think of it; for he was busy in climbing up on the banks of the ditch to learn the fate of his companion. To his surprise, he saw one of the Indians returning to search for him. What should he do now? His gun was no longer of use, so he threw it aside, and again plied his heels, with the Indian after him. 6. Coming at length to a large poplar-tree which had been blown up by the roots, he ran along the body of the tree upon one side, while the Indian followed on the other to meet him at the root. It happened, however, that a large bear was lying with her cubs in a bed which she had made at the root of the tree, and as the Indian reached the spot a moment first, she sprang upon him, and a prodigious uproar took place. 7. The Indian yelled, and stabbed with his knife; the bear growled, hugged him more closely, and endeavored to tear him; while Downing, not anxious to stand long to see the battle, took to his heels with new courage, and finally reached home in safety, where Yates, after a hot chase, had arrived some time before. 1. We were sound asleep one night in a cabin about a hundred miles from this, when about two hours before day, the snorting of horses and lowing of the cattle which I had ranging in the woods, suddenly awakened us. I took my rifle, and went to the door to see what beast had caused the hubbub, when I was struck by the glare of light reflected on all the trees before me, as far as I could see through the woods. My a Audubon, (John James.) a celebrated ornitholo ist. horses were leaping about, snorting loudly, and the cattle ran among them in great consternation. 2. On going to the back of the house, I plainly heard the crackling made by the burning brush-wood, and saw the flames coming toward us in a far-extended line. I ran to the house, told my wife to dress herself and the child as quickly as possible, and take the little money we had, while I managed to catch and saddle two of the best horses. All this was done in a very short time, for I guessed that every moment was precious to us. 3. We then mounted our horses, and made off from the fire. My wife, who is an excellent rider, stuck close to me; and my daughter, who was then a small child, I took in one arm. When making off, as I said, I looked back and saw that the frightful blaze was close upon us, and had already laid hold of the house. By good luck there was a horn attached to my hunting clothes, and I blew it to bring after us, if possible, the remainder of my live stock, as well as the dogs. The cattle followed for a while; but before an hour had elapsed, they all ran, as if mad, through the woods, and that was the last of them. My dogs, too, although at all other times extremely tractable, ran after the deer, that in great numbers sprang before us, as if fully aware of the death that was so rapidly approaching. 4. We heard blasts from the horns of our neighbors, as we proceeded, and knew that they were in the same predicament. Intent on striving to the utmost to preserve our lives, I thought of a large lake, some miles off, which might possibly check the flames; and, urging my wife to whip up her horse, we set off at full speed, making the best way we could over the fallen trees, and the brush heaps, which lay like so many articles placed on purpose to keep up the terrific fires, that advanced with a broad front upon us. 5. By this time, we could feel the heat; and we were afraid that our horses would drop down every instant. A singular kind of breeze was passing over our heads, and the glare of the atmosphere shone over the daylight. I was sensible of a slight faintness, and my wife looked pale. The heat had pro duced such a flush in the child's face, that when she turned toward either of us, our grief and perplexity were greatly increased. Ten miles, you know, are soon gone over on swift horses; but, notwithstanding this, when we reached the borders of the lake, covered with sweat and quite exhausted, our hearts failed us. 6. The heat of the smoke was insufferable, and sheets of blazing fire flew over us in a manner beyond belief. We reached the shore, however, coasted the lake for a while, and got round to the lee-side. There we gave up our horses, 7. On went the fire, rushing and crashing through the woods. Such a night may we never again see! The heavens themselves, I thought, were frightened; for all above us was a red glare, mixed with clouds and smoke, rolling and sweeping away. Our bodies were cool enough, but our heads were scorching; and the child, who now seemed to understand the matter, cried so as nearly to break our hearts. 8. The day passed on, and we became hungry. Many wild beasts came plunging into the water beside us, and others swam across to our side, and stood still. Although faint and weary, I managed to shoot a porcupine, and we all tasted its flesh. The night passed, I cannot tell you how. Smoldering fires covered the ground, and the trees stood like pillars of fire, or fell across each other. The stifling and sickening smoke still rushed over us, and the burnt cinders and ashes fell thick about us. How we got through that night, I really cannot tell; for about some of it, I remember nothing. 9. When morning came, all was calm; but a dismal smoke still filled the air, and the smell seemed worse than ever. What was to become of us, I did not know. My wife hugged the child to her breast, and wept bitterly; but God had preserved us through the worst of the danger, and the flames had gone past, so I thought it would be both ungrateful to him, and unmanly, to despair now. Hunger once more pressed upon us, but this was soon remedied. Several deer were standing in the water, up to the head, and I shot one of them. Some of its flesh was soon roasted; and after eating it, we felt wonderfully strengthened. 10. By this time, the blaze of the fire was beyond our sight, although the ground was burning in many places, and it was dangerous to go among the burnt trees. After resting awhile, and trimming ourselves, we prepared to commence our march. Taking up the child, I led the way over the hot ground and rocks; and after two weary days and nights, during which we shifted in the best manner we could, we at last reached the hard woods, which had been free from the fire. Soon after, we came to a house, where we were kindly treated. Since then, I have worked hard and constantly as a lumberman; and, thanks to God, we are safe, sound, and happy! EXERCISE III. AN ATTEMPT TO TAKE GENERAL WASHINGTON. -ANON. Historical Narration. 1. When the American army was stationed at West Point, during the Revolutionary war, the British head-quarters were not many miles distant, on the Hudson. General Washington had an intimate acquaintance residing not far from the army, in whose family he enjoyed the kindest hospitality. This friend was once thought to have espoused the interests of the British, but it was believed he had now taken a decided stand in favor of America; yet he professed the strictest neutrality, alleging as his reason, his years and dependent family. 2. During the intimacy of the General, it was rumored in the American army, that his friend had often been seen returning from the British camp. Washington seemed to disregard the account; for he never ceased to visit the family, and apparently mingled as cordially with the host as if no suspicion had crossed his mind. At length, one day as the General was taking his leave, his friend earnestly requested him to dine with him the following afternoon, emphatically naming the hour of two, as the moment of expecting him. He reminded him of the uncommon delight which his intimacy conferred; begged him to lay aside every formality, and regard his house as his home; and hinted that he feared the General did not consider it in that light, as the guard that always accompanied him, seemed to indicate he was not visiting a friend. 3. "By no means, dear sir!" exclaimed the worthy patriot; "and, as a proof of the confidence which I repose in you, I will visit you alone to-morrow; and I pledge my sacred word of honor, that not a soldier shall accompany me." "Pardon me, General," cried the host;—"but why so serious on so trifling a subject? I merely jested." "I am aware of it," said the hero smiling; "but what of that? I have long considered the planting of these outposts unnecessary, inasmuch as they may excite the suspicion of the enemy; and although it be a trifle, that trifle shall not sport with the friendship you indulge for me." "But then the hour, General?" "O, yes; two o'clock, you said." "Precisely," returned the other. |