on Ellen's'
account—deserved it from my knowledge of " In terror
she arose, fearing lest anybody might have heard these
words, and then sank back into her former position.
That fearful clap and crash of thunder, referred to in a
former chapter, resounded over the tops of the waving trees,
and the women started up in amazement. For several
seconds the silence of death reigned in the room. At last the
youngest Miss Heifer whispered to Mrs. Mullins, who was
sitting by her side—
" It was just such weather when Houston's first-born died—
just such a thunder."
DOCTORS AT A DISCOUNT.
341
" "VVe have not had such a thunderstorm for a long while,"
said Mrs. Fulweal, groaning, and lighting her pipe for the
fifteenth time. "It is enough to frighten one, even under
the shelter of the house. A bad night for those outside !"
" Of what disease did your youngest die, Mrs. Mullins ?"
asked the eldest Miss Heifer, drawing her chair nearer.
" Some said it was the small-pox, and the report, as you
may imagine, alarmed us not a "
" Lord bless you ! my dearest Miss Heifer—the small-pox
—I really wonder how pe6ple can talk such stuff—the small-
pox ! The sweet little thing had nothing but a slight attack
of cholerine, and I never could make out how it got that.
It had eaten nothing but a few green peaches and plums,
as children always do in summer, and those cannot have
done it much harm."
"Were any of you present at the death of Mrs. Carlton's
Anna?"
" I was," said Mrs. Smith, " and I do not wish to speak ill
of Mrs. Carlton—but this much I do' know, that she might
have given me a cup of coffee, when one sat up all night;
and a little tobacco would not have hurt."
" At that time the doctor from Little-rock was in the
neighbourhood, was he not ?" asked Mrs. Curmales. " Did
they not call him in ?"
"The doctor? I should like to know why?" observed
Mrs. Fulweal, rather pointedly. "We know better about
children's diseases. He comes with his few Latin terms, and
gives the thing another name, and that is all. He has words
for things, which are themselves enough to turn one's tongue
to pronounce them; and—dear me, how it lightens this
evening—and, after all, babies die as well. The little thing,"
she continued, quite in her element, while the others listened
reverentially; " the little worm was almost saved by me. It
was very much exhausted, and its little legs grew cold.
It would not keep anything upon its stomach. It threw up
the very best calomel we could give. It could not bear
the smell of 'Indian physic;' and could not look at lobelia,
or it might have been cured. The doctor had hardly been
in the house half an hour, when the child turned on its
side, struggled for breath, and was gone. What is the
matter?"
342
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
Mrs. Atkins had started to her feet, and was listening
attentively.
"What was it? Have you seen, anything?" asked the
former speaker, in a fright.
" Seen? Ho! I have seen nothing. But did you not hear
a whistle out in the yard?"
"Yes, I thought so," said Mrs. Mullins; "but the storm
is so violent, one cannot distinguish anything."
"Did not some one shout?" asked Mrs. Atkins, pale and
frightened, listening anxiously.
" Oh dear no," murmured Mrs. Fulweal. " Who can be
out in such weather? But, what was I going to say? I
should like a doctor to cross my threshold with his little
bits of this and of that, and—great Heavens!"
The exclamation this time was caused by something more
than a simple imaginary alarm. All the women jumped up
with a cry of anguish; for the door opened suddenly, and in
rushed, with death-like looks and streaming hair, young
Weston. He exclaimed, in a frightened tone of voice—
" Hide me, or I am lost!"
Then, though but half-conscious of what he was doing,
yet guided by a certain instinct, he rushed across the room,
and crept behind the bedstead, which filled one corner of the
apartment.
" For God's sake, Weston, what has happened?" asked, in
the anguish of death, Mrs. Atkins.
He had no time to answer; for, at that moment, the dark
figure of the half-caste man suddenly appeared in the door-
way. He exclaimed, in his rough way—
" He must have entered here. Where is he ?"
"Where is who?" said Mrs. Fulweal, who, acquainted
with Cotton and Weston, knew what had happened, and
thus was the first to regain presence of mind,—" Where is
who? Is that the way to enter other people's houses, and
even to come into a room where there are ladies and inva-
lids? Whom do you want? What are you looking after?
The wind will blow the candle out. The people live over
there, opposite." And without letting the Canadian, sur-
prised and perplexed by her manner, reply, she pushed him
out, and put down the latch. " There," she said, barring the
door. "How let us have a look at our prisoner."
TJNPEOTECTED FEMALES.
343
Meanwhile, all the other women, with the exception of
Mrs. Atkins, had regained their self-possession and—their
tongues. Such exclamations arose, and questions were asked,
that the poor child, frightened and terrified, stretched forth
its little head, and was silent for a moment. It then threw
itself hack, and began to roar again.
"What has happened? Who is this man? What has he
done? To whom does that dark face belong? Whence
comes that intruder? And are we to hide him? Will
there be any further search after him?"
All this was uttered in such a Babel of sounds, that each
woman could hardly hear her neighbour's question, much
less her answer.
Somebody touched the latch outside, and immediately
afterwards there was a knock at the door.
"Who is that knocking so late? and what do you want?"
asked the widow Fulweal, assuming once more the office of
a spokesman, which the others readily relinquished to her.
" Don't you know that there is a sick child here?"
"Ladies, you will allow me to ask one question," said the
voice outside, which Mrs. Atkins, horror-stricken, reco-
gnised as Brown's. " Has a young man taken refuge in this
room?"
Mrs. Fulweal, before replying, looked round the circle of
her companions. Their hearts were all in favour of Weston,
and they were quite resolved not to give him up, whatever
he might have done. A general nodding of heads responded
to Mrs. Fulweal's searching look; and that latter dame, as
deputy speaker of the fortress, wishing to avoid a direct
untruth, thought better to look for some other way of
escape. She therefore began to play the part of the injured
woman, and with her shrill and sharp voice exclaimed, quite
indignantly—
"How, I wonder what they can be looking for here?
This is hardly the time or the weather for tomfoolery. We
are just going to bed, and don't wish to be disturbed. Good
night, sir."
The parleying was thus broken off, and the inquirer
silenced. At least, he seemed to have abandoned the
attempt to get any more information on the subject, and
left the door. For several minutes, Mrs. Fulweal and the
344
THE PEATHEBED ABBOW.
others listened with "beating hearts. No further sound was
heard—everything was quiet and still as the grave. The
widow Fulweal was about proceeding on tiptoe to the
fugitive, who kept behind the bedstead, when her attention,
as well as that of the other women, was directed towards
Mrs. Atkins. That lady kept holding on to the back of her
chair, and was evidently making violent exertions to main-
tain the command of her feelings. She struggled for some
time; but at last her courage forsook her, and she would
have fallen to the ground, had not the women caught her in
their arms. The frightful nature of her situation struck her
the moment she heard the voice of the leader of the Regu-
lators; and fearing the worst, being fully aware of the guilt
of her husband, she could hold up no longer. Her body was,
moreover, exhausted by watching and anxiety, and she sank
at once beneath this last blow.
The noise and confusion outside was terrible. Curtis had
hardly given his friend warning, and both the men had
taken up their post at the two doors, when a jump was
heard at the porch between the two houses, and almost at
the same moment Atkins rushed in, his eyes flashing wildly,
and his hair streaming from his head. He knew that the
two men were in league with his opponents; but he also
knew that without weapons in the middle of the forest he
was lost, and he therefore came to procure weapons at any
risk—even at that of his own life. Relying upon the effect
of the first surprise, he opened the door and dashed into the
room. At a glance he perceived that liis rifles were in the
grasp of his enemies ; but the bed was unoccupied, and with
a shout of triumph he rushed towards it, drew forth the
pistols, and rushed to the door, holding the weapons at full
cock against Cook, evidently with a view of keeping him
back and of opening a path for himself. The latter did not
move, and Atkins, not hesitating to sacrifice the life of an-
other to save his own, pulled the trigger.
Fearful was his surprise and dismay on finding that on
which he had placed his only hope, a useless weapon. The
trigger fell with a dead, heavy sound, and his hand relaxed
its grasp of the treacherous weapon. Flight was now his
sole chance ; he must away !
Atkins looked wildly at the door by which he had en-
ATKINS IS SECUBED.
315
tered, and cauglit sight at that moment of his pursuers.
Cook and Curtis rushed upon him, and bound him with
strong cords.
" Where is the other man T asked Brown. " Does any-
body know V'
" He rushed into the other house," replied the Canadian.
" I saw him go in with my own eyes. But the females will
not give him up."
" Then I will see whether they will refuse me admittance,"
replied the leader, as he stepped to the opposite door.
Of his success we have already had a glimpse. Without
losing further time and trouble, he at once took measures to
seize the fugitive whenever he might attempt to continue
his flight into the forest, which he would of course do before
break of day.
" Gentlemen," said Brown, addressing his friends, " that
fellow must not be allowed to escape. He is certainly one
of the band; and who knows whether he is not one of the
murderers, or how far he is implicated in the crimes that
have been committed 1 Let us therefore surround the house
and keep a good watch, but be quiet about it, so as to make
him believe the way of escape is still open. Has the mu-
latto been caught ?"
" No," said Barill; " the scoundrel must have escaped
through the wood. I cannot tell how he managed to get
away."
"That's bad—a very bad job," Brown observed. "He
will make a noise. But it can't be helped now. We have
discovered their secret hiding-place, and for the rest we must
trust to our good luck. Now, gentlemen, to your posts;
the rain has ceased, and the wind will soon dry our clothes.
Take the prisoner to the fire, Cook; he is very wet."
" Well," said Cook, as he helped Curtis to execute this order,
" it is but fair that we who are dry should take the watch out-
side, while Stevenson and his son can remain here at the
fire guarding the prisoner. We are under great obligations
to those two men, and I should be sorry if they were to be
laid up from exposure to the wet."
" Very well," replied Brown; "that is but fair. Where
are they ?"
The Stevensons—father and son—stepped into the room
346
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
to undertake their fresh duty. This was indeed an agree-
able change for them. The other men went to their posts;
and Brown, who had been conversing in an undertone with
the elder Stevenson, was about to follow them, when he drew
back from the door with a start. In the porch, with a wild
expression on his dark features, stood the Indian.
" Assowaum!" Brown exclaimed, with joyous surprise,
" you have come at last! We have been doing your work
for you in the meantime."
" Why have you taken this man prisoner ?" asked the
Indian, in an undertone, pointing to Atkins with his hand,
in which he held a bow and several arrows.
" He was the receiver of the stolen horses ; but you will
learn all about it to-morrow. Have you only just re-
turned ?"
" No ; I have made a prisoner."
" Whom ? and where ?"
" Johnson. I took him out there in the forest."
" Have you any proofs of his guilt ?"
" He knew that some one was upon his trail, and he was
afraid. Do you know these weapons ? The arrows are poi-
soned. With these in his hand, he crept up to Assowaum's
night encampment, and sought to take his life."
" A plague upon him ! *Have you bound him fast ? He
cannot get away ?" .
Assowaum smiled, and replied in a whisper—" Those
whom Assowaum fastens will not escape."
" Where have you been all this long time ? Some people
here spread the report that you had an interest in keeping
away."
"You placed no reliance in reports," replied the Indian.
" Can my brother fancy that I have been idle all this time ?
I have discovered Heathcott's murderers."
"You have? Well, who are they? Speak!" exclaimed
Brown, quite excited.
" J ohnson and Bowson!" said the Indian, in an under-
tone.
"Bowson ! By Heavens ! that is impossible," Brown ex-
claimed, starting back. " That would be horrible—Bowson
a murderer!"
"Johnson and Bowson!" Assowaum repeated, in a low
ROWS ON TJNMASKED.
347
tone, but firmly and decidedly. " The pale man also assisted
in stealing the horses."
" Man ! are you sure of what you say ?" exclaimed Brown,
writhing at the idea of Marion's being in the hands of such
a culprit. " Have you any proofs of such frightful accusa-
tions ?"
"The pale man has assisted in stealing the horses. I
know it for certain; and his hands are stained with blood.
He is a murderer !"
" Heavens! Assowaum, do you know whom you are
accusing ?"
" The Methodist preacher," replied the Indian, doggedly.
" I half suspect that he too crushed the Flower of the Prai-
ries. In vain has Assowaum hitherto examined the spot
where the deed was committed. About his having killed
Heathcott, there can be no doubt; I have known that these
last four days." "
" And why did you not come and tell me ?"
" If the white men found him guilty of that one murder,"
said Assowaum, smiling, in a wild, almost ghastly manner,
"they would not care about inquiring into the other affair.
They would hang him; and thus Assowaum's revenge would
escape from him and pass into the hands of others. Asso-
waurn is a man, and he will take his own revenge him-
self."
" Where is your prisoner V
" In the forest. He thought of finding a chief asleep.
Did my brother ever see a panther asleep ?"
" Then we must What is that 1 It is the third time that
-a noise like the cry of an owl has been heard, and always in
that direction. Should that be a signal ?"
The Indian listened. Again the monotonous cry of the
shy bird of night sounded upon their ears. It was heard
three times, at slowly-measured intervals, and three times in
the same manner did the dark son of the forest reply. But
now the cry was heard no more.
" It was an owl," said Brown, listening attentively.
" Perhaps it was—perhaps not," replied the Indian, eau-
tiously. " This man here will know the signal."
Atkins, to whom the Indian pointed as he said this, had
been casting anxious glances towards the door, and a con-
348
TIIE EEATHEEED AEItOTP.
vulsive trembling passed over bis body when Assowaum
replied to the cry. As all was again quiet, and no sound
came from the woods, a scornful smile passed over his features,
and without heeding what was going on, he bent over
the cheerful flame, and refused to answer any questions
that were put to him by Brown. In fact, he turned his back
upon him, and on the man who had first betrayed him, and
was now guarding him.
The Indian, with some of the Regulators, had again left
the blockhouse, and a deep silence reigned. In about half an
hour this was broken all at once by a wild cry of anguish,
which re-echoed from the back part of the fence, just where
it joined the forest. Immediately afterwards, Wilson and
Barill brought Weston in a prisoner : he had fallen into
the trap laid for him, by attempting to secure his flight.
Soon afterwards, Assowaum made his appearance, with
two of the Regulators. They thrust Johnson, pale and
trembling, into the room. Right opposite to him stood
Harfield, whose fierceness of character has been previously
noticed.
" After all, then, sir, we were not far wrong," he remarked,
measuring his adversary with a glance. " After all, it ap-
pears that you are one of the band. You are in rather a
desperate position. Who captured that man ?"
" The Indian," replied Cook, pointing to him.
" Oh, Assowaum!" cried Harfield, who had not been before
aware of the Indian's presence. " That's right, you are here
again ; I am glad that you bring with you such unmistake-
able jn'oofs of goodwill. Hang it, Assowaum, if ever you
want me to do you a good turn for that service, you have
only to ask me. I should not think too much of five hun-
dred dollars. Here, take my rifle; I know yours is getting
rather used up;—take it, and may it serve you as well as it
has served me. And you, fellow," he continued, addressing
the trembling criminal, "this time you shall not escape the
punishment you deserve. When we met last, you were
precious proud and indignant. At present things seem to
have changed. Only look how the scoundrel trembles ; his
knees can hardly support him."
" A plague upon you !" replied Johnson, drawing himself
up to his full height. "You may bind me, and Lynch me.
DAY OP TRIAL APPOINTED.
349
You are a precious set, and, just like a pack of hounds, fall
all of you upon one man."
Harfield was about to reply, but Brown stopped him,
saying—
"Let him alone ; he may boast or scold, just as he pleases—
we shall still keep him prisoner; the testimony of the Indian,
whom he wished to surprise and to murder, is sufficient. That's
one cause of indictment; the rest will soon follow. As
soon as we have secured his associates, the Court—namely,
our Court—will take further proceedings. Our next measure
is to endeavour to find their second hiding-place. Who
knows the way?"
" I do," said Assowaum; " but does my brother believe
that the bear will return to its den when he scents the track
of the hunter at its entrance ? The imitation of the owl's
cry was meant for the inhabitants of this place ; we did not
know how to answer it properly. Those rascals have been
warned, and will not be easily found."
"You maybe right, Assowaum," said Brown; "but we
must make the experiment, and our next task will be to
endeavour to find that—-I mean the other man whom you
think guilty. To tell you the truth, I can scarcely believe
that your suspicions in this matter are well founded."
" Who is the other man of whom the Indian speaks ?"
asked Stevenson.
" You shall see him to-morrow," Brown replied, evading
the question. " But, my dear Mr. Stevenson, you will re-
main with us until we have finished this affair, will you not?
You must see how we execute j ustice here in Arkansas."
"I shall remain here, of course," replied the old man,
giving Brown a hearty shake of the hand.
" The female part of your family can, in the meantime, look
upon my home as their own," said Heinze. " Cook told me
they were squatting about a quarter of a mile from my house:
I will go there to-morrow morning, and conduct them home
myself. When is our Court to be held ?"
" On Monday morning."
" And where ?"
"In the forest, just below Wiswill's mill, where the
steep rock overhangs the river. There is an open space at
the top, and we will bring all the prisoners there."
z
350
THE PEATHEBED AEBOW
" For whom are you still looking ?" asked Harfield.
" Cotton and Rowson."
"Rowson? the preacher? the Methodist?" they all ex-
claimed, with amazement.
" The Methodist preacher," replied Brown, in an under-
tone.
" And who accuses him ?" asked Mullins.
" Assowaum," replied the leader of the Regulators, point-
ing to the Indian, whose dark form was visible before the
chimney, while his eyes met the inquiring glances of the
company with firmness.
" There is blood upon his hand," he replied at last, after
a short pause. " There is blood upon his trail; and neither
the waters of the Petite-Jeanne, nor those of the Fourche-la-
Fave, could wash the stains out."
" And to-morrow morning he means to marry old Roberts's
daughter," exclaimed Cook. " It is impossible. The Indian
must be mistaken."
" That pious Rowson !" uttered Mullins, quite aghast with
surprise.
" Talking is of no use," said Brown, resolutely; "we must
act. If this is nothing more than a vague suspicion, then
Mr. Rowson, in justice to his own fair fame, will be glad to
have it cleared up as quickly as possible. Before we pursue
our researches, we must secure those confederates who are
most likely in the neighbourhood, and may have received
warning. Let Assowaum direct us to Johnson's hut, and
thence we will proceed to Rowson's dwelling. I dare say
we shall get there early in the morning."
" There must be some mistake," Mullins observed. " The
Indian, after all, is but a man."
" For weeks together Assowaum has examined the tracks,
and has measured and compared them," replied the savage.
"As true as it is the wind that shakes those old trees, the
pale man is a traitor."
" It is vain to hold an argument on the point," Brown
said, interfering to stop the discussion; "he has been accused,
and "
"But by whom?" said Mullins, interrupting him violently
and angrily. "By the Indian, who never was a friend of his.
He hated him because he converted Alapaha. Are we, upon
THE PRISONERS AND THEIR ESCORT.
351
such an accusation, to seize a pious man, and to wound his
feelings mortally? That certainly will not do. Pirst bring
forward your proofs, otherwise I shall protest against so rash
a course of action."
" Place us face to face," said the Indian, drawing himself
up proudly. " Place him before me; and if his eye can meet
mine, and bear its searching glance, then you may hang me
instead of him. Are you contented ?"
" I am," said Harfield, gravely. " I do not see why we
should treat the testimony of a Red man more lightly than
that of a white one. I never could bear that Methodist, and
I for one should not be at all surprised if the wolf was found
under the sheep's skin. He is a man like another, and hia
preaching does not, in my idea, invest him with any peculiar
merit. If he can clear himself from these accusations, so
much the better for him. I am almost afraid that the Indian
is too sure of the truth of what he asserts : his bearing is
not much like that of a man acting from mere suspicion. Lead
on, Brown; every minute we waste thus is, practically speak-
ing, irreparably lost."
"And what is to be done with these prisoners in the-
meantime ?" asked Cook, pointing to Atkins, Weston, and.
J ohnson.
" The best thing will be, to get them away from this place
this very night," said Brown.
" The house is full of women ; Mrs. Atkins cannot, there-
fore, be in want of assistance. Yet where, after all, shall we
take them ?"
" To my place," said Wilson. " Curmales, I am sure, will
not refuse to receive the Regulators with their prisoners,
and we shall in that case only have to place a trusty guard."
" I will render you that service," said Curtis; " I shall
find some comrades to help me, and my rifle will answer for
their not escaping. Let us away at once. It cannot be far -
from morning; and if Cotton really has been warned, it will;
be a difficult task to catch him. He is up to all kinds of
dodges. Some of you lead the prisoners away, and the.
remainder go in search of their associates."
Quickly and without noise, the im-cssary steps were taken,,
to spare further trouble to the women. The three prisoners,
escorted by six well-armed men, were soon on their road to
z 2
352
the eeathered arrow.
their provisional prison. Pelter and Hostler remained as
guards in Atkins's house; and the others, guided by Asse-
waum, set out for the lonely hut in the forest. Here they
hoped to find the other criminals, or at least to procure new
proofs of the guilt of the prisoners.
Midnight overshadowed the forest; the mighty trees still
waved and groaned, shaking heavy showers of rain-drops from
their leaves; the lightning still played in the east, and the
distant thunder was heard retreating rapidly. Cautiously
and quickly, a dark form stepped over the fence that sur-
rounded Johnson's cottage. It was Cotton. He glided into
the hut, collected such weapons and articles of dress as he
thought he might require, and stowed away, in a hollow tree
near the hut, several other things which he did not wish to
fall into the hands of his enemies.
Blowing the dying embers, he removed them from the
hearth, and put them under the bed. With a wary glance
he took leave of the room that had so long afforded him
shelter against his foes, and with a terrible oath upon his
pale, haggard lips, disappeared, noiselessly as he had come,
in the deep impenetrable shadow of the forest.
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE CROSS-OAK,
The Cross-oak was a place quite familiar to all hunters at
the Fourche-la-Fave. It stood on the bank of a small lake
near a thicket of reeds. The latter had been, about a year
before the period of our narrative, set on fire, probably owing
to the negligence of some Indians, and still j)resented a very
gloomy and desolate appearance.
One of the branches of a large tree that stood near, the
top of which had been struck by the lightning, had been
forced into the forkedbough of a neighbouring oak, and had
thus formed a rough though plainly discernible image of a
cross.
Rowson as well as Cotton knew the place well. The former
had sometimes held prayei'-meetings there—or, as they were
called, camp-meetings. Cotton had been attracted thither by
THE RENDEZVOUS.
353
the fact of there being many stags, and even sometimes bears,
in the neighbourhood. Cotton reached the spot about an
hour before the time fixed by Rowson, and kept walking
quickly and with agitation up and down the border of
the slough, casting now and then impatient glances in the
direction in which he expected his friend, and listening at
the same time attentively in all directions for any sounds
that might give warning of surprise or danger. The
crackling noise of dry branches breaking was heard, and,
serpent-like, the hunter disappeared behind the trunk of a
fallen tree, where he remained crouching as motionless as
the wood which concealed him. It was only the man he
expected; and rapidly the fugitive glided from his hiding-
place, and stepped towards his friend.
" At last," he exclaimed, in ill-temper,—"At last you have
come; for an hour I have been suffering agonies."
" You must not complain. A s it is, I am here before my
time—it can hardly be half-past eight, and you know we
had agreed to be here at that time."
" Yes, to meet perhaps for the last time."
" What's the matter V cried Rowson, evidently alarmed,
as he now for the first time observed the pale and haggard
countenance of his accomplice. "You look as if you had
brought a message of death:—are the Regulators "
" I wish it was but a message of death," said the hunter,
grinding his teeth. " Those hounds, the Regulators, have,
by some means or other, got upon the right scent, and have
taken Atkins by surprise."
" Indeed!" cried Rowson, anxiously; " and has he con-
fessed ?"
" I wasn't sufficiently curious to inquire about that," re-
plied Cotton. "Johnson, too, must have fallen into the
hands of that accursed Indian; for he went out to kill him,
and has not returned."
" But how do you know that Atkins "
" As Johnson did not return, I went to meet him, and
not finding a trace of him, I made for Atkins's house,
intending to tell him of my suspicions. On getting near, I
was surprised at the noise I heard in the neighbourhood.
Horses were galloping wildly about inside the fence; and
when I crept cautiously towards our secret entrance, I found
354
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
it open. Of course, my suspicions were thereby still further
increased. But I resolved to try another mode, and gave
our signal three times. For some time there was no answer,
and at last I heard a wrong one : only three cries were
given in reply to mine. I knew that treason was abroad.
I crept slowly and cautiously round the farm-house, and,
with all my care, had very nearly fallen into the hands of
these scoundrels, who had posted themselves in various
places. Just as I was passing a corner, a number of persons
sprang forward, throwing themselves upon a man, whom by
his voice I concluded to be Weston. You can fancy that I
did not hesitate about hastening away. As quickly as my
■legs would carry me, I made for Johnson's hut, hid the
things most valuable to us in the hollow gum-tree not far
from the cottage, and then set fire to the place. To come in
search of you was then my last hope."
" But what are we to do now ?" asked Bowson, anxiously,
as he paced up and down. " Suppose the prisoners betray
ns? Where is Jones 1"
" He is most likely in the hands of the Regulators," re-
plied Cotton. " At least I think so, for otherwise he would
have returned."
" Then we must fly," said Bowson ; " it is our sole chance,
and we have yet time."
" But how ? They will pursue us, and catch us."
" It will not do to go on horseback, under the circum-
stances, that's clear," said Bowson. " We should soon have
those fellows at our heels; and, after that rain, we should
leave very distinct traces indeed. My canoe is at hand. As
there is no danger to be apprehended from the side of
Harper's house to-day, we may, perhaps, reach the Arkansas
safely. If we get there,- we shall be out of the worst
danger. To-morrow morning we must be at the mouth of
the Bayou-Meter; and if we once make good our retreat so
far, we shall be safe."
" And what is to become of our brides ? I fancy Ellen
will be dreadfully disappointed," said the hunter, with a
sneer.
"We must think of them no longer," Bowson replied.
(t A plague upon it! To be thus balked with the prize
THE LAST CHANCE.
355
within one's grasp—it is too bad. After all, my neck is the
chief thing for me to care about; and I do not think they
will stand upon ceremony with respect to it if they once
get us into their clutches. It would he quite another thing
if there was a chance of their handing us over to the regular
judge and jury, and would give us legal advisers, and so on.
Then we might look on, and there would be time enough for
flight if matters should become serious. As things now
stand, there is no trusting to chance. Luckily, I have always
kept everything ready, and we can, as soon as we arrive at
my house Lord! I forgot that I shall have visitors ! I
must go alone, Cotton," he continued, addressing his friend.
" All the tribe of the Robertses, with Bahrens and Harper,
are at this moment on their way to my house. I must stop
them. I believe I can hit upon some excuse or other, as I
am on the road, so as to induce them to stay behind, and to
allow me to proceed alone. If we only get an hour's start,
I fear nothing; we shall be saved. Go to my house as fast
as you can. Although I must first go to Roberts, I shall
be there almost as soon as you are. My horse is a good one;
and if it only gets through the exertions of to-day, I don't
care how soon it breaks down afterwards."
" If you should happen to be late," said Cotton, " what
then ? Trust me, I shall not stop long."
" Go up by the ladder into the upper part of the house.
There's the little portmanteau kept ready for an emergency;
it contains all that we shall want on the road."
" And the signal ?"
" You will see me coming. The house has a look-out of
several hundred paces."
" After all, it is wrong of us to leave our comrades thus
in this scrape," said Cotton. " Who knows but that we
might be of some use to them by remaining here another
night 1 Many of the neighbouring farmers are favourably
disposed towards us, and would readily lend us a helping
hand. But of course they wont stir if we ourselves begin to
run away."
" The deuce take all your fine reasoning," said Rowson,
impatiently. " Do you suppose that I would go amongst
them now, when Johnson or Weston may have confessed
356
xnn feathered arrow.
everything ? I might he taken and bound. No; I will not
put my neck into the halter myself. No; I, for one, shall
go away; you may manage as you like."
" But you don't even know yet whether your name has
been mentioned. You surely remember our oath?"
" Certainly I do. But in such an emergency it will be of
little use. Oaths are fragile things ; and this would not be
the first that had been broken by a black hickory-stick. Did
not you say yourself that Johnson was afraid of being be-
trayed by that red savage ? The same thing that threatens
him threatens me; and my case is a good deal worse. If
the Indian had not returned to this neighbourhood, I might
have tried to remain. But I will not be exposed to the
secret revenge of such a fellow, and therefore I shall seek
another retreat. Will you come with me, or will you re-
main here ?"
"Of course I shall not expose myself alone to their
fury, as you may well fancy," replied the hunter. " At pre-
sent I dare not even show my face in Little-rock. No; I
think the earth a sufficiently comfortable place to live in,
and don't in the least wish to dwell up in the branches of an
oak-tree. Let's away, then : where shall we go to ?"
" I shall go to the Island," replied Bowson, resolutely.
" And you ?"
" Well, we shall have time enough to consider that mat-
ter on the road," replied the hunter, in an evasive manner.
" Just now, it strikes me that any place, including even the
House of Correction of Arkansas, were at this moment a
safer spot for us than the banks of the Fourche-la-Fa ve.
Make as much haste as you can; I should not like, under
the circumstances, to sit there waiting for an hour. Every
moment, I should expect to see the house surrounded by
the Begulators."
" Don't be afraid,—I shall be there soon enough. The
Bobertses, I hope, have not yet left home; their presence, in-
deed, might be inconvenient. As quickly as my hox-se can
carry me, I will be with you. The truth is, I am glad to have
brought this preaching business to an end: it has become
terribly wearisome to me, especially during the last fort-
night."
" I hope that the air of Arkansas may benefit your
preparations for a start.
357
health," replied Cotton, drawing out from a thicket his bundle
of clothes wrapped in a blanket. "You see I am ready for
the journey," he continued, casting a shy look around.
" Mind you come after me, as soon as you can:—Good-
bye!"
" Good-bye!" replied the preacher, as he watched his
comrade for a short time imtil he disappeared in the thicket.
Then he stepped to his horse, that had been quietly grazing
close at hand, leapt into the saddle, put spurs to the animal,
and galloped, as quickly as the thick underwood would allow,
into the forest, in the direction of Roberts's dwelling.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE CRIMINAL UNMASKED.
Harper and Bahrens had accepted Rowson's invitation with
reluctance. The former, in particular, did not much relish
the affair. It had been couched in such cordial terms, that
both were almost compelled to accept it. They set about
saddling and bridling their horses, that they might not keep
the company waiting when ready to start.
Marion felt a kind of inward dread at quitting for ever
the paternal .roof; and so strongly did this feeling get posses-
sion of her, that it was visible upon her features: and even
the rough Bahrens, generally veiy careless in such matters,
could not help observing it, and drawing Harper's attention
to the same. The latter endeavoured to convince him that
he was mistaken. Without further remark, everybody
attended to his own arrangements for the trip.
Mrs. Roberts, who had so many things to get ready
and to pack up, and had for a time been looking at the
preparations with increasing impatience, at last, with her
usual desire to do everything herself, conquered her
fatigue, and, jumping up from the rocking chair in which
she had been seated, turned towards Marion and Ellen,
taking down, at the same time, Marion's bonnet from
the peg:
" Come, children, you had better get ready, and go out
358
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
of the way. The bustle here is getting too much for you; I
have a lot of little things to get together that are quite in-
dispensable in a new household, and not easily to be found
in a bachelor's dwelling. When Mr. Rowson comes back,
Sam will take the two large baskets on his horse, and we
three will follow as quickly as possible. You can amuse
yourselves at Mr. ftowson's place; we shall not be long in
following."
Nobody had any objections to make to this; even Harper
gave way, though unwillingly; and soon after, the little
caravan, headed by Roberts and Bahrens, was in motion;
while Mrs. Roberts, busier than ever, bustled about among all
manner of boxes, taking out a great mass of things, that had
afterwards to be put back again as quite untransportable.
She was in the act of emptying her two large baskets for the
third time, in order to fill them with things that were more
needed, when, suddenly, the dark form of the Indian ap-
peared in the door, with such a grave and woful expression
of countenance, that the matron uttered a low cry of surprise
—nay, almost of terror—and nearly let a pot of peach jam,
which she held in her hand, fall to the ground.
"Oh, Assowaum!" she said at last, smiling, "you really
have frightened me, stepping into the door so quietly and'
unexpectedly, like a ghost. It is a long time since we saw
you. How have you been all this while ?"
" Has the pale man already led the blue-eyed girl to his
home ?" asked the Indian, without paying attention to her
friendly inquiry, as he looked about the room with a search-
ing glance. " Has Assowaum come too late ?"
" What is the matter with you, man ?" Mrs. Roberts ex-
claimed, now really frightened at the rolling eyes of the
Indian. " What has happened to Mr. Rowson 1 for he it is
that you always used to call the pale man."
" I have nothing to settle with him yet," replied Assowaum,
in a whisper; " but the Regulators have."
" Why do the Regulators trouble themselves about him ?
He does not belong to them; he does not even approve of
their meetings."
" I believe that," the savage answered, with a smile; and so
strange and awful a smile was it that lighted up his sombre
features, that Mrs. Roberts really felt frightened lest he had
-MES. EOBEETS ASTOUNDED.
359
gone mad on account of the loss of his squaw. She looked
round at the negro boy who was saddling her horse before
the door.
Assowaum seemed to understand what was passing in her
mind, for he drew his hand across his forehead, pushed his
hair back, and said, in an under-tone—
" Assowaum is not ill; but he has come here to save your
daughter. Is it too late ?"
" My daughter ? Good heavens ! what is the matter with
her now ? What do you mean by these mysterious words ?
Speak out, and let me know the worst. What is the matter
with my child ?"
" Has Marion become the pale man's wife ?"
" Ho—but what is the matter with Rowson ?"
"The Regulators are upon his track. He murdered
Heathcott."
" Gracious Heavens!" cried Mrs. Roberts, perfectly hor-
rifled, as she moved towards her chair, while the Indian re-
mained motionless and grave, standing in the doorway.
" That is a false accusation," she said at last, regaining her
self-possession, " a shameful calumny ! Who is the wretch
who dares make such a charge ?"
" It is myself," replied Assowaum, in a whisper; " myself,"
he repeated, after a short pause ; " he may defend himself if
he can. I fear that his hands are also stained with the blood
of Alapaha, of my wife "
" Horrible ! horrible !" groaned the unfortunate woman.
" And what is to become of my child? But no—it is not
possible ; it is a mistake—a terrible, maddening mistake; it
must be a mistake ! It will soon be cleared up. He will
come forth triumphantly from the ordeal."
" Onishin !" exclaimed the Indian. " But where are your
people?—where is the old man?—where is the girl?—
where is the pale man himself?"
" He will be back soon j I mean, immediately—Marion and
Roberts have gone over to his house. This afternoon the wed-
ding is to take place. Man—it is not possible that what you
say can be true ! Rowson, that pious man, cannot be a mur-
derer! Perhaps he killed that Regulator, who always in-
suited him, in self-defence."
"Whom did he charge with the deed?" asked the Indian,
360
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
gravely. " The pale man had two tongues in his mouth :
with one he spoke of love to God, with the other he uttered
words of anger to the murderer. Was that right, when he
knew that there was blood upon his own hands 1"
" I cannot believe it!—I cannot believe it!" exclaimed
the woman, wringing her hands.
" I remember the day after Alapalia's death," said Asso-
waum, in a suppressed voice, taking his wife's little toma-
hawk from his belt, and placing it upon the table. " With
this weapon," he continued, his voice growing fainter, but his
words still remaining distinct,—" with this weapon the
' Flower of the Prairies' defended herself against her cow-
ardly murderer, and on that day Rowson had a wound in
his arm. This," he continued, bringing forth a button from
his powder-pouch,—" this I took out of the clenched fingers
of Alapaha. It is one of Rowson's buttons. Assowaum has
spoken with people who say this is Rowson's button."
" All that proves nothing," said Mrs. Roberts, looking
earnestly at the son of the wilderness. " You have adduced
no proof as yet, man. I tell you, it is impossible that Rowson
can be such a villain."
" You may ask him yourself, for there he comes," replied
Assowaum, quietly. " Mark whether the pale man grows
paler still when the good woman tells him that he is a
murderer."
Before Mrs. Roberts could utter a word in reply, Asso-
waum had taken his tomahawk again, and with noiseless
step retreated into a hiding-place—namely, the bed which
stood in the corner, covered with a mosquito net. Almost
at the same moment, Mrs. Roberts heard the noise of Row-
son's horse approaching. He pulled up nervously. The
animal was quite covered with foam and dust. The preacher
jumped from the saddle, and stood upon the threshold. Had
he looked cautiously, he might at once have noticed the
pale and disturbed countenance of the good woman of the
house. Entirely absorbed by his own danger, he merely
asked, in a hoai^se tone of voice, almost inaudible, where his
intended and the men were. An oath died upon his lips,
when Mrs. Roberts, trembling, though striving to collect
herself, replied, that they had started, and expected him to
conduct her to them. Long accustomed to restrain his real
ROWSON CROSS-QUESTIONED.
361
feelings, he suppressed all angry expressions, and turned
round, intending to remount, and, if possible, to overtake his
visitors. He felt that he must endeavour to reach his house,
jump into his canoe, and ensure that flight by means of the
water, which, he now had reason to fear, was cut off on land.
As he turned away, Mrs. Roberts called him back, asking
him to enter. He felt that he could no longer play his
former part; and that, even were he so inclinedit would
be a mere loss of time that would expose him to the
danger of detection. Still a feeling of awe and shame
with respect to the woman he had so deceived/ gained the
upper hand, and he stepped into the room, intending to take
his leave of Mrs. Roberts in a friendly manner. He ap-
proached the table at which she was leaning, and on looking
up was struck by the paleness of her countenance.
Before he could propose a question with respect to her
altered appearance, she addressed him very gravely, though
still in the tone in which one would speak to an injured or
a calumniated friend :
" Mr. Rowson, will you promise to answer frankly and
unreservedly one question which I am about to ask you 1"
" Yes," said the preacher, somewhat disconcerted and em-
barrassed. " But I must beg of you to be quick ; for I really
must be off—you know I have so many things to attend to."
He had not the courage to encounter her glance. A
strange feeling weighed upon him, and he felt as if he were
standing before his judge.
" Mr. Rowson," said Mrs. Roberts, in a low but perfectly
distinct tone of voice, "I have been told very strange
things of you this morning."
" Of me 1—by whom ?" asked the preacher, in alarm.
" Who has been here 1"
" As yet they are but suspicions," continued Mrs. Roberts,
" and I hope that they will remain but suspicions. It is
however, necessary that you should yourself know what is
said about you, that you may be able to give a full and
perfect answer to all these accusations."
"I really do not know—such mysterious words—what
can have happened ?" stammered Rowson, becoming more and
more embarrassed, and casting a shy side-glance towards the
door as if half inclined to cut the matter short, and to avoid
362
THE EEATHEEED ARROW.
all further inquiry by flight. He had been playing with a
flower that lay upon the table, and he then took up, per-
fectly unconsciously, the button which the Indian had left
there.
" Do not touch that button, sir, for God's sake !" cried
Mrs. Roberts, observing his movements. A sudden frenzy
seemed to have overcome her. " It is "
" What is the matter with you, Mrs. Roberts 1" continued
Rowson, apparently indifferently, and resolved to bring the
conversation to an end. " You seem to be very much' ex-
cited. What is there in this button ? It is one of mine,
which probably "
" One of yours V cried Mrs. Roberts, in a tone of horror,
supporting herself up by the back of the chair. " It is
yours !"
"■ What is the matter with you ?"
" That button Assowaum found in the grasp of his mur-
dered wife," exclaimed the woman, who, before agitated by
the struggle of contending feelings of affection—yea,
reverence and horror—had hesitated, and could scarcely
speak. Now, however, she drew herself up, as one who cast
away both doubts and love, and continued—" You—you are
the murderer /"
The preacher suddenly placed his hand to his side, under
his waistcoat, where he kept his weapons concealed. Casting
a hurried glance round the room, his eye met that of the
Indian, who, with his rifle raised, kept him at bay, ex-
claiming—
" One step, and you are a dead man !"
Rowson gave himself up for lost : when Mrs. Roberts,
observing the menacing attitude of the Indian, and expecting
that he would instantly take his revenge for the blood of his
wife, pushed aside the deadly weapon, crying, in an excited
manner—
" Oh, not here—not before my eyes !"
Rowson observed her movement, and knowing that this
might perhaps be the last chance of flight, with the swift-
ness of a panther rushed out of the door, sprang into the
saddle, and disappeared in the thicket.
The red son of the forest followed him in wild haste.
Before he could, however, get another sure aim at the flying
THE PTTESTTIT.
363
form of his eiiemy, the thick brushwood concealed him from
his sight. Assowaum stepped back, went up to the horse
which stood before the house ready saddled for Mrs. Roberts,
took off the side-saddle, seized the bridle from the hand
of the bewildered negro boy, sprang upon the animal's bare
back, and urging it on with his heels, followed the trail of
him whom he meant to be his victim.
CHAPTER XXXIV,
THE SIEGE.
"Look you—I was right, after all; there is the house," said
Roberts, as the little caravan emerged from the border of the
wood-clearing, and halted before the little building. It was
surrounded by a high fence, and was in a short time to be
Marion's home.
" Indeed !" exclaimed Harper, in astonishment. " The
trees had been marked in quite another direction. I thought
his house must be somewhere higher up. We shall be
neighbours, for my house is not very far distant from this,
only more down the river."
"Well, Marion, how do you like the place1?" asked old
Roberts, turning to his daughter. "Eh? It is rather
quiet and secluded—rather awful-looking ! It is because the
river is so near at hand, with its monotonous sounds; the
bushy sycamores, the dark willows, the cotton-trees, 'which
are still found about here; higher up, they are met with
more rarely, and Smiers assured me, a short time ago "
" It really is- quiet and secluded," whispered Marion,
taking Ellen by the hand, as if she was afraid of disturbing
the quiet by the sound of her voice. " I do not know what
it is that makes the place so lonely, so awful-looking."
" That's because there are no animals," said Bahrens. " Of
course, that's it. Where there are no cow-bells ringing, and
no hens and pigs running about in the yard; where there are
no dogs to leap upon you, and to make noise enough to drown
your voice; and a lot of geese beginning to cackle just at
the very moment when you want to speak;—where, I say,
364
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
such things are not found, a place cannot be homely and
comfortable-looking. At least, I, for one, could not live in
such a home."
" Why should Mr. Rowson keep animals ?" said Mr.
Harper; "perhaps in a week he may move again."
"Nonsense! If I only intended to live in a place three
days, I should have at least a few. hens or pigs about me,
just to pick up the grain that would otherwise be wasted.
Only look what a state the yard is in! The Indian-corn lies
scattered about on the ground. If my goodwife should only
see that!"
" It will all be very different soon," said Roberts, with a
smile. " His wife will get him into proper order; and per-
haps we shall live to see the time when he wont give us four
sermons every week. I see he has plenty of accommodation
for horses;—there are lots of racks."
" What is the matter, Ellen ?" asked Marion, as her friend
littered a deep sigh ;—" what ails you ?"
" Oh, nothing," replied the girl, with an embarrassed smile,
glancing timidly at the house. "Nothing;—it might be.a
delusion, but I fancied that I saw an eye peeping out from
between one of those crevices."
" What, up there V' said Bahrens, with a laugh. " That's
not very likely, neither. I do not think that a guest would
think of taking up his quarters there. The door is open."
" And what a door !" said Harper, opening it and stepping
into the house. " It is wonderfully strong, as if it was
meant to guard the greatest riches. Well," he continued,
looking round him, " it really looks rather tidy for a bachelor's
place, although the womankind might have many things to
say against it. But it cannot be otherwise. Down at our
place, too, there are many things that might be different.
When Alapaha was alive," he added, with a sigh, " it used to
be snug and comfortable enough; but now "
" It will be all right again, Harper," said Bahrens, kindly;
" perhaps better than ever. Brown must get married, and
then there will be an end to your bachelors' housekeeping."
" Come in here, girls," cried Roberts, who had followed the
other men,—" come in here; now your rule begins, and
Marion may at once enter into her dominions.—That's
right," he added, when they did as he directed,—" that's
MARIONS DISTRESS.
3G5
light;—now come and walk about to your heart's content.
In the meanwhile we will light a fire out here, and put the
iron kettle on. There is no kitchen in the house, I see, and
my good woman, who ought to be here soon—for in such
things "
"Stop!" cried Bahrens, with a laugh, " he is off again.
Look, here are some matches ; but how are we to light the
fire ? This is an unlikely place for wood. One has to go fifty
paces for it. Well, I will fetch some branches. Is there
such a thing as a hatchet on the farm? A nice way of
fitting up a house, this !"
" There is one in the corner," said Harper.
"Well, then, you may remain here in the meanwhile."
"Ho; I shall help you to carry the wood," said Roberts.
" Harper may light the fire; the wind has blown down
plenty of dry leaves and a little wood."
The men set about their work in the best of spirits. The
girls alone remained in the house. Yet they did not busy
themselves as Roberts had expected. They remained stand-
ing, their hands clasped, both looking gloomy and sad.
Marion could no longer restrain her feelings, and with a
flood of tears she threw herself upon her friend's bosom.
" Marion, what is the matter with you ?" asked Ellen,
frightened;—"what ails you? For Heaven's sake tell me.
Something dreadful is hanging over you; I have long noticed
it: you are not happy."
"Ho, I am not," sobbed the poor girl, embracing her
friend ; who, in her turn, tried to free herself, in order
to look into Marion's face. "Ho; I am not happy, and
shall never be happy again."
" But what is the matter with you ? I have never seen
you in this state before. You tremble, Marion ! What
is it ?"
" What ails me ?" replied the bride. " I want everything—
everything in the wide world;—confidence, love, hope. Yes,
even hope. And now it is too late. I cannot go back."
" Marion, you grieve me very much," said her friend,
clasping her in a trembling embrace. " What do you mean
by this strange behaviour ? You may and can confide
in me."
I may and can," said Marion, firmly, pushing back
A A
366
TIIE EEATHEBED AEEOW.
her dark hair from her forehead. " I have hut a few minutes
that I can call mine. I am still my own mistress. In an
hour it may be too late. Listen, then, Ellen, and I will tell
you what has rendered me miserable up to this moment—
what will embitter all my future life What are you look-
ing at 3"
" Just see !" said the girl, with astonishment—" is not that
Mr. Rowson ? Good Heavens! the horse has run away
with him. See how it is galloping !"
" Hallo, Rowson !" cried Bahrens and Roberts, who were
standing at the edge of the clearing, and were quite thun-
derstruck as they saw him; " what is the matter with
you 3"
" Hallo—stop !" cried Harper, and drew back quickly, for
the little spirited animal nearly run over him. " Rowson,
are you mad 3—what the deuce ails you 3"
The preacher did not deign to bestow a word, or even a look,
upon either of the men. He sprang from the horse, rushed
through the small gate of the fence, which he slammed violently,
and dashed into the house. The girls, with a cry of anguish,
drew back frightened at his ghastly appearance. He bolted
the door, took down his rifle, and cocked it. When he had
thus placed himself in a state of defence he looked round
the room, with a glance that seemed to betoken a firm
resolve to shoot the first person who came in his way.
" Good Heavens! Mr. Rowson," cried Ellen, in agony,
" what are you going to do 3 Do you intend to murder your
wife 3"
" Cotton !" cried Rowson, in a hoarse tone of voice, when
he had convinced himself that none of the men were in the
cottage, and without paying any attention to the girl—
" Cotton !" he repeated.
"Yes," replied his friend, from the upper part of the
house—"I am here. You must look sharp. The Indian is
coming. It seems he followed close at your heels."
" Come down, quickly!" said the preacher, taking several
plugs out of the wooden walls of the house, and thus form-
ing spyholes and portholes. " Come down !—there will be
some work for you presently. We have plenty of enemies
to cope with."
Like a cat the hunter glided down the wall. He Lad
THE GIRLS SEIZED AS HOSTAGES.
367
pushed away the ladder from the narrow space in which he
had been previously concealed, and Ellen was obliged to
catch hold of Marion's arm, in order to save herself from fall-
ing. when she caught sight of that man, whom, of all others,
she feared most, and who reappeared before her under such
strange and mysterious circumstances.
" What do you mean by that 1 For Heaven's sake, Mr.
Bowson, let us go away," said Marion, imploringly, who
began to think that she was a prisoner in the hands of crimi-
nals. " Let me go to my father—what does all this
mean ?"
"You will soon know all, my dove," said the hunter,
with a sneering laugh, taking another rifle down from the
chimney. " You will soon know all. But a plague upon
you," he added, turning to Rowson. "You have drawn me
here into a pretty snare. What a fool I was to creep into
that hole of yours • I might by this time have been quietly
seated in the canoe, and have put at least a distance of five
miles between me and those rascals."
"Back, there!" cried Bowson, without replying to the
reproaches of his companion. "Back, there, or you are a
dead man !"—and at the same moment his shot cracked
through the erevice in the wall. Throwing down his rifle,
he rushed to the bed, took out the mattress, and brought
forth four more rifles, all loaded.
" Wait, you red-skinned beast," he muttered. " I hope I
shall do for you this time, and put an end to your spying.
Back there from the door f' he called out roughly to the
girls. "It is no time for compliments—back, now, if you
value your lives !"
" What are we to do with the girls here ?" asked Cotton,
ill-naturedly.
"Keep them as hostages," replied the preacher; "'their
lives must answer for ours. If we can hold out till dark, we
are safe."
" I do not see that," replied the hunter, with a growl, look-
ing cautiously round, and loading the rifle* from a pouch
which Bowson had given him. " In the evening they will
make a fire around the house, or perhaps put it to the place.'*
" The}7" will not do that on account of the girls. Hallo,
here comes old Roberts, alone, and without a rifle; he wants
A A 2
368
•THE MHSp AKEOf:
to Lave his child hack. It can't be done, old man—can't be
done !"
The three men, who might have anticipated anything
rather than the scene which passed before their eyes, had
observed with amazement the preacher's furious ride, and at
the first moment formed the same idea as Ellen had done,
namely, that his horse had mm away with him. But hardly
had the man, usually so reserved and quiet in his demeanour,
disappeared within his house, when the attention of Bahrens
and Roberts, the one with the hatchet, the other with a large
branch upon his shoulder, that he had in the confusion
snatched up, was attracted by the clatter of hoofs, and im-
mediately afterwards the Indian was seen approaching. His
long black hair was waving in the wind, his rifle, steadied by
his right hand, lay across the horse, the bridle was loose in
his left hand, and he was stooping down, in order to make
out the track he was following.
" Assowaum !" cried the men, astonished and amazed;
" what has happened ? what do you want with the preacher?
What has he done ?"
" I want his blood!" cried the Indian, grinding his teeth.
HI want the red blood of his heart ! I want the heart from
his body !" and leaping from the back of the foaming animal,
which, unused to such violent exertion, fell down, he rushed
towards the fence, and climbed over it.
At the same moment the voice of the Methodist was heard,
the shot flashed from the peephole in the log-wall of the
house, and Assowaum fell down from the fence, over which
he had almost climbed. Before the men could recover from
their fright, he jumped up again, ran round the high
fence, and stepped behind the large trunk of a tree, whence
he could get a shot at the back of the cottage, and cut off
all chance of flight towards the river in that direction.
Thither he was followed by Bahrens and Harper. Roberts
stepped up to the house, firmly resolved to get his child out
of the hands of the fugitive, whose mysterious behaviourcon-
vinced him that he was guilty of some wrong—although
of what nature it might be, Roberts himself could not guess.
" Stand back," cried Rowson, from the interior of the
house. " Stand back, if you value your life."
" Give me my child," cried Roberts. " Let the two
j;irls come forth from the house. I swear I do not mean
MABION AND ELLEN BOUND.
evil against you. I do not even know what all this is about;
but you have shot the Indian. Blood has been spilt, and I
wish to get the girls away from a place not proper for them.
Let me have my child."
" Back, there !" cried Rowson, as he raised his rifle.
Marion threw herself into his arms, and said imploringly,
" For Heaven's sake, tell me, do you mean to murder my
father ?"
" Take the girls away, Cotton," cried the preacher, angrily.
" Only listen, how that fool is shaking the door. It's lucky,
too, that they have not tried it together, or it might be
worse for us. Now to work ; the girls must be bound—
their arms are in our way. If they will not keep quiet, we
must gag them. We have but a few minutes left, and must
make the best use of them we can."
" Help 1 help !" cried the two girls, as the men seized
them, and began to bind them.
" Thief! rascal!" cried the old man, and rattled with the
force of despair at the oaken door, trying to gain admittance.
Bahrens ran to help his friend, and Harper himself, though
still weak from the effects of his late illness, seized a branch,
and hastened to the house, to lend his feeble aid to a father
in distress. Before the two men had climbed the fence and
reached the door, the feeble, trembling limbs of the two girls
were tied by strong ropes, and Rowson said, in a menacing
tone of voice—" If you open your lips again, or cry for help,
I will shoot, like a dog, the old grey-haired fool who keeps
rattling at the door."
" Mercy! mercy!" whispered Marion, trembling; " mercy 1"
" Give them a shot, Cotton, but don't wound any of them,"
cried the Methodist preacher, stepping with his rifle to the
back part of the cottage, whence he hoped to get a good
aim at the Indian, if he should chance to expose himself.
Assowaum, after the first shot, clearly understood that it was
against him the Methodist preacher's rage was chiefly
directed, as he knew that he had reasons for regarding
him as his bitterest enemy, and he, consequently, wished to
get him out of the way. In accordance with the warlike
traditions of his race, after the heat of the first onset was
over, he had taken shelter in an out-house, whence he
could cut off" the flight of his enemy until the Regulators
arrived. He knew that he might reasonably expect them
370
THE FEATHERED ARROW,
in a very short space of time. To catch the murderer of
Alapaha alive and unhurt was now his chief, if not his only
aim. He felfc for Brown all that ardent attachment of
which his race are capable. He did not know that his
friend loved Marion. Had he entertained any idea of
that, his affection for Brown would not have deterred him
from seeking revenge. His wife's blood cried to him from
the earth; and he must avenge her fall.
A bullet, fired by Cotton's steady hand, took Bahrens's hat
off his head, and made the men alive to the extreme danger
to which they were exposing themselves, under the fire of an
exasperated enemy. Roberts himself restrained his friends
from the attempt to force the strong and well-guarded door.
He represented to them that they were not even armed, and
could have no reasonable chance in thus attacking the panther
in his lair.
"I will go to him, alone, and unarmed," he said. "He
has met with much kindness in my house, and will not dare
now to refuse my simple prayer for the restoration of my
child. Go back, then," he said again, as he saw Bahrens's
unwillingness and unbelief in peaceful means. " I still hope
to settle all this by fair means, and to learn what this ex-
traordinaiy behaviour means."
With these words, as Bahrens and Harper left the yard,
Roberts turned towards the spot at which he presumed the
preacher was standing, and began to address him, when his
former friend answered with a sneer—
" Stop, my dear sir, I have been preaching too long my-
self to take any pleasure in that kind of whining you are
just commencing. In order to come to a clear under-
standing, you will do well to pay attention to what I say.
This time my words are meant for nothing less than a ser-
nion, though this be Sunday !"
" Then I was not mistaken in you, after all, you rascal,"
exclaimed the old man, in wrath, standing the ground with
his foot. " You are right in taunting us for our credulity in
believing your smooth words. But woe to you, if you do
the slightest harm to one of the gilds whom an unluckly fate
has placed into your hands; the very flesh shall be hacked
from your limbs."
" What is the use of that talking, I "
il Stop! don't speak," cried the old man, with dee]) emotion.
PAHLEYim
371
"It appears you have committed some dreadful crime, for
otherwise your conduct could not be explained. Whatever
it may be, you have still time for flight, and I will help
you in getting off. Take one of my horses, and some
money, but give me back my child. Give me back the two
girls. Consider how kindly you were always received by us
—consider that I was this very day to call you son."
"You had better accept the offer," said Cotton. "We
shall not easily get better terms; of course, it includes me as
well as you. I am for letting the girls off."
" Stop a moment!" said the Methodist, interrupting his
comrade; " are you mad ? Go you think the Indian behind
that tree would pay the slightest heed to the promises of this
old greybeard? Only show your scalp at any open space,
and you will soon get a taste of his lead. Ho, by putting
any trust in such promises we should only be falling into the
snare. There is no chance of safety for us before dark."
"Why not cut our way out by force? These three men
are unarmed, they cannot stop us."
" Does not that accursed red-skinned rascal behind that
fir-tree command with his rifle the whole bank of the river?"
" What shall we do if the Regulators make their appear-
ance ?"
" I wonder they are not here already," Rowson replied,
with a sneer. "A plague upon them—I mean to defy
them."
" Then I should like to know how you mean to escape at
night, when they are all round the house?"
" They will not dare to kindle watchfires," Rowson re-
plied, in an undertone, " or we should get a precious good
aim at them; and if they squat in the dark, we are safe. A
small passage, which I and Johnson have scooped out with
much labour, leads from here down to the place where we
have hid the canoe."
" And why don't we make use of it at once ? Can we have
a better opportunity?" Cotton exclaimed, angrily.
" Blind fool!" replied Rowson; " that rascally Red-skin
is at this very moment standing just over the spot; and
though there is little danger that the scoundrel will discover
the concealed canoe, the reeds being much too thick for that,
yet it would be impossible to push it off at present, without
betraying ourselves."
372
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" But the Regulators !"
" A plague upon them ! They will be sure to do what is
in their power; but they will not dare to attack the house
in good earnest, as long as we have these rifles in our pos-
session, and the girls as hostages."
" Well," cried Roberts, outside, " have you considered my
proposal? I see you are not alone, Row son. All who may
have taken shelter in the house will be permitted to go away
from here. There is yet time—the Regulators have not
arrived. Give me back my child—set the innocent girls at
liberty."
" Listen to my reply," answered Rowson ; " my life is in
danger, and that Indian over there is firmly bent upon
taking it. If you can prevail upon him to confirm your
conditions, well and good; in that case I am ready to com-
ply with them. Should you fail to persuade him, bear in
mind that at the first attempt to capture this house by force,
the two girls shall die by my hand."
" The Indian must consent to these terms," cried Robei*ts,
in joy at finding as he thought a solution to the difficulty;
" he cannot refuse to do so. Alas! it is too late; here come
the Regulators."
He was right; the clatter of the hoofs of some twenty
horses was heard, accompanied by the rustling and cracking
of breaking branches. Assowaum uttered his war-cry, and
immediately afterwards the Regulators, led by Brown and
Harfield, appeared upon the stage.
The Indian, as they filed off round the dwelling, shouted—
" Now he is mine—now I shall have his blood !"
Rowson seemed to be fully alive to the danger which
threatened him of falling into the hands of this enemy. He
even seemed to fear the Regulators less than he did Asso-
waum. As soon, therefore, as the Indian, in the joy of the
moment, allowed a small portion of his body to be seen from
behind the tree, another report of a rifle was heard from the
house, and the blood of the chieftain coloured the earth,
flowing from a second light wound in the head.
In fury at this outrageous attack, the Regulators leapt from
their saddles, and rushed at the fence, when Roberts threw
himself in their way, and told them of the danger to which
his child was exposed.
AEBIYAL OP THE BEGTJLATOES.
373
" Heavens !" exclaimed Brown. " Marion in the hands of
those wretches ! What is to be done ?"
" Take the house by force," cried Harfield, in a fury ; " take
it by force, and get hold of the wretches. Let them dare to offer
the slightest violence to the girls, and we will burn them
alive. If they surrender, we will merely hang them ; here
are the ropes."
" Spare your fine speeches," said Rowson, with a sneering
laugh, having overheard these words. " Whoever approaches
within ten paces of this house is a dead man; there are six
of us, and we have eighteen rifles. Should you, for all that,
think so little of your lives as to attempt to. carry the place
by force, I swear by all that is sacred that the girls shall
die an ignominious death. I am in earnest."
" The devil take that boasting scoundrel!" cried Harfield,
throwing down the fence-poles. "Follow me, comrades; in
five minutes the nest is ours."
" Stop !" cried Brown, Wilson, and Roberts, stepping be-
fore him. " Stop !—that would be murder—murder of these
poor innocent girls. The wretches, driven to despair, are
capable of anything, and we must find other means of making
them surrender. We must not expose the lives of those we
have come to protect."
" Do you call that protecting them, letting them remain
in the hands of those rascals another minute ?"
"We must contrive something without exposing these
girls to danger. Where is the Indian ?"
"Give us leave to depart; give us at least twenty-four
hours' start, and the girls shall be free," said Rowson.
" Well, be it so," Brown replied quickly to this proposal.
"Stop, sir," said Harfield, interrupting him. "We have
at last the wretches who have done such dreadful things in
our power. There is the murderer of poor Heathcott, and
his blood alone is sufficient to call for revenge. We must
have it, and cannot throw away our chance. Moreover, the
band will decide upon what is to be done by their votes.
Do you mean to let the rascal escape, only because he
threatens to murder two girls whom he happens to have in
his power ? Or "
—no—no," cried the men, with the exception of
Harper, Wilson, Roberts, and Brown.
374
THE EEATHEEED AEEOW.
" Men, yon are fathers, too—think of your children," said
Roberts, imploringly.
" Roberts," said Stevenson, who had previously remained
silent, but now stepped forward and spoke,—" keep up your
courage, nothing shall happen to your child; but it would be
imprudent to give such criminals their liberty on account of
such a threat."
"Let us storm their hole," cried all the Regulators; "he
knows his doom, and will not increase his punishment by
committing a fresh crime."
"No, men of Arkansas," said Stevenson; "I am only a
stranger amongst you, yet you will perhaps allow me to say
a word."
" Speak, Stevenson," cried Harfield. " You have acted as
one of us, and are entitled to be treated as such."
" Yery well," said the old man. " Then listen to my pro-
posal. First of all, we had better place guards all round
the house, that none of the scoundrels may escape while we
are discussing."
" The Indian keeps watch at the river-side," said Brown;
" at each corner towards the forest stand two of our men;
•we are here—flight would, under the circumstances, be im-
possible."
" Listen, then, to my plan," continued Stevenson. " The
prisoners, whatever their numbers may be, must be aware
that they-cannot, in any case, reach the wood while daylight
lasts, and thus they have placed all their hopes on holding
out till darkness sets in. By force we cannot do anything
as things stand at present, for I am of the same opinion
as Messrs. Roberts and Brown—that, if driven to extremi-
ties, they will not care what they do. In that case we must
try to hit upon some stratagem. As soon as it gets dark we
will light a camp fire here, at which some of us must show
ourselves."
" The Indian -wont much fancy exposing himself for a
third time to their bullets," Cook observed.
" There's no danger of that," replied the old man. " With
an uncertain light they cannot take sure aim, and they will
only think of keeping us quiet—so they wont be the first to
break the peace. Their only remaining hope then is the
river, or the forest close at hand. I do not know whether
there is a canoe in the neighbourhood."
OU) STEYEffSOK ADVISES.
37o:
"No, there is none near," said Wilson.
"Then," continued the old man, "they will most likely
try swimming across the little river, in order to throw
us off their tracks. We must, therefore, with great caution,
so as not to be seen by anybody from the house, place senti-
nels on the skirts of the forest, and I would wager my neck
that we shall catch them stealing down about twilight
towards the bank of the river."
" And for all the intervening hours I am to leave my child,
in the hands of murderers and thieves," said Roberts, with
emotion.
" That wont do in any case," Harfield observed. " It is
hardly eleven o'clock; and plague upon it, I can't wait all
that time to see that canting wretch hanged."
" True enough, if you look at it in that light Mr. Har-
field," said the Tennessee man, laughing. "I quite agree with
you. I shall find it long, too; but what are we to do ? Surely
none of you wish to let those wretches escape? We could
not take the responsibility of such a thing; we should be
blamed all over the United States. On the other hand, we
cannot expose the poor girls much longer to their rage. But
nere comes the Indian. Look how slyly he creeps along,
and how carefully he keeps out of the reach of the bullets.
They are dreadfully incensed against him."
Stevenson was right. Assowaum made his way, gliding,
serpent-like, behind felled or fallen trees, blackberry-bushes,
and brushwood. When he had arrived at a clearing between
him and the Regulators he ran across with rapid steps, and
rushed into the group of men. His caution seemed by no
means unnecessary, for hardly had he stepped into the clear-
ing, when a third bullet showed how closely every one of his
movements had been observed from the house. Triumph-
antly he swung his rifle, as if to show that he had not been
wounded this time; and held out his arm, which had been hit
before. His friend Brown took his handkerchief from his neck,
and dressed the wound, which was not of any importance.
" Why has that preacher such a dreadful spite against you T
asked Brown. "He does not waste a bit of lead, unless he
thinks it will pierce your red skin."
" He knows me !" said the Indian, drawing himself up
proudly;- "he knows that his life is forfeited to me—he
killed Alapaha!"
376
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Wliat! your wife ! The preacher, Rowson ! The Indian
woman !" exclaimed the men, in horror and amazement.
" He killed Alapaha !" repeated the savage, in a hollow tone
of voice. "It was his blood that stained this tomahawk."
" That fruit, then, is more than ripe," said Harfield. " It
actually seems to me a sin to waste another hour."
" Stop !" cried the Indian. " If you storm the house, the
pale man will be killed ; he is sure of that; he will defend
himself bravely, and some one will kill him fighting. But I
want his life myself. He is mine ! Wait until the sun has
gone down, Assowaum will then lead you."
"At any rate, for the present keep their attention en-
gaged," said Brown. " The poor girls will die of despair if
they know that we are out here and do not hear a sign of
life. They will think we are cowards."
"We must not leave these wretches unoccupied," Wilson
remarked, " or there is no telling what they may not do out
of spite. If I am not mistaken, that wretch Cotton is in
there too j and he is capable of anything."
" Atkins's mulatto has escaped," said Cook; " it's pos-
sible he too has found an asylum there."
" Why, Rowson spoke of six," Curtis chimed in.
" Mere boasting," Stevenson answered—" nothing but
boasting. He only wants to frighten us. How about that
place where the Indian stood ? Is anybody there now ?"
" Your son has gone in that direction," said Harfield;
" he will take good care that nobody escapes."
" Very well; we will again call upon those in the house
to surrender, and we will threaten them with force. Thus
we may, at least, keep them in check," said Brown.
" Keep them in what ?" asked Bahrens, astonished.
" I mean, we shall not leave them much time to play us
any tricks," said the young man, with a smile. " Who will
undertake the office of spokesman ?"
" I will have a try," said Bahrens, " and see what I can
do to throw these fellows off the right track. I should much
rather go at the wretches with rifle and bowie-knife—my
fingers itch to send half an ounce of lead in among them,
if one were not afraid of killing one of the girls."
" Hallo ! who is that comes riding here ?"
"It's your negro, Roberts," said Cook ; "your wife will be
plait of campaigns
377
in agonies. When we passed, she looked pale as death, and
begged us to save her child."
" Send the hoy back to her, and tell her the girls are in
safety," said Harper, "otherwise anguish will kill her. Be-
fore the boy arrives there, I hope we shall have made our
story true."
"Of course I cannot send her word how things stand,"
said the old man, with a shake of his head ; " it would kill
her. I wonder whether she knows that Rowsou "
" She cried, ' Save my child from the grasp of that
preacher !' " said Curtis. " How she learned it all, I don't
know."
" He betrayed himself," said Assowaum. " I will tell you
all about it afterwards. Time presses. Until evening closes-
we must watch round the cottage. The pale man has pointed
his rifle against Assowaum like the bustards who look up to
the eagle when he flies over them. As soon as the whip-
poor-will utters its first cry, the sight of his gun will grow
dim, and he will have to look out in all directions, and listen,
whether he does not hear the war-cry of my tribe."
CHAPTER XXXV.
PLOT AND COUNTER-PLOT—THE SURPRISE—THE INDIAN AND THE METHODIST..
" Save your bullets!" said Cotton, angrily, as Rowson aimed at
the Indian and fired, just as the son of the forest rushed across
the small clearing; " you may have better use for your lead
by-and-by. The Indian is not more dangerous to us than
any of the rest. If we should happen to fall into the hands
of the band, they would get their ropes ready to string us up
before the Red-skin could say a word about it."
" And if I were a thousand miles from here," said the
preacher, grinding his teeth, " I should not yet consider myself
safe, as long as I knew that this same red-skinned rascal was
above the ground ; as for the others, I fear them not."
"He has left his post," whispered Cotton. "Could we not
get the canoe afloat, and make our escape, at least, to the
opposite bank V'
&78
THE EEATniEED ABEOW.
" Don't be foolish, and talk nonsense," said Rowson, an-
grity, again loading the rifle and examining the locks of the
others. "You mean, then, to throw away the last chance,
and to cut off our sole hope of safety. Our imprudence has
brought us into this scrape; and if we take out the canoe
while it is daylight and are discovered—as it is most likely
we should be—we shall lose our boat and fall into the hands
of the Regulators without any chance of escape. Even should
we succeed in reaching the other bank, we are certain to
have all the band of yelling wretches after us; and you must
not forget that it has rained, and that consequently our
traces would be very distinctly seen and easily followed."
" Suppose they draw such a line round us that we are not
able even at night-time to reach the canoe, and they resolve
thus to starve us out ?"
" Starve us out!" replied Rowson; " who, in that case,
would perish first—the girls or ourselves ?"
" Of course, you are right," said Cotton; " they can't do
it on account of the girls ; but, after all "
"I will tell you," whispered Rowson, taking him aside,
so that the two girls might not hear what he said. " The
place where the canoe lies moored is so grown over
and concealed, and is besides so far off, that they wont think
of placing a guard there, especially after dark. I believe I
can guess their plan; they are in hopes of our making an
attempt to reach the bank of the river as soon as it gets
dark ; and of course were we to try that we should be certain
to fall into their hands. Luckily, however, we have that
subterraneous passage of which I spoke before."
" What are we to do with the girls 1 I declare that I
feel a very strong desire to take them with us. If we have
to squat out at night, they might prove a great comfort in
cooking our meals and so on ; and, besides, we shall be saved
all the bother about marrying."
" They must go with us," Rowson replied, in a still lower
whisper, " were it only to serve as our protection against
the bullets of the Regulators. They might fire at us from
the opposite bank, if they happen to receive an intimation
of our departure too early."
" Good," said Cotton, quite pleased, rubbing his hands;
" that fool Wilson is one of the Regulators; it will afford
me particular satisfaction to carry off that morsel from
FATE OF THE GIBLS DECIDED.
379
under his very nose. But what shall we do if they cry and
scream ?"
" I will take good care "of that," Rowson answered, in a
whisper. " Of course we must gag them. It may be as
well not to let them know what our intentions are, and so
we will not pay any heed to them. I shall tell them
some story that will keep them quiet until evening. Keep
your eye upon those fellows," he continued, aloud, " so that
they don't get in unawares, and when it grows dark we
shall force our way through. We have only to reach the
wood, and then we are safe. As for you," he added aloud,
turning to the girls, "lie there in the meanwhile, and when
we are going to leave the house we shall make you swear that
you will not cry for help until we have got at least an hour's
start. Then you will be restored to your friends."
"We will pray for your success in making your escape,'*
exclaimed Ellen, joyfully; " but keep your promise, and
cut these ropes, they do hurt so. I will give you "
" You had better stop that talk, my dove ; it is useless,'*
said Cotton, while he kept a sharp look-out upon the enemy
from the different portholes. " You ought to be quite satis-
ffed at our letting you have the free use of your tongues; as for
arms, you must do without them, I am afraid, until evening.'*
" The ropes hurt me," said Ellen, imploringly. " You
have tied them so fast, they cut to the very bone."
"Well, we will remedy that," said Rowson, stepping to
the girls, in order to loosen the cords a little. " And how is
my sweet little bride getting on?" he added, turning to
Marion, who shrank from him with disgust. " Are you still
so angry with me, my dear P he continued, with a smile,
attempting to put back, in a coaxing manner, her curls from
her forehead.
" Back, traitor!" cried the beautiful girl, her eyes spark-
ling with anger. " Back! or I shall cry for help, and bid
defiance to your threats as well as to your weapons."
" But, my dear child "
" Go to your post, Rowson. A plague upon you !" cried
the hunter, angrily. " Is this the time for such nonsense %
Keep a good watch. The Regulators are making some move
again ; I almost think they mean to attack us by main force.
I really feel inclined to send a bullet into that Brown—he
is just coming within shot,"
380
THE EEATHERED ARROW.
On hearing this, Marion trembled violently, as she strove
to rise from the bed, upon which the girls had been fastened
together.
"No; reserve your fire," said Rowson. "We must not
excite them unnecessarily. Should any of them, however,
come within ten paces, and give us cause for suspicion, then
fire; and in such a case, of course, aim first at their leaders,
Brown, Harfield, Wilson, and Cook. They are the most
dangerous."
" And the Indian V
" As for him, I look upon him in quite another light, and
wherever he shows a bit of his red skin I shall fire."
" There goes the rascal, creeping among the brushwood,"
said Cotton, pointing through one of the ere rices. "Only
mark how close he keeps to the ground; it is impossible to
get a good aim at him."
" Now, show your great skill at shooting, of which you
always boast so much," said Rowson. " Send a piece of lead
through that Indian wretch, and I will give you two hundred
dollars."
" Two hundred dollars, Rowson!" the hunter exclaimed,
in amazement, without taking his eyes off Assowaum, a part
of whose body was only now and then visible. " You must
be rich enough, if you can offer two hundred dollars "
He raised his rifle as if about to fire, but putting it down
again, continued—" Two hundred dollars for a single shot!
Well, I will try if he comes within range of my gun."
Again he raised his rifle, but again the "Feathered Arrow"
disappeared behind some sheltering tree. So rapid was he
in his movements, that the other could not get a sure aim
at him.
" A plague upon his shadow!" exclaimed the hunter,
stamping the ground angrily with his foot. "I could as
easily follow a flash of lightning with my rifle as that fellow.
In good truth, he darts over the ground like an arrow, from
which the vermin takes his name. I wonder what he is
plotting. Rowson, we must keep a good watch upon him, or
the wretch will find out our boat; and then good-bye to the
Island!"
The Indian had not, however, any particular aim, and did
not for a moment suspect that a canoe was concealed in the
thick reeds that grew along the bank and partlv- overhung
NIGHT APPROACHES.
SSI
the river. He only wished to keep the men's attention i'uiiy
occupied. After dark he thought that he would creep slyiy
upon and surprise the enemy; and several of the Regula-
tors—among them, Curtis and Cook—promised to assist
him. Were they to put their threats into execution, and
were the girls to fall beneath their blows, what would the
Indian care? His squaw had been murdered. Nobody had
helped her. The murderer was concealed in that hut, and
before the rays of another morning sun illumed its roof he
was determined to have him out, dead or alive.
Thus hour after hour was spent—"the great light"
passed the zenith, and sank lower and lower. The landscape
became less distinct, and the distant mountain ridges and
the tops of the gigantic fir-trees here and there glowed
like fire. The birds of prey left the leafy screens in which
they had dreamt away the hot noontide, and, like the shark
in the sea, passed through the green waving ocean of leaves,
seeking their prey. Here and there a solitary squirrel
leapt playfully from branch to branch, and when tired with
its gambols, disappeared into its hole. Rabbits came forth
from their hiding-places—dark holes in the earth, and pricked
their long ears on finding their domains occupied by men.
High up in the clear, light-blue sky, a little night-hawk was
seen soaring, now and then uttering the sharp, short cry
peculiar to these birds.
The evening had set in, and the end of the struggle drew
nearer and nearer with the falling shadows. Hitherto the
besieging party had confined themselves to endeavours to
occupy the attention of those in the house, at one moment
by a threatened attack, at another by some sudden move-
ment on one side or the other.
" As soon as the sun has gone down," Rowson said in a
whisper to his companion, " I will creep down to the boat
to take a survey. I hope the canoe is afloat : it was yester-
day, and the river can't have fallen much since then. You
will keep a good watch in the meantime. When I return, we
will first carry down the weapons, and afterwards the girls,
after having gagged them. That must be the last lot we shall
carry off from these parts. If they prove restive, you have
a strong arm, and a blow of your fist will stun them. Bqfc
do not kill them outright."
" Don't be afraid," said Cotton, laughing ; "a little bit of
B B
?S2
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
fainting away can do no harm anyhow—at least, until we
Lave got over the first five miles. Afterwards "
"You are speaking too loud: that forward little thing,
your intended, is pricking her ears wonderfully. If they
make a noise just now, it might ruin us. Should they set
up crying afterwards, when they are being gagged, it will be
no great harm ; for then the fools outside will try to enter
by force, and while they are knocking their skulls against the
iron door, we shall be off down our passage, and shall have
got to our landing-place."
" When we get there, the first thing will be to cross the
river," said Cotton. "Under the shadow of the thick reeds on
the opposite bank, we shall be able to glide along unobserved.
The girls luckily have darkish-coloured dresses on. What
are we to do with them afterwards ?"
"With the girls?" asked Bowson. "Nonsense! don't
bother yourself about that now. At any rate, there will be
a home for us at the Island, or down the Mississippi. I must,
however, go upon my errand. Keep a good look-out mean-
while, Cotton. It is yet clear enough for you to see if the
^Regulators should make any extraordinary movement."
" Trust me for that, and try to be back soon. I feel as if
the very soil beneath my feet was on fire. I wish I had the
oar in my hand. Look there ! the red-skinned scoundrel is
creeping away again from the river : shall I shoot ?"
" No—it is too late now," said Itowson, raising the trap-
door which hid the subterraneous passage—"you can scarcely
get a good aim at him at this time of day; the rifle is not very
sure. But mind you keep a good watch upon him; follow him
everywhere with your eye. I shall soon be back again."
With these words Bowson disappeared by the secret pas-
sage, and Cotton went with quick steps from loophole to
loophole, that he might not let any movement of the enemy
escape his observation. He did not wish to be surprised at
the very last moment, when he expected so soon to be deli-
vered from all danger.
" Marion," said Ellen to her friend, in a whisper—"Marion,
be of good cheer! I have got my hand loose. When Bowson
slackened the cord, that other fellow called him off before he
could tie the knot as fast as before—I am free."
" Oh, free me also from these cords !" said her friend, in
woman's heroism.
383
tones of entreaty; " I am almost dead from the effects off
anxiety and pain."''
" Be quiet, lie's coming," said the prudent Ellen, in reply,
as Cotton approached them, though without paying attention
to their movements. He merely wished to see how things,
were going on in that direction.
Anxious not to excite suspicion, Ellen did not in the least
alter her position, but looked about for the weapon, resolved,
if she could get one, whether knife or rifle, to defend herself
and her friend.
On a chair, hardly two paces from them, lay a long pistol,,
and against each wall a loaded rifle had been placed. They
were kept in readiness to defend every part of the house.
Ellen could almost reach one of them.
" Do loosen my bonds," said Marion, imploringly; " I begin
to despair; pray don't keep me any longer in suspense."
" Only wait a few seconds," said Ellen. " Look! as soon as
Cotton goes to that corner, I can move and free you; then
you will take the rifle which is standing near you. Do you
know how to handle one?'
" Yes," said the young woman; "my father taught me that."
" So much the better. We must draw back the bolts,
and defend the entrance until help arrives."
" But they will overpower us—and Bowson has promised
not to hurt us if we keep quiet and still," said Marion.
" I do not trust him," replied her friend, in an under-tone.
" I caught some words which make me fear treachery in
this respect too. Now, mind what you are about: as soon
as he steps into that corner, I shall be able to help you."
Cotton had been walking slowly round the room, keeping
his eye upon the crevices and portholes. He approached
the bed where the girls were, and the curtains concealed
them from him as he stepped into another corner of the room.
This was the moment for which Ellen had waited. She had
put one foot forward, intending to seize the weapon, when,
all at once she saw Bowson's head emerging from the secret
passage, keeping his eye fixed upon the two girls. Directly
he came out, he stood a few seconds an image of the most
fixed attention.
" Cotton, did you hear nothing T he asked, in an under-
tone, when Cotton stepped forth from his corner.
b B 2
2S4
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
"Hear? where? what?''
" I fancied I heard a noise like somebody undoing a deal-
board : nobody can have come near the house, I hope ?"
" He must have been a sly fellow to elude me," Cotton
replied, as if dissatisfied that any doubt should be cast
upon his vigilance. " The high fence is still standing, and it
is not yet so dark that any one would attempt to climb it
without being seen. Of what use would it be to any one
even could they manage to get over? Our portholes are
ail right, and when "
'• Very well," said Rowson, interrupting him. " Since it
has got dark, I begin to feel awfully nervous here; I wish
we were upon the river."
" Is the boat all right?"
" It is; and let us be off. Most of the Regulators are
lying about on this side of the house ; and though they may
have posted sentinels between this and the river—and I have
no doubt they have done so—yet we can glide stealthily across
theFourche-la-Fave, and avail ourselves of the dark shadows
on the other side to facilitate our escape."
" But how about the girls?"
" They must be kept quiet. Now let us get into the boat."
" How shall we manage to bring our weapons and that
portmanteau down ? If we have to carry the girls "
" I think you had better start first, and take the little
portmanteau and two rifles. You cannot miss the road ;
the passage goes in a straight line, and the canoe is at the
end. Put the portmanteau in with as little noise as possible,
also the rifles, and then come back as quickly as you can.
In ten minutes all must be off."
" What provisions are we to take ?"
" I have just carried them down; they were ready, and
are now in the canoe," said Rowson.
" Very good! Keep a sharp watch in the meantime; I
shall be back directly."
When his companion had disappeared, Rowson paced up
and down the room full of anxiety. Not a breath of wind
was heard stirring outside ; no sound was audible. The
silence of death lay upon the landscape; and only round the
watch-fire, about a hundred and fifty paces distant from the
house, in the direction of the mountains, might some dark
forms be seen moving slowly to and fro.
FEIENDS AT HAND.
383
" What the deuce are the rascals about?—they are plotting
mischief," he murmured, standing with crossed arms at one
of the crevices, and looking through it. In doing this, he
turned his back upon the two girls.
Ellen stepped forward quietly, and took the pistol from
the chair. She glided back into her former position, as Row-
son turned round and went to the other side of the house.
"Where is Cotton loitering, I wonder? the deuce take
liim!" he said, adding some oaths it is not necessary for us to
repeat, and continuing his walk across the room. " Should he
have played me false "
He then went down into the passage, and stood some
moments listening.
" I wish I had a knife to cut your cords," said Ellen, in a
whisper, to her trembling friend.
The board under me is moving," the other replied, with a
start. " What can that be ?"
"It must be a friend coming," exclaimed Ellen, impra-
dently raising her voice somewhat above the low tone in
which she had before been speaking.
" What is that ?" cried Rowson, coming out of the passage,
so that his head just became visible above the floor.
"We are only praying.">
" The deuce take you !" answered the Methodist, stooping
down again, with a growl.
" I was just going to shoot him," said Ellen to her friend;
" but my hand trembled so dreadfully—I was afraid I might
mjss him."
" There must be some one under this board," said Marion,
in a whisper; " I feel it moving distinctly "
" Lift up your foot—they must be friends," said Ellen,
" The river is on the other side; and that is where the secret
passage leads, no doubt."
" If I only had my hands free !" said Marion.
" A plague upon the scoundrel! I can neither hear nor
see anything," said Rowson, angrily, coming forward again.
" I am almost inclined to believe the fellow has played
me false; but I'll show him no mercy. I must after
him "
As he said this, the board was raised, and the Indian's
eyes were seen shining with threatening flame. Rowson had
just seized a rifle, and was about to descend again into the
THE EEATHEBED AEEOW.
secret passage, when the heavy hoard tinder which the
" Feathered Arrow" was pushing gave way and fell a little
aside. The preacher turned his head round, and, in the un-
certain and dim twilight, caught sight of his mortal enemy,
about to avail himself of his antagonist's surprise, and to
spring forward from his uncomfortable position. Though
the preacher naturally enough had been frightened and
amazed, he soon regained his self-possession, and prepared
to take vengeance upon the Indian, who, with half his body
under the floor, could neither advance nor retreat so quickly
as he desired. The heavy butt-end of the rifle was raised,
from which a blow would have sent him after his wife, when
Ellen, with a courage worthy of an Indian chieftain himself,
rushed forward and fired her pistol at the preacher. It was
done at the very nick of time—indeed, just as Rowson had
raised his hand for the deadly blow.
" Treachery! horrid treachery!" cried the preacher, falling
back.
Assowaum had thus gained sufficient time to make his
way out of the place which had almost become his grave.
Like the panther of his forest, he glided out, and at the next
moment jumped with a wild bound upon the murderer's
breast. With a- cry of anguish and despair, Rowson fell
back powerless. Again the deal-board was raised, and
Curtis emerged. Cotton also, just at this moment, re-
appeared from the entrance of the secret passage, and per-
ceiving the danger in which his associate was placed,
hastened to his aid.
Ellen had in the meanwhile run to the door, and she
quickly undid the bolts. The Indian, facing the new danger
boldly, took his tomahawk from his belt, and, without letting
go his hold of the throat of his enemy, tried to keep the
new-comer at bay. The latter, perceiving at a rapid glance
the actual state of affairs—Curtis was pressing forward on one
side, while Brown, followed by the Regulators, appeared at
the open door—with the quickness of a flash of lightning
dived down again into the subterranean passage, and,
favoured by the darkness, rushed towards the river. Curtis,
seeing the form of his enemy disappear without knowing
how or where, naturally enough concluded that he had
thrown himself down upon the ground, in order to escape
the first rush, and with a view of gaining the open space in
EOWSOST SECURED.
387
the tumult and confusion. Venting his rage in a good round
oath, he rushed towards the spot, and disappeared, tumbling
head-over-heels into the open hole.
" Waugh !" cried the Indian, as his eyes were illumined
-with wild joy. " I am rather curious to know which of
them will come back first."
" Torches! bring torches!" cried Harfield to those outside;
"bring torches, and keep the house well guarded, so that
none may escape. One of the rascals has concealed himself
under the deals."
Several of the men rushed forward with lighted pine-
torches, and Cook, taking one of these from the first man
that entered the room, followed his friend into the passage.
Brown hastened to her that he loved, and, trembling with
excitement, was hardly able to cut with his hunting-knife
the cords by which the poor girl was bound. Exhausted,
and overcome by such a rapid transition from pain to plea-
sure, she fainted in the arms of her friend.
Wilson and Ellen formed a group by themselves, near the
door.
" Here's a subterranean passage," cried Curtis, from below.
" The others have escaped. It goes to the river; so some of
you had better be off in that direction, and shoot at every
living thing you see."
Away went the Regulators, and directly after five or six
shots were heard in rapid succession.
" Then the wretches had a boat, after all," said Harfield;
" and yet, I and the Indian thought we had examined every
spot so closely that nothing could have escaped us."
" Are you wounded, Curtis 2" Cook asked his friend, as he
set him on his feet again near the opening of the secret
passage.
" Yes—no—I hardly think I am; that's to say, I don't
know. A plague upon it! what has been the matter with
me? Where am 12 What's all that shooting about 2"
" They are in pursuit of those who have escaped. You are
in Rowson's house—or rather below it. A nice passage, that.
Well, every old fox makes his hole—a special way of egress
in case of danger, a last chance of escape. This has been
scooped out slyly enough; and they might have succeeded in
making their escape, had not the Indian stepped in a little
too early for them."
388
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Where's Bowson T asked Curtis, beginning to recover
from the effects of his fall, and to understand a little of what
was going on, and how he had got into the dark hole.
" Hei'e !" replied the Indian, taking his leathern string
from his "bullet-pouch and tying his prisoner's feet. " Can
any one lend me a scarf or a necktie V
" What do you want with a scarf V asked Cook, who had
by this time made his way up again.
" The Methodist preacher is wounded," said the Indian, in
an under-tone. " That young girl there has saved the life of
the ' Feathered Arrow,' and shot the pale man in his shoulder.
Waugh ! how pale he looks !"
"The Indian really pities him !" said Stevenson, who had
just entered the room. " That is quite a new quality in one
of his race."
" Pity !" exclaimed the chieftain, stretching himself to full
length and casting angry glances at the speaker. " Who says
that Assowaum could feel pity for the murderer of Alapaha ?
But he must not die yet! he must not die here—he must
not die of this wound, which a woman's hand has inflicted.
The revenge is to be my own, and I will take it. Who can
lend me a handkerchief to bind up the pale man's shoulder ?"
" Here's mine," said Stevenson, handing one to the Indian.
" But, am I mistaken or nothe added, stooping down to
get a closer look at the preacher; " that man's face I have
seen somewhere already; his features are known to me."
Bowson raised his eyes and looked into the speaker's face.
" Good gracious ! that is the murderer of the cattle-
dealer !" exclaimed the old farmer, springing up with a start.
" That's the face of the scoundrel who murdered him trea-
cherously !"
" Be off!" cried the wounded man, turning his face aside.
" Where's Brown V exclaimed several voices.
" Here I am," replied the young man. " Can anybody
give some vinegar 1 Miss Boberts has fainted."
" My child—my dear child !" cried Boberts, kneeling down
in agony at the side of his daughter, whose face was pale as
death.
" Marion—dearest, best Marion !" whispered Ellen, who
had recovered from the first emotion, and freed herself from
Wilson, into whose arms she had fallen at the first surprise
quite unconsciously.
MINGLED EMOTIONS.
389
" Here is some whisky and water," said the younger Ste-
Venson, handing over a tin cup with water to Brown, and a
pocket-pistol containing whisky.
Brown was busily engaged rubbing the beloved girl's fore-
head, temples, and hands, with an eagerness that rather asto-
nished Bahrens, who was standing at his side.
" Harper," said the latter, in a low whisper, to his friend,
" is Brown a doctor 1 I never knew that he was so-
skilful."
" No," replied the other, with a smile. " Why do you ask
the question ?"
" He seems very clever at that rubbing. My hands would
have been tired in much less time : his go as if worked by
steam."
" Papa !" said the pretty girl, with a deep sigh, opening
her bright eyes—" papa !" but her glance did not meet that
of her fhther, though he was holding one of her hands closely
locked in his own.
Her eyes met those of one most dear to her, who, stoop-
ing down over her, beheld her gradual recovery with unmis-
takeable joy depicted upon his features.
" Father !" exclaimed the girl, closing her eyes again,
but with such a sweet, contented smile, as if she thought
what had happened was, after all, but a beautiful dream,
the spell of which she was unwilling to dissolve by awaking.
" Haven't you captured any of the fugitives ?" asked Har-
field at last, who thought fit to take upon himself the duties
of leader, seeing that Brown's duties as a medical man
seemed, for the moment, to engross his attention.
" No," replied Hostler, " we could not overtake them; but
I am inclined to think that our bullets have done some
execution. When we approached the river, we perceived
the dark shadow of a boat gliding along the opposite shore.
We fired at it, and immediately afterwards we thought that
we heard something fall into the water with a splashing
noise. It was, however, too dark for us to make anything
out with any degree of distinctness. I hope that our leaden
messengers have done their duty, and have at least laid one
of them low."
" There was only another man here besides Eowson," ob-
served Ellen, timidly; "it was Cotton—I suppose you all
know him."
390
THE EEATHEKED AEROW.
" Cotton!—a plague upon him !" cried Wilson. " It is
lucky I did not know that before, or I should have stormed
the house, even had I been unsupported and might have
been shot in the attempt."
'•'What's to be done with the preacher?"
" To-morrow we will try him and his accomplices; then
we shall hear what he has to say in his defence. Four of
his associates will be tried at the same time. You know the
plan. I should be glad if you would join us on this occa-
sion, Mr. Roberts. Our proceedings will be much more
regular, if supported by the presence and advice of men of
riper age and better experience, like yourself. Who is
keeping guard outside ?"
" Some of our men," Cook replied ; " the Canadian, and
a few others. In this nest none but Ro^son and Cotton
had taken refuge, and I do not suppose that any more of the
band are in the neighbourhood."
"No traces of the mulatto have been discovered ?"
"No, nothing has been heard of any moment. The Indian,
it is true, saw something this morning which made him
think that "
" He has gone into the mountains," said Assowaum; " I
saw his footprint."
" Was it after the rain ?"
" He must have been near the house after the rain. The
bird whose nest has been destroyed often flutters about the
tree for some time. That yellow man did not like to part
from the place where he had found such a comfortable berth."
"Where is Wilson?" Brown asked, turning round and
looking for him.
" I believe he is attending to the horses," said Harfield.
" I am of opinion that it will be better, on account of the
ladies, to quit this place. Yet it will be advisable to leave
a few men here, that they may examine the spot closely
to-morrow morning."
" Harfield, will you do me that favour ?" Brown said, with
hesitation, and, as the other fancied, with a blush. " After
all, it might happen that I am wanted."
"With all my heart," the other replied, with a laugh.
" You must not on any account leave your interesting patient,
and I am williug enough to cover your retreat. To-morrow
morning, at eleven, I shall be at the appointed place. You
BROWN IN A NEW CHARACTER.
391
need not trouble yourselves to delay the examination of the
prisoners until I make my appearance. Go on with the
business when you are ready; otherwise^——"
"We shall begin by examining Atkins and Jones," replied
Brown; " and I believe we shall be obliged to commence
rather early, so come as soon as you can."
" Ah! here are the horses!" cried Harper. " Well, my boy,
you are a nice fellow; you have not so much as said a kind
word to your old uncle all the evening. You seem to have
quite forgotten him in your attentions to the young ladies, eh?"
" Uncle," said Brown, seizing the kind old man's hand,—
" uncle, I am very happy."
" How shall we manage to move our prisoner ?" Curtis
said, interrupting these sentimental exclamations and endear-
ments with the rdugh business of the day. "We have no
canoe."
" I believe the Indian will attend to this matter," said
Bahrens. " He sits at the wounded delinquent's side, look-
ing into his face with intense attention, as if the preacher,
horse-stealer, and murderer were a pretty girl to whom he
was making love. I shudder when I think of the blood-
thirsty feelings which possess that Indian's mind and heart,
while he looks thus dove-like. Such savages are horrible
fellows, after all."
" I should not like to be in the preacher's skin at present,"
observed Cook; " no, not for all the treasures on earth. If
the Regulators acquitted him and gave him his liberty, I
really believe the Indian would spring at his throat and drink
his blood."
" His wound wont allow of his riding," said Stevenson, who
had been examining Rowson's arm. " The bone is terribly
shattered."
" Do you think the wound dangerous ?" asked the Indian,
as if awaking from a dream.
" If he were to ride and catch cold, it might be,<—the night
air is damp,-—and then the case would become serious," re-
plied Stevenson.
" I will carry him," said the Indian.
" Carry whom ?" asked Bahrens. " Surely you don't mean
Rowson ?"
"Yes," replied Assowaum, wrapping his wounded antago-
nist in his own blanket.
392
THE FEA.THEEED AHIlOW.
" Gentlemen," said Roberts, addressing tlie Regulatory
" some of you, as you bave heard, will remain here to-night;
and, mind, I shall expect you to-morrow morning to break-
fast. The others, who are going to start with us—as the
prisoner must be carried—and my house is not very far ou#
of the road—for my wife by this time will have got into a
terrible fright "
" Therefore, I ask you all," continued Harper, laughing at
Roberts's rambling speech: " I—that is to say, Mr. Roberts
—invite you all to come to my place to-night; and if we are:
put to it a little to find accommodation, you wont be too
particular, I hope:—we are in Arkansas, you know."
"That is quite right," Roberts exclaimed, with a good-
natured laugh; "that's exactly what I meant to say. Well,
then, gentlemen, as you seem so kindly disposed to lend
me your support—Brown as far as my daughter is concerned,
and Harper with reference to my speech—let us start. Does
the Indian really mean to carry that unfortunate man 1"
Assowaura replied to that question by preparing to make
a start. He lifted the preacher's heavy body, and, notwith-
standing his own wound, raised him almost as easily as if he
had been a child. Without losing another moment, he set
off 011 the high road with his burthen. Rowson was evidently
insensible, for he lay motionless in the arms of his enemy,
his pale face resting upon the shoulder of the avenger.
" He is not going to kill him, I hope ?" Marion whispered,
timidly, to Brown, upon whose arm she leaned, and who
prepared to help her into the saddle.
" No, Marion ; don't be afraid of that. There will be no
more blood-sliedding to-night," replied the young man. " The
Regulators will to-morrow decide upon his punishment. He
is a wretched criminal who has incurred three times the
heavy guilt of blood. The measure of his iniquities over-
flows."
" Horrible! horrible!" groaned the poor girl, remembering
how narrowly and how recently she had escaped falling a
prey to the monster.
"And where is our little heroine, our Amazon?" asked
Bahrens, looking round for Ellen. " What on earth has
become of her? I declare myself her champion for this
evening."
" You are too late," replied Brown, laughing ; "too late,
TIIE INDIAN AND HIS VICTIM.
393
sir. The post is no longer vacant. Wilson had the goodness
to charge himself with that duty, and nobody else came for-
ward to compete for it."
"Too late, am I?" said Bahrens. "Well, now, look you,
that's just my luck. I am always unfortunate in such matters,
and I could relate an excellent story bearing on the point, if
all idea of fun was not taken out of me when I look at that
Indian. See how he steps along, with his victim in his arms,
as if he were a loving mother tenderly nursing a beloved child."
"What you say is too true," Boberts, who rode beside
them, observed. " There is something awful in the settled
calmness of the Bed man's demeanour. He is merely waiting
for the opportunity to gratify his revenge. But we must
not forget that he has been robbed of what was nearest and
dearest to him, and that he is only fulfilling the oath he made
at the grave of his wife. You were present on that occasion,
Bahrens, were you not ?"
" Yes," replied Bahrens, starting up from a deep study,
i" Yes—oh yes—what did you say, Boberts ? Have you not
such a thing as a drop of whisky in your house ? I know
your wife can't bear it; but I really think I shall be ill to-
night, if I do not get a good pull at the bottle. As for eat-
ing, I have lost all appetite."
"You had better remind me again when we get home,"
said Boberts, in an undertone ; " but don't let Marion hear
what you are saying. The womankind are always conspiring
together; and, if they did nothing worse, they might some
fine morning turn the bottle topsy-turvy, and let all the stuff
run out; and that would be a pity, for it's genuine Mononga-
hela, I can assure you."
"Do you know, Boberts, of what the preacher in his
enemy's arms reminds me V
" I can't guess what you mean."
" The Pawnees have a tradition that a Spanish trader, with
the corpse of an Indian woman he has rendered unhappy, is
bound on the back of a horse, and condemned to ride over
the prairies with her for all eternity. I do not think our
preacher will, for the remainder of his life, see anything else
but the Indian's eye resting upon him."
" Come, Bahrens, we will ride on, in order to set my wife's
mind at ease, and to prepare quarters," said Boberts; " and
thus we shall get away from this awful spectacle."
394 THE EEATHEHED AEEOW.
The two men galloped on before the rest of the company,
and as the light from the torches which they carried illumined
the faces of the preacher and the Indian, they perceived that
Assowaum was watching his victim with an anxious look.
After gazing at him with intense interest for some moments,
he drew himself up with an air of proud satisfaction, and
stepped forward as if in triumph. He had ascertained that
his victim was still alive.
CHAPTER XXXYI.
THE COURT OP THE REGULATORS.
The place which had been chosen for the meeting of the
Regulators was this time a little nearer to the Fourche-la-
Pave settlements than upon the last occasion. It was situ-
ated on a steep hill or " bluff," which rose almost perpen-
dicularly from the southern bank of the river, and was
encompassed both on the east and the west by the lower
ground of the valley and a dense reed-thicket.
About a mile lower down, the road crossed the river. It
was the very road at which the Regulators were some time
before thrown off the right scent by Rowson's cunning. The
little deserted hut too, in which Alapaha had fallen under
the blows of her treacherous friend, stood, as the reader will
remember, scarcely half a mile distant, in a straight line from
the road.
That rugged mountain-top was generally still and deserted.
For many miles around—at least, on this side of the river—
no farm was to be found; and seldom indeed did a solitary
hunter come near the spot. The place, however, on the-
eventful day to which we now refer, presented quite an ani-
mated picture. Under the tall pine-trees and the wide-spread-
ing oaks sat, squatting around different watch-fires, some
twenty powerful-looking hunters and farmer's, most of them
genuine backwoodsmen. They were engaged in preparing
and enjoying their breakfasts, and the blue smoke ascended
slowly through the interlacing boughs, just as it did in those
earlier times when the tribe of aborigines—who gave the
land its name, the Arkansas—dwelt within those beautiful
mountain-ranges.
TIIE CAMP AND ITS OCCUPANTS.
395
Such camps are met with often enough in Arkansas, and
indeed in all the western forests of the United States. Yet
this one bore a distinguishing feature, and contained two
groups, differing essentially in their appearance and their
whole bearing—the one, free, easy, and careless ; the other
consisting of malefactors with their limbs bound.
On one side were the prisoners Atkins, Johnson, Weston,
and Jones, guarded by two of the backwoodsmen standing
near them, leaning upon their long rifles. The other group
consisted of but two persons—the preacher and the Indian.
Beneath a roof of flowers, on a couch of leaves carefully
heaped together by the Indian, and covered with warm
blankets, lay the criminal and his fierce keeper. The Indian
now and then turned away from the form before him to
attend to a fire which he had kindled to protect the wounded
man from the cool air of morning. A cup filled with
water stood beside him, which he from time to time raised
to the burning lips of the sufferer. He carefully rearranged
the blankets that no cold air might get in, and thus aggra-
vate his enemy's sufferings.
The barking of dogs was suddenly heard close at hand, and
soon after those members of the band of Regulators who had
taken a principal part in the animated proceedings of the
previous night, with Brown, Roberts, Harper, and a stranger
at their head, appeared. Brown introduced the latter to the
meeting as a lawyer from Pulasky county, who happened to
be in the neighbourhood, and, having heard of the meeting,
expressed a desire to be present at the proceedings of this
self-constituted court. He added that Harfield would not
be there for another hour, and declared that the meeting
might commence proceedings.
In the first place, a jury was elected, consisting of twelve
of the settlers. The prisoners were not denied their right of
challenging those whom they did not regard as impartial
judges. Hone of them, however, took advantage of tins
privilege. They knew but too well how clearly their guilt
could be brought home to them, and, as Harfield was not
present, even Johnson did not think that it mattered much
whether those present were judges, jury, or spectators. He
could only recognise the faces of two men in any way
favourably disposed towards him in the crowd, and these
wisely kept back, and did not seem by any means inclined
896
THE TEATHEEED AEEOW.
to play an active part in tlie drama, so long, at least, as their
inclinations might be consulted. These were, Curmales and
Junnegan, who reclined together against a tree, and occa-
sionally exchanged a few words in tones inaudible to the
rest of the assembly.
" Who is to plead in behalf of the prisoners'?" Brown asked,
as two men from the Petite-Jeanne, as well as Stevenson,
Curtis, the Canadian, and Cook, came forward, offering to
act as accusers.
" That office, if you will give me leave to do so, I will
undertake," said the lawyer, stepping forward. " My name
is Wharton; I am an attorney, residing in Little-rock. I
am sure you will not refuse these unfortunate men the
assistance of an advocate."
Several of the Regulators did not seem to be much in-
clined to grant this favour j but Brown intervened, and
assured the stranger that they were willing to allow him to
defend the criminals. At the same time Brown advised him
not to lose sight of the fact that they had named a free jury
according to Lynch-law, quite independent of the laws or
regulations of the State, and that they were resolved to carry
out their own plans, whatever might be the consequences.
" You can, at any rate, defend these people," he continued
kindly, to Mr. Wharton; " if there is any point that tells
in their favour, so much the better ; it is not our wish to do
any wrong. But woe to the guilty! The laws of the State
have been found too weak, and too powerless for our protec-
tion. Here we stand, the dwellers in these beautiful woods,
ready to protect ourselves. Time, however, presses, and as we
have a deal of business upon our hands, we had better begin."
The accusation commenced, first against Atkins and Wes-
ton as the receivers, and against Jones as the thief or smuggler
of stolen horses. As no evidence could be produced with refe-
rence to former cases, the last instance alone was entered into,
which presented proofs to ensure punishment. The secret
hiding-place for the horses had been examined carefully, and
placed the guilt of Atkins beyond possibility of doubt.
Hot only had the horses belonging to the Canadian been
found, but also two others stolen from the Fourche-la-Fave
settlers a short time before. The case was clear enough, and
Atkins could but acknowledge his guilt.
Weston was next brought forward, and he obstinately
THE PROCEEDINGS COMMENCE.
397
denied everything. At last one of the men from the Petite-
Jeanne suggested that he should be forced to confess by the
application of the lash. Against this Mr. Wharton protested
emphatically, calling such a proceeding cruel and inquisitorial.
His objection was of no avail. The majority voted for dog-
wood, and thus the unhappy man was tied to one of the trees
and lashed with the slender twigs of a hickory-tree, until
the blood ran from his shoulders. Long black wales appeared
upon his back and sides, even to the breast, the elastic wood
having gone round him like whalebone.
The torture at last extorted the confession of his own guilt,
but nothing could induce him to reveal the name of a single
accomplice; and he at last fell down insensible under the
terrible punishment.
The Regulator's, excited by the blood, and incensed by the
obstinacy of the criminal, called out passionately and in wild
confusion—
" Let us hang him—up to the oak with him ! He has
confessed that he stole the horses—what more do we
require 1"
At this stage of the proceedings, Brown interfered,
declaring that it would be against the rules they had agreed
upon, namely, that all the defendants were to be heard, and
that the jury having decided on the question of guilty or not
guilty, a decision was to be taken on the life or death of
each single prisoner, or in fact on whatever other punish-
ment it might seem expedient to award.
Jones's guilt was clear enough, and there was but one
opinion respecting it. Even Wharton tried in vain to find
anything to say in his favour. The greater crime, namely, that
of the murder of Heathcott, was next considered. The prose-
eutors against Johnson and Rowson were in this instance
Curtis and the storekeeper Hartfort, who had been sent for
at the instigation of the Indian. Hartfort had only a few
days before received by some one whose connexion with
Rowson could be traced, one of those bank-notes which he
remembered having seen in Heathcott's possession. It was
from the Louisiana State Bank, and had been endorsed by
one of its holders. Johnson's and Rowson's footprints had
been compared by the Indian with those marked upon his
tomahawk, with which they had been found to agree com—
pletely.
898
TIIE FEATHERED ARROW.
" Moreover, the fact that Johnson tried to murder the
Indian," said Brown, " speaks volumes."
" Of what use is it to trifle away our time with further
accusations," cried some one from the crowd. "The scoun-
tlrel deserves hanging for that murder alone. If the jury
really find him not guilty of that crime—a result which
seems very improbable—there will then be time enough to
spare to try him for the other murder."
At this juncture Wharton was about to come forward in
order to attempt to set up some defence for the man who
stood thus gravely accused. Before he could, however, begin
his arguments, Johnson started up, in spite of the cords by
which his arms were bound, and exclaimed in a tone of de-
fiance—-
" Spare yourself the trouble of these arguments. These
scoundrels are resolved, come what may, to see me hanged, and
nothing can change their determination. A plague upon them:
I will not at least gratify them by trembling and retracting.
Ye are arrant cowards, all of you, who fall twenty of you upon
a single man; I did shoot that fellow Heathcott, and I should
only be too glad to cut all your throats at one stroke."
"Away with him to the oak-tree—away with him—hang
the wretch !" cried the greater number of the men, and
several of them made a rush at the prisoner. Brown again
stepped between them, exclaiming—
" Stop ! order ! men of Arkansas, we must first hear what
the preacher lias to say; the jury will then decide upon their
case."
" Very well; bring Rowson forth—bring that preach-
iug fellow!" cried the crowd, again retreating a little, so as
to leave the middle space open.
When he heard his name from the lips of the infuriated
crowd, Rowson started up, terrified and pale as death. It
was, however, in vain that he tried to keep his feet; his
limbs were completely paralysed by the fetters. Assowaum
loosened them, and helped to support his enemy, already
much weakened by loss of blood and mental anxiety. In
spite of all this, his legs refused their office; they trembled:
violently, and his knees knocked together. In fact, he would
hare fallen to the ground again, had not his careful guardian
seized him in liis arms, and having given him a few moments
ROWSOH BEFORE HIS ACCUSERS. 890
to recover himself, led him before the jury, who were sitting
upon the greensward.
" Jonathan Rowson," said Brown, seriously and gravely
addressing the prisoner; "you stand before your judges.
You have been accused "
" Stop—stop—say nothing more," muttered Rowson, in a
scarcely audible tone of voice. His eyes glanced wildly and
anxiously round the circle of the assembled Regulators and
their friends ; " do not trouble yourselves to proceed any
further. You shall not—you must not—accuse me. I will
confess everything—I will reveal all, as < State's evidence
you cannot harm me. I shall thereby constitute myself one
of the legal authorities. I will "
" A. plague upon your cowardly, miserable soul!" cried
Johnson, highly incensed; " look you how the wretch trem-
bles!"
"If you open your mouth again without being asked,"
cried Hostler, who performed the office of sheriff, " 1 will
split your skull with this little bit of hickory-wood here;
do you understand ?"
Johnson was silent, but kept grinding his teeth.
" You must not hang me !" cried Rowson, whose forehead
was covered with drops of cold sweat; " or, at least, you
must protect me against that devil here on my side, who
watches over my body as if he was anxious to catch my soul.
I will confess everything; I declare myself State's evidence."
A murmur of disgust ran through the ranks of the Regu-
lators. Brown took upon himself to reply; and, turning to
the unfortunate man, who raised his hands imploringly to-
wards him, said :—" Your repentance comes too late, Row-
son; even that cannot now save you. Accused of three
murders—to say nothing of the treacherous manner in which
you crept into the confidence of the families of this peace-
ful country only to abuse it—you are ripe for judgment.
Have you anything to say in your defence T
" There's Harfield coming with the other men," said Cook,
interrupting the proceedings; " but he does not seem to
have caught either of the runaways."
The crowd turned their heads, and perceived Harneld
approaching on horseback. He rode up close to the pri-
doners, threw down a bundle which he. had brought with
c c 2
4m
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
him, sprang from the saddle, and allowed his animal to go
free.
" Is there anything new, Harfield, that will throw light
upon the case of these three criminals ?" asked Brown.
" Nothing particular," replied the Regulator. " I have
found this old coat, which appeared to me a somewhat sus-
picious affair, seeing that it had been well washed and was
carefully concealed."
" Waugh !" exclaimed the Indian, who had approached the
now arrivals. He pointed to the place where one of the
buttons had been torn off. " This button Alapaha seized in
her agony; and here—here is the rent she made in wound-
ing him."
Without waiting for a reply, the Indian stepped up to
the preacher, who stood pale and motionless. Assowaum
drew his scalping-knife from his belt, ripped up the criminal's
left sleeve as far as the shoulder, where the red scar, scarcely
healed, was visible, which the Indian woman's tomahawk
had made. Assowaum pointed to this fatal sign, saying in
an undertone, almost in a whisper, " He is the murderer !"
All were silent; it seemed that everybody was afraid of
breaking the awful silence. Rowson's looks passed anxiously
from one face to another, as if he hoped to find in the
features of some of the group signs of pity and mercy.
All appeared cold and unmoved. Their grave and resolute
countenances and knit brows foreboded no good. His fate
seemed sealed; and the verdict must evidently be against him.
" This pocketbook," said Brown, after a pause, " was also
found upon this unfortunate man, who seems to have heaped
crime upon crime, in order to attain his dark ends. The
sum it contains is eleven htmdred dollars, which corresponds
with that which the cattle-dealer is said to have had about
him. The poor fellow was cruelly murdered at the Fourche-
la-Fave a short time ago. Stevenson has recognised Rowson
to be the man whom he saw that day with the victim a few
minutes before the deed was done."
".Do you know this penknife, Rowson?" he asked the
pale-faced murderer. " Can you tell what the stains of blood
upon it mean ?"
Rowson turned away with a shudder, and with a groan
exclaimed, pointing to Johnson, "It was done at his sugges-
CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE.
401
tion ; why put all the blame upon me 1 why lay the charge
of all these crimes on my shoulders ?"
" And so you confess that you are guilty—guilty of three
murders?" Harfield exclaimed.
"Yes, yes ; I will confess everything, everything. I will
tell you much that you don't know—dreadful things ; I will
reveal what is going on at the Mississippi "
" I protest against this proceeding," said the strange
lawyer, stepping forward quickly. " You extort from this
unfortunate man here a confession of guilt, while he is still
in hopes of being reprieved as State's evidence, and to be set
at liberty. You have, moreover, obtained the confession of
this young Weston here—or what's his name—in a manner
which may be termed altogether illegal."
" Sir," said Brown, interrupting him quickly, "I told yoa
at the beginning that you were not before a legally constituted
tribunal, acting according to regulations which may work
well under ordinary circumstances. We have been forced to
adopt this mode of proceeding, because hitherto the tricks
and chicaneries of lawyers have always turned aside the arm
of justice. The worst mminals have thus escaped punish-
ment, because some trifling circumstance has been overlooked
in the prosecution, or because some witness was absent, or
for some paltry excuse or other. Those who were able to
pay could always get out of trouble and punishment. We
meet here as Regulators, and the power we execute is nothing
but Lynch-law. These men have been accused, and will be
punished, if they are found guilty. Can you prove to us, or
can you even hold out any reasonable chance of proving, that
they are not guilty 1 Can you show any doubt in the
matter 1 If you can do this, I assure you beforehand that
your client shall go hence quite free. This, as far as I can
perceive, is all that you can do in this matter. What is the
verdict of the jury with respect to Atkins V'
" Let me go," cried Rowson, in despair ; " let me go, and
I will confess things which "
" Be silent; I will save you," the strange lawyer whispered
to him.
Amazed and animated by a sudden ray of hope, the
miserable man looked up to his advocate ; yet he met with
no encouraging glance. The lawyer's countenance had. as-
402
THE FEATHERED ARROW;
sumed a cautious and a reserved expression. He turned
away to the jury, v/lio, at a little distance, were deliberating
upon the fate of the defendants.
After a short time they returned with the unanimous
verdict—" Guilty."
Atkins sank upon his knees, hiding his pale face in his
"hands.
" And Weston?" asked Brown.—" Guilty."
"And Jones?"—"Guilty."
" And Johnson?"—" Guilty."
"And Itowson?"
" Guilty!" re-echoed, in an awful chorus, thrilling to the
very marrow of the auditors.
Weston sobbed aloud, while Johnson gnashed his teeth,
casting passionate glances at his judges.
" You have heard the verdict," said Brown, after a long
pause, while Bowson, forgetting everything else, hung upon
the strange lawyer's motions, by whose arm, as if he was en-
do wed with more than earthly powers, he seemed alone to rely
for deliverance. " The Court of the Regulators finds you all
guilty, and condemns you to be hanged by the neck until
you are dead," said Brown, in a firm but deep voice.
" Away with them!" cried some voices from the crowd;
"away with them to the next trees; let us feed the wild
beasts with their flesh."
" Stop," cried Brown, holding out his hand, and pushing
those back who now pressed eagerly forward. " Stop; the
Court condemns them, but, men of Arkansas, let us not act
like wild animals against our neighbours. They are not all
equally deserving of punishment. Are there none to whom
you would like to grant a reprieve ?"
"Atkins's child died last night," said Wilson, stepping
forward. " His wife lies at the point of death. He was
about to emigrate to Texas. I think we had better let
him go."
A solemn silence reigned for some moments. Atkins,
with tearless eyes, looked from one face to another.
" I vote for mercy," cried Brown.
" And so do I," said Harfield. " I do not think it right,
friends, to make our first session one of nothing but blood.
I only ask you for Weston's life; the poor fellow has confessed
ail he has done. We cannot find fault with him because he
•WESTON SPAEED.'
403
did not wish to betray his accomplices. For my part, I con-
sider that a point in his favour. Do you think he will
have "been sufficiently punished by the castigation he has
received V
"Yes," replied the men, after reflecting for a few moments.
" But he must promise to amend his ways," cried one, in a
weak, piping tone of voice.
All laughed, and looked round for the speaker.
"Mercy! mercy!" cried Jones, imploringly, plainly per-
ceiving, by the general bearing of the Regulators, that they
were resolved to inflict punishment upon the most guilty.
He was eager to avail himself of the first sign, as it were, of
good humour. " Have mercy upon me, too. It is only this
once that I have been led astray ; and, besides, I belong to
another county."
" That latter argument wont have much influence upon
us," said Brown. " Yet, I am of opinion, after all, that we
had better send this man, who is indeed a stranger to the
Fourche-la-Fave and the Petite-Jeanne, over to the Court
at Little-rock. They may dispose of him as they deem
proper."
"Away with him," cried some among the crowd. "Deliver
him up to the sheriff."
" Gentlemen," said Curtis, " I have some doubts about the
propriety of such a decision. The fellow has done his best
to injure us seriously, and if they put him into the House of
Correction at Little-rock, and he afterwards makes his escape,
as he will do as a matter of course, he will laugh at us into
the bargain."
" On my honour, I will not," cried Jones, anxioxedy, as he
seemed to perceive mischief brewing.
" That pledge is not of any great value," Curtis replied.
"No, I propose that we first make him better acquainted
with our different species of wood—hickory and dogwood.
In that case, he will always preserve a friendly and lasting
remembrance of our little river."
" Curtis is right," said Brown; "and really, in my opinion,
this Jones, if not quite so bad as Rowson, is yet one of the
greatest rascals under the sun. If, therefore, the men of
Arkansas think fit, that negro may give him fifty lashes."
"Gentlemen !" cried Jones, in imploring accents.
" Fifty are rather too little," Barill observed, after the
404
TIIE FEATHEEED ARROW.
others had given their consent; " at any rate we might select
some better man to inflict the punishment than that negro,
I should not half trust him for such work."
" Stop !" cried the Canadian, interrupting them. " I will
give him the lashes—I am in his debt."
"Mercy! mercy!" cried Jones, who dreaded the manner
in which he knew that this half-savage would belabour his
back.
"You are experiencing mercy at our hands," said Brown,
turning away. "In justice to society, you ought to be
hanged. Away with him !"
"And what about Johnson and Rowson ?" asked Harfield,
casting an inquiring glance around the circle, as the Canadian
led the weeping Jones aside.
"Death!" each one answered with determination.
" Sir, if you mean to save me," said Rowson in a whisper
to the strange lawyer, " now is the time. You do not know
these Regulators "
" Be silent, and trust in me," said the lawyer, in as low
a voice as possible, cautiously assuming an air of indif
ference.
Rowson's face turned deadly pale.
Wilson had, in the meantime, cut the cords by which
Atkins was bound, and offered him his horse to ride home on.
The unfortunate old man nodded his thanks, undid the horse's
bridle from the branch where it was fastened and prepared
to mount. Suddenly an idea seemed to flash across his mind,
and he stood still with his head bent over the saddle. Rousing
himself, he returned, and held out his hand in silence, first
to Wilson, then to Brown, and last of all to Harfield. He
pressed their hands gratefully, leapt into the saddle, and gal-
loped with great speed to his former home.
Brown gazed after him for some time, and then said to
Wilson—"Mercy will not be thrown away upon that man—
I should not wonder if Atkins became quite an honest
man."
" Save me, or else it will be too late," whispered Rowson
ngain, already experiencing the pangs of death. " You have
promised to save me, and you must keep your word."
" Lead the prisoners to their doom," said Brown, in a low,
yet firm tone of voice.
" Stop !" cried the lawyer, stepping forward. " Stop ! in
bowson in despair.
405
tlie name of tlie law ! these criminals are guilty of death, it
is true ; but I protest against this proceeding, which would
be even worse murder than those which these men seem to
have committed. Deliver them up to me, and I will become
their accuser before the judges of the State; but here "
" Lead them to their doom," Brown repeated, without
paying further attention to the lawyer's interference. " Has
either prisoner anything to say T
" I will disclose everything," cried Bowson. " Only listen
to me; I will disclose everything, if you will grant me my
life. I will work in prison, but spare my life—only my life !
I have awful things to disclose."
" Your life is forfeited," replied Brown, unmoved. " You
had better prepare for death."
" Stand back !" cried the miserable man, as several of the
Begulators approached to lay hold of him. " Stand back !
my life may be forfeited to the law—but I—but you "
" Stop !" said the Indian, who hitherto, like a panther
about to make its spring, had been crouching beside the
preacher. " Stop," and as he uttered the words he drew
himself up to his full height, and laid his hand upon the
murderer's shoulder, while the latter trembled at his touch.
"This man is mine. You have found him guilty; I will
be his executioner."
" No, no, no I" cried the Methodist, in agony. " No, any-
thing but that!—away! away! Come, Begulators, take me
away!—you may hang me!—hang me here on this tree! No,
not here—a little farther off—a hundred paces at least—half
a mile—but do not give me up into the hands of this Satan.
Help! help!"
Assowaum, without waiting for any reply, tied his victim's
arms with the leathern thong he always carried with him;
and took him, in spite of his resistance, like a baby in his
arms.
" Gentlemen, this is horrible!" said the strange lawyer.
You cannot mean to allow that savage to carry the man
into the forest, and there to torture him to death T
None of the Begulators answered a syllable: all looked in
amazement and awe at the Indian, whose features, calm and
unmoved, did not in the least betray what was passing in his
mind. Even Johnson seemed for the moment to have lost
all sense of his own situation.
•406
THE EEATHEItED ABEOW.
"Mercy!" cried Bov/son. " 1 will be killed according to
Lynch-law by you, but not by this Indian. Mercy!—save me
from this demon who has seized me!"
The Indian stepped out of the circle of the men, and went
along the footpath which led into the lower grounds and
towards the river.
"No; that at least I cannot allow!" cried the stranger,
as he followed the chief, resolved, if possible, to save the
miserable man.
Assowaum, hearing a step behind him, turned round, and
said, in a threatening tone of voice—" Follow me but one
step more on my dark path, and you will never return to
your people. I know you."
"Save me!" cried Bowson, piteously; "save me! as you
hope to be saved one day !"
Assowaum turned away, and in a moment had disappeared
with his victim in the thicket. Wharton remained rooted
to the spot, gazing with an expression of stupefied amaze-
ment, as if he had been stunned, after the red son of the
forest.
Of those assembled on the hill-side, none dai'ed to inter-
rupt the solemn silence. Each man remained in his posi-
tion, ldveted as it were by a deep sense of awe. The men
scarcely seemed to breathe. At last Brown stepped slowly
and noiselessly to the brink of the precipice which overhung
the river, and, grasping a young oak, looked down into the
bed of the river. He caught sight of the Indian in his canoe
gliding along slowly, and in the stern of the boat lay the
fettered form of Bowson.
Jones's cry for help first aroused the men from their state
of stupor. The Canadian, who did not seem to see in the
vengeance of the Indian anything very extraordinary, had
in the meanwhile made the best use of the time. He had
bound the little feeble man to a dogwood tree, and with evi-
dent satisfaction began administering his punishment. Nor
did he feel much inclined to stop, though Jones, writhing
and roaring, declared that he had already received not fifty
lashes, but between sixty and seventy.
Brown at last interfered, and liberated the criminal from
the grasp of his executioner, who did not seem by any means
particular about the number of strokes to be administered.
He was resolved, as he said, " to take the taste for horse-
HOW JOHNSON GETS OFF.
407
flesh out of that fellow, now that he had once made a begin-
ning in that line."
Another party of the Regulators led Johnson under the
tree destined for his execution. Barill exhorted him once
more to seek forgiveness for his sins ; but the latter only
spat at himj and turned his back upon him in contempt. No
word, no prayer, no complaint escaped from his lips. The
Regulators, without more ado, put a noose round his neck,
and raised him on a horse. The negro was sent to climb up
the tree, in order to fix the rope upon a projecting branch.
Johnson's elbows had been tied behind his back, and he sat
in the saddle quite erect. The rope was just long enough to
reach from the miserable man's neck to the branch. As soon
as the horse moved forward, were it but one step in advance,
his fate must be sealed.
The sagacious animal did not, however, stir, but with his
large dark eyes looked from one man to the other as if it
understood how all their glances were fixed upon its move-
ments, full of expectation.
" What are all these grimaces about ?" Johnson asked,
half-angrily, half-anxiously, the cold sweat coming to his
forehead; " take the horse away, and make an end of the
matter."
He had but to give a slight pressure with his thigh, and
the animal would have sprung forward; but he did not move
a limb.
Brown sprang into his saddle, and galloped down the hill.
The others followed. Some of them kept a sharp eye upon
Wharton. The Canadian and J ones remained behind. The
horse still stood under the tree, motionless. J ohnson cast a
glance to the two men, half in anger, half in hope.
" Come, now," said the half-caste man to the horse-dealer,
"I see well enough what your intentions are. You shall
not, however, spoil that poor man's business. Away with
'you!"
" But, pray, allow me to speak one word to you."
"Away, I say, or We are now alone, you under-
stand."
He lifted up a switch that he had just cut, in a menacing
manner. The next moment the men left the place, and
Johnson sat on the quiet horse alone under his gallows.
408
the feathebed abeow.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
roberts's house.
Hoisy merriment prevailed at the time when Lynch-law was
being put in practice 011 the rough precipice near the
Fourche-la-Fave; noisy merriment prevailed, Ave say, in
Roberts's house. Marion's mother had for a long time lain,
on her bed, pale and motionless. The Regulators went away
early in the morning with their prisoners ; the sun stood
high in the heavens, and Mrs. Roberts had not given any
sign of returning consciousness. But all at once old Roberts
commenced pacing the room with a grave and thoughtful
face, Marion in tears kneeling at the foot of the bed. Ellen
sat by her side silent and downcast, holding the invalid's
cold hand in her own, who all at once opened her eyes. She
looked about in amazement, as if she did not understand what
had happened. Her glance fell upon Marion. Her daughter
sprang up joyfully, and with an exclamation of joy embraced
her mother.
" Child," said Mrs. Roberts, " my dear child, are you re-
stored to me ? Has that Heaven be merciful to me ; I
grow quite dizzy when I think upon that affair—has that
Send Avho appeared amongst us in human form, has he not
got you in his poAver ?"
" Ho, ma—no, my dear, good mama !"' exclaimed the girl,
joyfully. " All is right uoav, since you have again opened
your eyes, looking so Avell and happy. All will go right
again."
"But Avliat does it all mean, child? Is it morning or
evening ? I feel as if I had been dreaming for a very, very
long time. Where do all these people come from ?"
" Margaret!" said Roberts, Avho had approached cautiously,
and taken a seat beside his wife's bed—" Margaret, my dear
Margaret, how are you ?"
" Roberts, you are here ? and Mr. Balirens, and Harper,
and Ellen ? then you did not go to Rowson's farm, after all?"
said Mrs. Roberts, astonished and rather frightened. " Have
I, then, only been dreaming all this time ?"
" You shall know everything," said Marion; "but at pre-
sent you must keep yourself very quiet, and try to reco\rer,
wont you ?"
DELIVERANCE.
409
"Recover?" said her mother, raising herself on her couch ;
" recover ! I am as strong as ever; only my head—my head
is still a little giddy. But tell me—oh, do tell me what has
happened! Roberts—Bahrens—Harper—what is the matter
with the men ? They all look so serious."
'"Nothing is the matter, Mrs. Roberts," Bahrens replied,
stepping forward and shaking hands with her. ' Nothing ;
certainly not now. Only as long as you lay there, pale and
cold like a corpse, we did not feel comfortable in this room,
and so we may possibly have rather sour-looking faces.
Harper is, moreover, partly an invalid too. Now, then,
come out with your tales. You had better hear about it
at once, more particularly since all ends well, and you will
soon get rid of all anxiety."
Marion had to relate all about the late events. She began
from the moment when Rowson had entered the house and
Cotton had come down from his hiding-place. She told how
she had been bound, and how Ellen had delivered her. She
mentioned Assowaum's first appearance, the heroism of her
friend, and how she had at last been saved by—the Regulators.
Under this general term the girl timidly concealed the name
of him she loved, shrinking, as it were, from proclaiming any
connexion between him and herself. All these things she
related to her listening mother, who lovingly held her hands
in her own, as if she still imagined that the child of her
bosom was threatened by danger, and wished to hold her fast.
" To you, then," she said, addressing Ellen, " to you, my
"dear girl, I am really indebted for the life of my daughter."
"To me? Oh, no," replied Ellen; "my merit in this
affair is small enough. The pistol—I do not know how—the
pistol went off—I almost believe it went quite by itself, I
don't know—I have always been so afraid of fire-arms."
. " Ellen certainly was our angel of safety," said Marion.
" The Indian would have been lost, if her shot had not
brought down his assailant. The next man who entered the
room might also have been sacrificed. At any rate, we
should have been exposed to the revenge of that infuriated
man. Ellen surely is the heroine of the evening."
" But where are the others—Mr. Curtis, Mr. Brown, and
Mr. Wilson ?" asked Mrs. Roberts. " They who, besides the
Indian, exposed their lives so boldly, unselfishly, and gene-,
rously for you, surely deserve our most heartfelt thanks 1"
410
THE EE AT HE BED ABBOW.
Harper, at tlie word " unselfishly," coughed s ) 3b
Marion's face was covered with crimson.
" The young men are sitting in judgment upon the
wretches," said Roberts, " a.nd had you not been so ill, I
should also for once have been present at the meeting of the
■Regulators. When such crimes are committed, it is neces-
sary that the rascals should be brought to justice. The old
spirit has not yet died away among us backwoodsmen. Well,
they will be able to do their work without us, and we have
plenty to attend to here."
" But did you not say," asked Mrs. Roberts, with a
shudder, "that this man—thisRowson "
"Let that subject drop for the present, good wife," said
Roberts, interrupting her, kindly. "When you are quite
well and strong again, then we will speak more at length
about those events which have recently occurred. Then we
shall also know the result of the Regulators' meeting. But
now, girls, you must prepare whatever our kitchen and pantry
can afford. We hold a festival to-day. We have put down
those cursed liorse-thieves, who would soon not have left a
hoof in our stables—why, they even went so far as to try to
steal Hostler's stallion from his courtyard, and his fence is
more than eleven feet high. However, he has not got any
riders* upon it; and I told him "
"In a moral respect," said Bahrens, finding that Roberts
had again completely lost the thread of what he was going
to say; " in a moral respect, we have reason to be no less
thankful, for now there will be a stop to these everlasting
prayer- meetings."
" But, Air. Bahrens," said Mrs. Roberts, in a tone of re-
proach, " will you confound what has happened with those
holy assemblies."
"Far be it from me," lie replied, "far be it from me to con-
found religion with this preacher. Nevertheless, the expo-
sure will do good ; for the future we shall be rather cautious
about the election of our preachers, and for a good cause.
(The burnt child shuns the fire,' as the proverb goes."
" Hallo!" cried Harper. " It is not proper to discuss that
patter any further until we have had a good hearty meal.
* Riders are the upper poles of a fence, put crossways, so as to prevent
anybody climbing over.
SPECULATION.
411
Ever since last niglit we have watched here by the bedside,
and begin to feel hungry."
" You shall have what you wish, my dear Mr. Harper,"
said Marion, holding out her hand to him flatteringly. "You
must not be angry—you know, mama "
" Tut, tut! no excuses," said the little man, with a hearty
laugh. " I know everything. I did not feel hungry before,
but it is coming on now. I give you due notice of the fact
before it is too late. It can't be very far from noon !"
"What do you say to riding over to the meeting even
now ?" said Balirens. " I am half inclined to take part in
the proceedings."
"We should arrive too late," Roberts replied ; "the place
is a goocT way off. We had better wait until they return.
Brown and Wilson have both promised to come over in the
course of the afternoon, and to tell the result. It is very
kind of them."
" Yery," said Harper, with a side glance at Marion, who
was too much occupied with her mother to notice the re-
mark. Ellen, too, turned round, trying with extraordinary
eagerness to fan the fire in the chimney, which was almost
extinguished.
Meanwhile evening approached. Mrs. Roberts had en-
tirely recovered; and as the weather was mild and warm,
the company took their seats into the little garden, in which.
—a rarity with a western American—were to be found not
only vegetables, but also some flowers, transplanted from the
forest, and carefully tended by Marion's hand. They gave
the little spot a pleasant and refreshing appearance.
Their conversation turned upon many subjects—some
quite opposite to the events that had occupied them of late.
They all kept looking in the direction in which they expected
their friends, and their thoughts and words kept returning
from all other subjects to the engrossing one of the probable-
result of the proceedings on the bank of tlxe Fourche-la-
Eave.
" They wont punish him severely, after all," said Mrs.
Roberts, after a short pause, during which she had been
gazing at the ground abstractedly. " If his wound was so
serious, that's a punishment already."
" For such a crime ?" replied her husband, gravely,
412
THE EEATHEEED ARBOW.
Mrs, Roberts shuddered, and buried her face in her
hands.
" The Indian showed some pity for him," said Marion,
timidly; " he nursed him with a carefulness of which I had
not thought him capable."
"The Indian !" Mrs. Roberts exclaimed, looking up at
her daughter with an expression of amazement. " The
Indian, you say, nursed the the murderer of his wife 1"
she repeated.
" Yes, in the same manner that we feed and take care of
animals we are going to slaughter," said Bahrens, not with-
out feeling a certain shudder pass over his body. " I never
saw anything so dreadful as that same Indian's tender care
of his enemy. The idea still haunts me."
" And you, my poor, poor child," said her mother, turning
to her daughter, who sat at her side; " who will make you
amends for what you have suffered V
" Brown, at last! Here he really is; here he comes, gal-
loping towards us !" cried old Roberts.
Marion was startled when the name was thus unexpectedly
pronounced; and, having looked at her father, hid her blush-
ing face upon her mother's bosom.
"And there is Wilson, too," cried Harper. " Now we
shall know all about everything."
" They look grave and serious," said Bahrens.
'• It was a grave and solemn business in which they were
engaged," replied Roberts; " but they have also exercised a
precious right—the right of self-defence; and that right we
will guard for ourselves in Arkansas as long as we have
blood in our veins and mai'row in our bones."
At this moment the two horsemen approached the house.
They sprang from their saddles, jumped over the fence, and
greeted their friends with hearty and cordial grasps of the
hands and many kind words.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE "FEATHERED ARROW'S " REVENGE.
Softly did the small canoe, guided by a practised hand,
glide along beneath the overhanging reed and the waving
willow-trees. No sound was heard—not even that of the
THE PLACE OE PUNISHMENT. 41S
oars as they rose with the quickness of lightning from the
stream, or dived beneath it with the same rapidity. The
stag which had come down from the hill-side to the brink of
the water continued to drink. A dark shadow glided past
him hardly fifty paces distant, quiet and ghost-like, yet the ani-
mal saw it not; and it was already far distant and had grown
more indistinct when the shy animal startled, raised its beau-
tiful head, stamped the ground with its fore feet, and trotted
back slowly and proudly into the shelter of the thicket. The
breeze had brought to it the scent of man.
Still quietly the canoe continued to glide on, and nothing
but the noise of the stream at its side was heard. The eddies
in the water showed the course it had taken, as they danced
for a short time behind the little craft.
The Indian steered the canoe, and in its stern lay
Rowson, fettered. He had fainted from sheer anguish and
exhaustion. Suddenly the Indian turned the prow of the
little craft across the river. A few minutes after it touched
the flat gravel-ground of the shallow bank, and with a shud-
der Rowson, whose consciousness had returned, recognised
the place. Here stood the hut in which on that fatal night
he had murdered the wife of that man whose prisoner he
now was, and against whose vengeance no earthly power
could protect him.
The boat was on the land. Assowaum stepped out,
moored it, and, standing in the water, cautiously took his
prisoner out.
" What are you going to do with me, Assowaum f the
poor man cried, in a hoarse and trembling voice.
Ho answer!
" Speak, oh, speak, in the name of all that is dear to you i"
cried Rowson in despair; " speak, and let me know my fate."
Silently his executioner carried him up the river-bank
into the hut, in which he had perpetrated his crime.
In despair, Rowson turned his face away from the place,
and closed his eyes. Quietly Assowaum laid him down in
the middle of the hut, close beside a hickory-tree that had
sprung up there. Ho sound broke the death-like silence of
the place save the heavy breathing of the unfortunate man.
It was this same spot in which Alapaha's corpse had lain.
The miserable criminal could no longer bear the pain till
uncertainty of his situation. He opened his eyes, looked up,
D D
414
THE EEATHEBED ABBOTT.
and saw the Indian crouching down at his side, like an
animal of prey about to make its spring. His eye was fixed
upon his victim, but he did not move. A triumphant smile
passed over his dark features as he observed the expression
of anguish and horror in the face of the preacher. Without
making a noise of any kind he rose, took from his belt a
leathern thong, and fastened How son's body to the young
tree, by the side of which he had placed it.
In vain did the preacher offer his enemy treasures and
riches ; in vain lie told him of money he had buried, and was
ready to give up if lie would but let him go free. At last,
he asked as a favour, that an end might be put to his suffer-
ings by a single blow of the tomahawk.
Silently, as if he did not even understand his victim's
passionate words, the Feathered Arrow proceeded with his
work of revenge. When quite satisfied that his victim could
not move, the Indian left him for a few minutes. He
returned with some dry leaves and sticks. At the sight of
these, for the first time the thought of what he really in-
tended to do flashed across the unfortunate man's mind. He
knew something of the habits of those wild savage tribes of
the west; he knew their pitiless ferocity, and he uttered a
wild yelling cry of anguish, as he struggled furiously to free
himself from his bonds. The Indian did not pay the slightest
heed to his struggles. He might have gagged his enemy,
and thus deprived him of all further power of venting his
feelings. Was it that his cries sounded like music in his ears?
With a smile he bent down, and breathed upon the smoking
leaves until they burst into a flame. This done, he brought
forth a number of small chips of pine-wood, and soon the walls
of the hut might be seen in a blaze. Louder and louder, and
still more piteously did the victim's yells for help resound
through the forest; but the Indian kept feeding the flame,
taking care that it did not diminish at any single part of the
building. It soon completely surrounded, as with a sea of
fire, his victim. Just as the heat was getting unbearable,
and had scorched his own scanty wearing apparel, the
Indian left the hut, and running round the outside, swinging
his tomahawk over his head, began to intonate in loud and
triumphant sounds, his hymn of victory. The preachers
cries for he!]) and the crackling of the wood formed a ter-
rible accompaniment. Thick, heavy clouds of smoke rolled
THE MOMENTOUS QUESTION.
415
up into and through the green roof of leaves, and tried to
ascend into the clear bright air; it could not escape, but
rested upon them, covering and darkening the branches with
dirty grey tints.
Louder and more horrible became the cries for help
uttered by the victim. Louder and more triumphant
sounded the hymn of the Indian. At last the flames
reached the well-dried roof of the hut. The sparks turned
round and round, as if caught in a whirlwind, now and then
obscured by clouds of smoke. One more cry arose from the
midst of the glow—it was a frightful, long, and piercing
yell. It was the last groan—all was over. Behind the
distant range of hills the sun, red and glowing, as if bathed
in a sea of blood, disappeared; beside the place where the
burnt hut once rose stood the red warrior, the last remnant
of his once powerful tribe, singing his monotonous, wild song
of victory and revenge.
CHAPTER XXXIX,
CONCLUSION.
" So you have been in love with the girl all this while, Brown,
and never told me a word about it," said old Mr. Roberts,
holding the young man's hand firmly in his own.
Brown pressed his hand silently, and replied frankly—" Of
what good would it have been, sir? I came too late, and had
no right to complain."
" And that scoundrel had almost "
" He is punished," said Brown. " But tell me openly and
frankly, will you trust your daughters happiness to me?"
"Why—the deuce," the old man replied, quite astonished,
" you ask me, just as if I had anything to do with the
matter. Was my consent asked for that Rowson?"
" Roberts!" his wife exclaimed, in a tone of gentle reproach.
" VVhat does the girl say?" the old man added, with a
shake of his head. "What does the girl think of the
matter ? After all, she will be the principal party in the
affair."
" Bather," said Marion, affectionately throwing her arms
round her father's neck.
416
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
"Ah!" said Roberts, laughing, and astonished; "is that
the way the wind blows? Well, as matters now stand, I
suppose something must be done. However," he added,
threatening Brown playfully with his finger, and kissing his
lovely daughter's brow—" however, this gentleman seems to
have been upon the track before to-day."
"And what does Mrs. Roberts say?" asked Brown, leading
the sweet girl towards her mother.
" Take her, sir," the mother returned, in a faltering voice.
" She seems to have a fancy for you, and I, alas! have lost
the right to make a choice for her."
" Mamma!" Marion exclaimed, reproachfully, " do not talk
in that manner; you only thought of my happiness."
" That, my child, is true; Heaven is my witness, that was
my sole aim in all I did. The Lord alone knows the hearts
of in en. We poor mortals are weak and blind."
" Thanks, thanks; hearty thanks to you all, good people,"
Brown exclaimed, folding the lovely girl to his heart. "I
hope you will never repent of having trusted your only child
to me."
" And what about me? Is not my leave or advice in the
matter to be asked?" said Harper, stepping forward, with
tears in his eyes. " You rogue, you behave as if you had
no uncle at all."
" I know your kindness well, my dear uncle," ex-
claimed the young man, embracing him joyfully; "and I
hope you, too, will now have a more comfortable home and a
happier kind of life."
" Yes," said Harper, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of
his coat, and letting go his hold of his nephew's hand, as he
•imprinted a kiss upon the brow of his future niece; " it was
high time, indeed, that this kind of life ceased. I could not
have stood it much longer, anyhow. Bahrens and I had
really resolved upon effecting a change next month."
"Where did you mean to go to?" asked Mrs. Roberts,
quite astonished.
" Where to ?" said Harper. " Why, nowhere; we intended
'to remain here, but to get married. Now, that boy is grin-
-ning again, as if I was too old to marry. Listen, my
'boy "
"I see some people on horseback approaching,* cried
Bahrens, pointing in the direction of the river.
FAMILY MATTERS.
417
Soon after, Stevenson, Cook, and Curtis rode into the
clearing in front of the farm. Stevenson saluted the women
cordially, as if they had been old friends, hut shook his head
with a hearty laugh when Mrs. Roberts reproached him for
not having brought his wife and daughter, whom she much
wished to see.
"We can ride up to-morrow to the place where you are
camping," cried Roberts.
" There's no need of it," Stevenson replied, eagerly. " You
will get tired enough of us by-and-by."
" What do you mean ? You don't intend remaining here,
do you ?" Roberts asked, joyfully.
" I have purchased Atkins's farm," said the old Tennessee-
man. "I like this neighbourhood; and as the poor fellow
wanted to get away, we struck a bargain at once."
" You cannot have had a good look at the place ; for in
the evening "
"No need of that," said Stevenson, with a laugh. "If
I don't like the place, Crawford County wont rim away from
me. If it turns out as Mr. Curtis and Mr. Cook here say it
will, well, then I shall consider that I have done right enough.
I like the settlers about here, especially since you have got
rid of a bad lot; and I begin to see that the Fourche-la-Fave
is by no means such a bad place as people say."
"Well done, Stevenson," cried Roberts, shaking him
by both hands. "Why, this is indeed a day of joy. I
really do not remember the time I have been so pleased.
Children ! why, where is Ellen ? The dear girl must form
one of our circle to-night."
" She's in the house," said Brown.
" Alone in the house! why don't she come out here to us ?
She is to be one of the family, and ought not to be left
alone."
"I believe," replied Brown, smiling, "Mr. Wilson has
taken care that she is not left alone."
".Ah, ah I" cried Roberts, "does the wind sit in that
corner? Well, children, since she will not come to us, we
must go and look for her. You will all be my guests; and
Stevenson—where's your boy, Stevenson ?"
" I have sent him to console and take care of the women-
kind," the old man replied.
" Yery good. Stevenson, you will bring your family down
418
TIIE FEATHERED ARROW.
here. We will make a camp here; and next week, or as
soon in fact as the young people please, for they of course
have the principal vote in the matter, which, if we consider
in the right "
" In the right light is perfectly proper," said Harper, in-
terrupting him, laughing. " The long and the short of what
you mean is, we shall have the weddings over as soon as
possible, and then," he added, with a knowing glance at his
nephew—" then a certain young man whom we all know
will leave his old uncle here, mount a nice chestnut horse
he has bought expressly for the purpose, and ride away
to "
il To Little-rock, my dear uncle," said Brown, holding out
his hand to him, " there to purchase the land, on which he
will afterwards dwell with this same old uncle and his young
wife."
" Will not the governor be angry with you for having in-
fringed the laws V Marion asked, timidly, clinging more
closely to her lover's breast.
" He may if he likes," the young man replied, imprinting
a kiss upon the sweet girl's brow. " What we have done has
only been in defence of our just rights;—we have annihi-
lated the vermin that has spread poison through these
splendid forests. It was our want of power which attracted
these rascals into the neighbourhood, where they hoped to
do pretty much as they pleased, trusting neither to be dis-
covered nor punished while adding crime to crime. The
association of the Regulators has shown them what power
simple fanners can wield as soon as a case of necessity and
their own security demand their united exertions. The
danger is now over, and readily we lay down our temporary
ascendancy that was forced upon us for the more congenial
occupation of the peaceful agriculturist."
The rest is soon told. As for Wilson and Ellen, old
Roberts proved, according to an Arkansian proverb, not to
have " barked under a wrong tree." The very next week to
that in which the incidents recorded in the previous chapter
occurred, the nearest Justice of the Peace united the two
couples, and, while Brown rode over to Little-rock to buy
his land, Wilson wrote to his old mother in Memphis to invite
ASSOWA.TJM'S FAREWELL.
419
her to come and live with him, that she might pass her last
days tranquilly and happily in his home.
Atkins left the Fourche-la-Fave the morning after the
trial, but camped for some time in the neighbourhood in
order to arrange his affairs with Stevenson. This was done
through the agency of Cu-rmales, as he could not bear to
meet on friendly terms a man by whose agency he had been
exposed to just punishment and well-merited degradation.
With Wilson he had, however, another interview; and Eilen
also took leave of her foster-parents before they finally
quitted the State.
Nothing could be ascertained respecting Cotton's fate. A
canoe was found on the shore a little below Harper's house.
It was capsized, and had a hole made by a bullet through the
i.ude. It was supposed that it was the same by the aid of
which the criminals had hoped to have effected their escape.
Cotton himself had disappeared, and no further trace of him
was discovered. No footprints having been seen on either
bank, the rumour soon gained general credence that he had
cither been hit by one of the bullets aimed at him, or that,
on the upsetting of the boat, he had, in consequence of the
heavy weights he carried about him, been drowned. The
mulatto had also disappeared. When the men, a few clays
after the meeting of the Regulators, went to cut down John-
son's corpse, some of them thought they had seen the shadow
of his dark form gliding along the border of that reedland
which stretched from the bank of the Fourche-la-Fave to-
wards the range of hills.
The lawyer from Little-rock, as soon as the meeting of the
Regulators was over, mounted his horse and rode away at
full gallop. It was afterwards ascertained that he did not
keep to the direction of Little-rock)- and, when inquiries
were made, nobody knew the name of " Wharton."
The Indian squatted for nine days after Rowson's death
near his wife's grave, keeping up a fire there, and placing
nightly offerings of food. On the morning of the tenth day
he stepped into Harper's cottage, with his rifle and hi*
blanket on his shoulder. The young couple were then living
there, until their new home was ready. He held out his hand
to his friend gravely and silently, as if about to take his leave.
" And will not the 'Feathered Arrow' spend the remainder •
of his life with his friends T asked Brown, kindly. " Assck
420
THE FEATHERED ARROW.
waum has nobody to cook for him, and mend his mocassins.
"Will he not accept a home under my roof?"
"You are good and kind," the Indian replied; "your
heart and your tongue I know are the same. But Assowaum
must hunt. The white man has killed nearly all the deer
on the Fourche-la-Fave; their traces have become scarce.
Bears appear only as stray wanderers in the low grounds of
these valleys. The flocks of the white man fill the reedland,
and in the marshes no retreat is left for the wild animal.
Assowaum is ill; the flesh of the buffalo will restore his
health again. He will go to the West."
" At any rate, grant me one favour; do not go far, and,
if you get tired of wandering, return to us. You will always
find a home here."
" My brother is kind; Assowaum will not fox-get your
offer."
" And Ellen—have you taken leave of her already ?" asked
Brown.
" Assowaum never forgets those who do him a kindness,"
said the Indian; " the young girl saved his life, and more
than that—she preserved him for his work of vengeance.
My path leads past her dwelling. Good-bye!"
Again the chieftain shook his white friend's hand warmly
and cordially, and did the same to his young wife. When he
had got out of the house he waved a last salute, and sprang
over the fence. A moment after, the rich leaves of the
luxuriant bi-usliwood closed behind him. He had disap-
peared in the forest—the green, fragrant forest—the true
home of his tribe.
THE END.
Routledge's Cheap Literature (continued).
184 Potest life in Norway and Sweden
Newland.
189 Marvels of Science Fullom,
195 Eminent Men and Popular Book3
Reprinted from the " Times,"
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Price 2s. each. (Postage id.
246 Sporting in both. Hemispheres
JD'Fwes.
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256 Life in China Milne.
273 Life of Julius Csesar
Archdeacon Williams.
277 A Cruise upon Wheels
C. A. Collins.
COOPER.
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per
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KingBarnaby
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24 Ruth Margerie
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Colleen Bawn
BEADLE'S LIBRARY.
51
52
453
54
55
\56
-.57
—58
59
—~25 Oonomoo, the
Huron
26 The Gold Hunters
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28 Single Eye, the
Indians' Terror
29 Mabel Meredith
£0 Ahmo's Plot
31 The Scout
82 The King's Man
33 Kent, the Ranger
34 The Peon Prince
35 Irona
36 Laughing Eyes
37 Mahaska, the
Indian Queen
~""S9 Slave Sculptor
—39 Myrtle
40 Indian Jim
41 Wrecker's Prize
42 The Brigantine
43 The Indian Queen
Moose Hunter
45 The Cave Child
46 The Lost Trail
47 Wreck of Albion
48 Joe Davis's Client
49 Cuban Heiress
50 Hunter's Escape
I/'
61
62
— 63
• 64
-65
66
67
70
—71
72
73
74
—75
76
—77
The Silver Bugle
Pomfret's Ward
Quindaro
Rival Scouts.
Trapper's Pass
The Hermit
Oronoco Chief
On the Plains
The Scout's Prize
Red Plume
Three Hunters
The Secret Shot
Prisonerof theMill
Black Hollow
Seminole Chief
On the Deep
Captain Molly
Star Eyes
The Twin Scouts
The Mad Skipper
Little Mocassin
Doomed Hunter
Eph Peters
The Fugitives
Big Foot,theGuide
Ruth Harland
ICaraibo
TheShawnee's Foe
The Creole Sisters
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