Ella Barnwell | Page 5

upon an intelligent and manly countenance, which, now
rendered more deeply interesting by the earnest, compassionate look
wherewith he regarded the other, made him appear to that other, in his
peculiar situation, this most noble being he had ever seen. Of years he
had seen some fifty; though there was a freshness about his face, owing
probably to his hardy, healthy mode of life, which made him appear
much younger. His countenance was open and pleasing, with good,
regular, though not, strictly speaking, handsome features. His forehead
was high and full, beneath which beamed a mild, clear blue eye. His
nose was rather long and angular; his cheekbones high and bold; his
lips thin and compressed, covering a goodly set of teeth; his chin round
and prominent; the whole together conveying an expression of energy,
decision, hardy recklessness and manly courage. His dress was
fashioned much like the other's, already described, but of coarser
materials--the frock being of linsey-woolsey; the breeches and leggings
of deerskin; and the moccasins, in place of boots of the same material.

Around his waist passed a belt; wherein, instead of pistols, were
confined a tomahawk and scalping knife--two weapons which were
considered as indispensable to the regular white hunter of that day as to
the Indian warrior himself.
So soon as the elder of the two became aware of consciousness on the
part of the younger, a friendly smile succeeded to the look of anxiety
with which he had been regarding him; and in the frank, cordial,
familiar tone of that period, when every man's cabin was the traveler's
home, and every strange guest was treated with the hospitality of an old
acquaintance, he said:
"Well, stranger, I'm right glad to welcome you back to life agin; for I
war beginning to fear your account with earthly matters had closed. By
the Power that made me! but you've had a narrow escape on't; and ef
Betsy (putting his hand on his rifle, which was lying by his side,) hadn't
spoke out as she did, that thar red skin varmint (pointing to the dead
Indian) would have been skulking now like a thief through yonder
woods, with your crown piece hanging to his girdle."
"A thousand thanks," returned the wounded man, pressing the hand of
the other as much as his strength would permit, and accompanying it
with a look of gratitude more eloquent than words: "A thousand thanks,
sir, for your timely shot, and subsequent kindness and interest in behalf
of one you know not, but who will ever remember you with gratitude."
"See here, stranger, I reckon you've not been long in these parts?"
"But a few days, sir."
"And you've come from a good ways east o' the Alleghanies?"
"I have."
"I knew it. I'd have bet Betsey agin a bushel of corn, and that's large
odds you know, that such war the fact, from the particular trouble
you've taken to thank me for doing the duty of a man. Let me assure
you, stranger, that you're in a country now whar equality exists; and

whar one man's just as good as another, provided he is no coward, and
behaves himself as he should do; and whether stranger or not, is
equally entitled to the assistance of his fellows; perticularly when about
being treed by such a sneaking varmint as that lying yonder. Besides, I
don't want any body to thank me for shooting Indians; for I always do it,
whensomever I get a chance, as Betsey would tell you, ef she could
speak English; for somehow thar's no perticular agreement atween us,
unless it's for each to make the most he can off the other; and so far I
reckon thar's a ballance in my favor, though the wretches are ever
trying desperate hard to get even. But come, stranger, it won't do for
you to be lying thar with that hole in your side; and so just have
patience a minute, till I've secured the top-knot of this beauty here, and
then I'll assist you down to yonder cabin, whar I doubt not you'll be
well cared for."
As he spoke, the old woodsman rose to his feet, drew his knife, and
turning to the dead Indian, to the surprise of the other, who was but
little familiar with Kentucky customs of that day, deliberately took off
the scalp, which he attached to his belt;[1] and then spurning the body
with his foot, he muttered: "Go, worthless dog! and fill the belly of
some wolf! and may your cowardly companion be soon keeping you
company." Then, as he turned to the other, and noticed his look of
surprise, he added: "Well, stranger, I reckon this business looks a little
odd to you, coming from away beyond the mountains as you do."
"Why, if