Nathan Todd

Contents

CHAPTBR PACK

I. In which there is a Cross and a Crown 9

II. Nat’s First Adventure 23

Chapter I. In Which There Is A Cross And A Crown

Well, here I am, at last, alone in the woods ! and it’s a wonderful adventure Fve started upon, too! I, Nathan Todd, of Lubec, have come to the determination to make a search for Irene Merment, who like enough died ten years ago! No one believes she is living besides me ; and what am I going to hunt her up for? As true as I live, I believe I love her; and if she is ever found I’ll offer myself to her.

“ I flatter myself I have an extended reputation in these parts, and my acquaintance is very considerable ; and, although it’s myself who says it, my moral character stands as high as any of the people lO

NATHAN TODD.

hereabouts. I hope my motives are good in remaining here. Relmond has found himself a wife, and I don't see why I can't. I'll do it, by gracious! and won't that Sarah Almina feel bad when she finds it out? I know she wanted to get me off here, so she could marry that Bill Hankins. I reckon the shoe will be on t'other foot when she sees me flourishing around Lubec with a wife and a dozen young geniuses, taking them out airing in a big carriage with lamps on, dressing them up in store clothes, etc., etc. I’ll do it, sure as the world ! "

Thus commented Nat Todd, as the last sound of the steamer, which bore away William Relmond and Imogene Merment, reached his ears. He stood in the midst of that vast forest which stretches away to the west of the Missouri river. The words recorded will give an idea of the cause that led him to this course. During his stay among the Indians of the Northwest, he had often conversed with Imogene Merment, the captive, in regard to her lost sister. Although she believed that the latter was lost forever, yet the probability of her yet living was such as to strengthen Nat in the determination to make a search for her on his own responsibility. The only clue to guide him was the suspicion of Imogene that the captors of her sister had proceeded westward to Oregon. From the fact that she had

NATHAN TODD.

II never seen any Indians similar in dress since that time, and from the recollection she entertained of them, she gathered this impression.

'' Let me see,” mused Nat, as he walked slowly along. “ Here I am on the banks of the Yellowstone, and Oregon is quite a little distance away. I might have taken that steamer, I s’pose, for some considerable ways, but I don't s'pose it connects with any railroad further up, so I wouldn't have gained so much after all. And it ain't certain that Irene is in Oregon yet, and I wish to make inquiries of the neighbors along the way. I think I might pass for a redskin very well. That looks fine, and no doubt would impress Irene with awe, if she should see it,” continued Nat, taking off his plumes and surveying them ; “ but they don't fit my head so well, after all, as the old gray hat I bought up in Lubec, one Fourth of July, and I'm afraid I can never get along with these things. However, they must answer till I get better ones; and it's time I was moving.”

So saying, our hero replaced his plumes and walked slowly away in the forest. He had evidently decided upon the execution of some darling plan, for his face expanded into a broad smile and his steps were lively and animated. The direction which he took was such as to lead him to the

‘‘Death Rock/’ from which he had started the morning before. The day was one of the most beautiful of the year. The appearance of the vast mountains and prairies of the Northwest in summer far surpasses that of the more settled portions of our country. The change from the intense cold and stillness of winter to the animated glory of spring is wonderful. The snow disappears as if by magic, the ice-bound rivers break up with a crash like the shock of an earthquake, the naked trees commence budding and blooming, and in a few weeks the country is transformed into a teeming Paradise. The air is darkened by the flocks of birds circling overhead, the streams are alive with the flashing trout and thousands of other fish, and the vast droves of buffaloes may be seen sporting on the plains or thundering forward in innumerable herds. Now and then immense numbers of horses may be seen, careering gayly over the prairie, as free and joyous as the wind. The forest arches echo with the notes of birds and the scream of the wild animal, while myriads of the beaver and otter are hard at work in the different streams. All is changed as if by enchantment.

Such an appearance did the forest present as Nat

Todd made his way through it. His sense of the beautiful was limited, and the bewildering scene around he took as a matter of course. It couldn’t well be otherwise, and so he judged it best not to get excited over it. Once or twice he came in view of an antelope that circled around him in the woods, as if in sport. Finally, becoming too reckless, it fell a victim to his rifle.

“ You might’ve knowed better than to cross Nat Todd’s path, for he is a dangerous man, and it’s nothing short of suicide to get before his rifle. Bill Bidden could have told you that. I don’t feel very sorry, as I am amazingly hungry.”

As it was about noon, he halted and cut the choicest portion from the antelope for his dinner. This was toasted over a fire ; he made a hearty meal from it, and in a short time he was on his journey again.

Just as darkness was settling over the forest, he reached the ‘‘ Death Rock,” and crept into its dismal recesses. The night was cold, and he started a fire, although it was as much to cheer the gloomy place as to afford him any warmth. As the blaze flamed up on the rocky floor, it lighted up many a dark nook, and threw fantastic shadows into the

TODD, forbidding rents that yawned around. Here and there a ghastly skull or bone gleamed in the firelight, and in some places the skeletons had been almost undisturbed by the ravenous beasts. As Nat lit his pipe and gazed around him, his thoughts brought more than one shudder to hin: It seemed he could see the doomed Indians clustered together on that fatal day, when the last one defended the entrance against the relentless besiegers. He could fancy the sullen, despairing gleam as the solitary savage gazed behind him and saw his dead companions, and himself the last remnant of his tribe; the lofty, heroical countenance as the warrior folded his own arms in death; the yells of baffled fury, as the besiegers poured into the cavern and found not a victim left them ; and finally, the last scene of all, when the wolves swarmed into the cavern and completed the terrible work. The human bones, strewn for many feet from the Rock, showed what a wild carnival the beasts of prey had held over their un^^onted feast.

But the night had not far advanced when this gloomy picture faded from our hero’s imagination. An hour’s comfort from his soothing pipe made him drowsy and forgetful, and he was falling off into

NATHA^i TODD, slumber, when he was aroused by hearing a deep growl near him. Starting up, he saw several eyeballs glowing in the darkness at the entrance of the cave, and could detect more than one pair of jaws gleaming and snapping together. Without changing his position, he raised his rifle d sent its contents among them. There were several sharp yelps, a confused scampering, and the next instant the passage was still as death.

‘‘ Positively, no admittance under any pretense whatever,’' said Nat, as he rose and passed to the mouth of the cave. I’ve camped here before, and never like to be disturbed, so I’ll just close the door. Hello ! hit you, did I ? ”

This exclamation was caused by stumbling over the dead body of a wolf which had fallen in the entrance. It was of the species termed the mountain wolf ” — the largest and most dangerous kind found in the West. Nat rolled it outside, where it was seized in an instant by its unfeeling companions, and in a half-hour nothing was left of the unfortunate animal except a few shiny bones, over which the others wrangled for a much longer time. Nat, with a great deal of labor, rolled a huge rock to the entrance, effectually barring it against all except i6 human intruders, and then returned to the fire. Here, instead of wrapping himself up in his blanket and lying down at once, he seated himself as if engaged in deep thought. He remained a long time, gazing dreamily into the embers before him, until, as was his habit, he commenced talking to himself.

“ There’s no use of thinking about it, for it’s so, just as plain as was them wolves’ eyes awhile ago. Bill Relmond used to pray every night and morning, and he’s gone through all safe, and got a wife in the bargain. That Imogene used to pray, and appeared to be always thinking about heaven and the angels — that I’ll bet are just like her — and she’s got a husband. Bill Biddon used to swear like blazes sometimes, but I know I once heard him ask the Lord to take care of hirt'.. Well, here’i^ me, Nat Todd, going on one of the greatest tramps that was ever invented, and if anybody wants taking care of it’s this same Nat Todd, and it ain’t noways likely the Lord will take any notice of me unless I ask him to. So I’ll do it. Fll pray to him every morning and night.”

This good resolution arrived at, Nat did not hesitate to put it into execution. Kneeling on the

ISfATHAlSf TODD.

rock, he spent a time in earnest supplication, and when finished, laid down at once to slumber.

Several times he partly woke, as the snarling wolves fought and tugged at the rock which blocked up their way ; but he did not arise, as he felt secure. When the light of morning streamed into the cave, the brutes departed.

Not forgetting his morning devotion, he arose and made ready to continue his journey. He had a portion of the antelope sufficient to make a breakfast, and enough ammunition to furnish him with all the food he would be likely to need for a long time to come.

The weather still continued pleasant; and with buoyant spirits he descended the mountain in a direction toward the lake where he had first encountered Relmond, after his capture by the Indians.

I wonder whether Til find it,” he mused. If I can get that and a boss. Til be fitted out, and won’t care for anything else.”

He had seen as yet no signs of Indians, but proceeded with extreme caution. During his stay among his tribe, he had been allowed considerable freedom, as has been shown ; but, now that Imogene

1 8 2^ATHAU TODD,

had effected her escape, he knew a closer surveillance would be kept over him in case he should unwittingly come upon some of his captors.

'' I wish I had a boss ! he exclaimed for the twentieth time. Tm getting tired of this everlasting tramping. My gracious ! what's them ? " As if in answer to his wish, he beheld, hardly a hundred yards distant, two horses leisurely cropping the grass. A second glance showed both to be furnished with Indian saddles and bridles, though they were much scratched and disarranged from their passage through the woods and undergrowth. ‘‘ I thank the Lord for that," said Nat, earnestly ; it's a special providence that both are saddled as I don’t like riding bareback. When one get's tired of carrying me, the other can take a turn. Ah ! they're the two bosses that Relmond told me got away from him and Imogene the other night. Yes! there's her pony, as sure as the world. I've often seen her with him. I must get him!^'

With this, he proceeded to capture the Indian pony, which, in reality, was the one once owned by Imogene. This was exceedingly difficult, as the animal had already scented danger, and stood ready to bound away in an instant. But Nat was equal to the difficulty, and at last seized the bridle and vaulted into the saddle.

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Whoop ! ” he shouted, swinging his plumes over his head. ‘‘ Three cheers for Nat Todd ! all ready ! hurrah !

He had secured a prize indeed. His horse was a coal-black pony, fiery and high-spirited, with clean, graceful limbs, and of good bottom. He was obedient, too, under rein, and dashed away as merrily as if he enjoyed himself as much as his master.

There’s only one thing more that I need, and I must have that.”

Away his horse careered, as swift as the wind — now thundering up some swell in the prairie, now plunging headlong through the bushes, and then dropping into a walk as his path led through the denser wood. Nat had left the mountain which contained the ‘'Death Rock,” and was journeying over a well-timbered country, crossed by innumerable streams and patches of prairie.

Late in the afternoon he reached the lake of which we have spoken. Here he dismounted, and leading his horse a short distance away, secured him, while he made a search for his canoe. He found it just as it had been left. Springing into it, he shot rapidly toward the opposite shore. It was a long pull, and it required an hour to reach it. As the canoe grated on the sand, he sprung out and l^ATHA^ TODD.

hurried away a short distance, when he halted beside an old rotten chestnut. His manner was excited, and he breathed rapidly as he plunged his hand into a rent in the side. While feeling around in the darkness, his eye suddenly sparkled with exultation, and he exclaimed :

Fve got it ! whoop ! I’ve got it ! ”

And the next instant he hauled out into the light his — old fur hat!

NATHAN TODD.

CHAPTER II. Nat’s first adventure

‘‘ Yes, IVe got the blessed thing ! ” exclaimed our hero in his joy. “ Nobody hasn’t disturbed it. There ! that’s the last of you ! ” he added, as he dashed his gaudy plumes to the ground. Then, placing his own cool hat on his head, he continued,

It was no wonder at all, that he uttered the last exclamation, for, at the first turn in the walk he had commenced with his recovered prize, his eyes encountered the chief of the very tribe he had left ! The savage was scarce a dozen feet distant, and had been watching him all the time. Nat recovered his equanimity in an instant.

'^How are you, Upsarena? Glad to see you — (no. I’ll be hanged if I am.) Hope you’re well — (no, I don’t, either.) ”

“ The Long Knife hunts a great while ! ” replied the chief, without noticing his words.

NATHAN TODD.

‘‘ Well, yes, ’twas quite a spell. Hope you haven't been anxious on my account."

The chief gazed steadily at him a moment, and then said:

“ The Long Knife will go to the lodges of Upsarena."

‘‘ Wait, hold on you ; I've left my — my — I've left my pocket-book on the other side of the lake, and must go get it."

Before Upsarena could make a reply, Nat reflected that he had told a falsehood, and thus violated the vow he had made the evening before. He resolved at once he wouldn't lie to save his life.

No, Upsarena, I haven't left my pocket-book, but I have tied my horse on the other side of the lake, and I would not like to go to your lodge without him, because he's a horse that'll make your eyes tingle."

“ The Long Knife had no horse when he sought the woods."

But he found one there."

The Indian gave our hero one of his piercing glances, and the latter saw at once that he was disbelieved.

Upsarena will go in the search ! " said the chieftain, quietly.

Now this was as much dreaded by Nat, and was lilATHAN TODD, the first determination the chieftain had expressed, and how to rid himself of his troublesome visitor puzzled him greatly. But he was equal to the emergency. Fortunately, he had been so excited in his hunt for his cherished hat, that he had left his rifle with his horse on the opposite side of the lake. Without waiting as long as it has taken us to record it, he answered :

‘‘ Come on, then, Upsarena, for it will soon be dark.”

He led the way, followed by the wary chieftain, who watched him as if he suspected mischief. Nat, shoving the canoe into the water, stepped in and seated himself in the forward part, although by doing so he used the long paddle at a considerable disadvantage. Upsarena seated himself in the stern with folded arms, and with his rifle resting on his up-gathered knees.

The canoe sunk to its very gunwales under th combined weight of the two, but Nat impelled it through the water with wonderful velocity. His heart beat quicker, as he reflected upon the expedient necessary to' get rid of his troublesome companion. Several times he thought of shooting him, as he sat so grimly and complacently in the stern watching every movement ; but he was prevented by several reasons. The first was, his soul revolted at the thought of such a murder, even though it might add' to his personal safety; the second reason was, that if murderously inclined, he had no rifle with him ; and the last one was, that even if he possessed a weapon, he was afraid to use it in the manner mentioned — all of which goes to prove that Upsarena was in little danger of being shot at present.

Now and then he glanced furtively over his shoulder, as he neared the shore of the lake, while the grim chieftain remained as stern and immovable as a statue. Hitherto the canoe had glided as smoothly as a bird; but suddenly, when within a hundred yards of the shore, it careened, capsized, and before the wily savage suspected mischief, he was in the water swimming for life. Just as the boat turned, Nat sprung to his feet and made a tremendous leap toward shore, striking out with all his might to reach it before his companion. His stratagem succeeded to a charm. The water, about ten feet in depth, was so clear that the smallest object was distinctly visible on the bottom. Before Upsarena could grasp his rifle it sunk. Unwilling to lose it, he immediately dived for it. He saw it glistening on the pebbly bottom, but failed to recover it the first time, owing to the shortness of breath with which he descended. A second effort was more

NATHAN TODD.

successful, and he rose to the surface with the cherished weapon in his hand. At this instant our hero emerged from the water, and made some ‘‘ tall walking ’’ for his horse. He found the animal as he had left him, loosed his halter, vaulted into the saddle and sped away.

Good-by, Upsarena ! ” he shouted. Remember me to the folks up in your parts ; and now and then remember Nat Todd, and the nice swim you and he took together.”

But Nat’s exultation was premature; for, as the last word escaped him, and he swung his hat over his head, several rifles flamed from the forest behind him, and as many bullets whizzed through the air in uncomfortable proximity to his body.

“Jerusalem! who fired them? That’s more than I bargained for ! ”

The truth was, the upsetting of the boat had been witnessed by three savages of Upsarena’s tribe who had been hunting with him. They supposed it to be purely accidental, and knowing there was no danger to either, stood and calmly watched the struggles of the two in the water. When Nat emerged from the water and hurried up the bank, however, their suspicions were aroused and they dashed after him. When they came in view again, the audacious white was galloping away, shouting

NATHA2J TODD, and swinging his hat in the manner described. Their suspicions were confirmed at once, and the three fired, without waiting for their chief. The latter was with them in a moment, and, brandishing his rifle over his head furiously commanded the capture of the white man. Forgetting himself, Upsarena raised his own rifle, took aim and pulled the trigger. But the click of the lock reminded him that for the present his weapon was harmless.

His scalp must hang in Upsarena's lodge at the rising of the sun ! ’’ shouted the enraged warrior, bounding forward in pursuit.

Nat, if he did not hear these words, guessed as much, and judged it best not to dispute with the chieftain about the matter.

“ Come, my boss, let’s see what kind of stuff you’re made of.”

The pony, as if sensible of what was required, burst forward like a thunderbolt, leaving the pursuers rapidly behind. The lake lay at the foot of a mountain, and was fringed by dense masses of undergrowth, together with numbers of trees of considerable size. As Nat freed himself from this cover, he emerged upon a rolling prairie scores of miles in width, and open, save that, at long intervals, it was interpersed with narrow groves of timber, which, in turn, bordered the streams crossing it

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His scalp must hang at Upsarena’s lodge at the rising of

the sun,”

IJATHAN TODD,

Fortunately it was growing dark, and he felt that his enemies could not trouble him much longer. Nevertheless, he was not the man to remain in danger when the opportunity was afforded for escaping it. So he loosened the rein and let his horse go. The last glimpse he cast' behind him showed him the dusky figures of the savages far in the rear on a hill, standing together as if in consultation.

I thought you’d come to your senses,” he remarked, ''and not spend your breath in trying to catch what can’t be caught.”

Feeling thus secure from danger, our hero drew his horse down to a walk, and made his way leisurely forward. The night was cold and windy. There was no moon ; in a short time the darkness became so heavy as to veil everything in almost impenetrable obscurity.

After journeying an hour more, he descended a sort of valley, and found himself in the midst of a grove of cottonwoods. The sound of running water showed him what sort of place he had come upon, and he decided at once to camp for the night. He led his horse a short distance up stream, and picketed him in such a manner that the least effort

* Whenever persons rest for the night they are said to “ camp ; * **

and, as the term is used in the West, it is as applicable to a single person as to more.

made to escape could not fail to arouse the hunter. This done, he peeled off a goodly quantity of the cottonwood bark, and laying it in reach of him, made preparations for his own comfort. Under the circumstances, it was too hazardous to risk a fire, and he was content to nestle down in his blanket at the foot of a huge willow.

Sleep, heavy and sweet, gradually overcame the hunter, and in a short time he was as unconscious of external things as if he had never been born.

It was near midnight when he awoke. What it was that aroused him he could never tell; but, he had grown to believe there was a special Providence watching over him, and attributed it to that alone. It sometimes happens that, in the midst of heavy slumber, our senses are quietly but instantaneously aroused, and it was thus with our adventurer. Before he hardly knew it himself, his eyes opened as did every sense. He lay perfectly motionless and listened. The wind sighed mournfully through the tree-tops above him, and the stream rippled as sweetly as ever. Still, he did not stir, for he felt the danger that was lurking in the air around him.

The next instant he was startled by the snapping of a twig, as though the foot of some one passing had broken it, and a minute after he heard voices!

2JATHAN TODD.

They spoke in the tongue of the Sioux, and he thus knew they were his pursuers.

The Long Knife has camped here,’' spoke one, as if in consultation with the others.

Has he not passed through the stream and fled onward ? ” asked another.

The trail leads to the trees and is lost. It is not on the other side.”

A few moments’ silence followed the latter remark. Then the savages recommenced their search. With feelings that may well be imagined, Nat shrunk beneath the sheltering tree and listened. Now the cautious tread came nigher and nigher, until it seemed discovery was inevitable. Then again the sounds grew fainter and fainter, until he began to breathe freer, when a shiver would run over him as he heard the deep breathing of one of his enemies within striking distance. How his horse escaped discovery he was at a loss to tell ; but in such cases it often seems the instinct that protects the animal is equal to the reason that saves the man. It appears incredible that such brutes as horses and cows can conceal themselves so as to baffle discovery even under the light of day. But that such is the fact is well known.

The horse, apparently sensible of his duty, remained in a standing position as motionless as the

NATHAN TODD.

tree beside him; and thus was no more likely to attract attention in the deep gloom than an inanimate -object. Thus it was the cautious Indian fairly brushed him several times without so much as suspecting his existence. Another thing puzzled Nat greatly. How was it possible for them to detect his trail in the darkness? Sight surely could avail nothing in such an emergency.

The all-fired imps have come on their hands and knees all the way smelling of the trail/" he muttered to himself.

The true cause was soon evident, however. Even while speaking, he saw a small point of light glide silently forward and disappear on the opposite side of the In a second, it flitted to view again,

and then was as quickly extinguished. Almost immediately, a noise, as if some one were stepping in the water, was heard, and then followed a silence of five minutes" duration. While wondering with a fear which was not free from superstition, Nat suddenly ducked his head, as a torch blazed to view within thirty feet of him. Looking carefully out, he saw the torch moving to and fro, and lighting up the gleaming, painted visage of Upsarena. The savage was in a crouching position, moving as

NATHAN TODD.

stealthily as the panther, his eyeballs glowing like fire.

** How nice I could wipe you out ! ’’ thought Nat, but I forbear. It don’t look right to take a fe’Jow so unawares. Jerusalem ! don’t come any nigher S ” The Indian was now so closv. that Nat feared the thumping of his heart would betray his hiding-place. The chief held the torch over his head, his basilisk eyes scrutinizing the ground for any evidence of a trail. He moved slowly and stealthily around, sometimes stooping and moving the grass with his fingers, and then, rising to the upright position, he glared up into the trees, as though he expected to detect the form of his foe among the branches. He must have had a small opinion of our hero’s courage to thus expose himself to his shot. Suddenly the light disappeared, and a sharp, hissing sound, as of a serpent about to strike, did not escape the adventurer’s ears. The next moment the voice of Upsarena was heard.

The trail reaches the stream, but does not cross. He has followed the water above, and is not here.”

Then the tramp of the retreating savages was heard, growing fainter and fainter, until no noise remained to show that danger had lurked so fearfully near.

Well, I feel a heap better ! exclaimed Nat, rising to his feet and stretching himself. ‘"Them ain’t very smart Indians after all. They’ve been following me all the time I’ve been asleep, and have hunted all around me without coming to the point. I thought Upsarena wasn’t — ”

Standing out in relief against a patch of open sky, Nat saw the form of an Indian distinctly outlined. The truth was the words of Upsarena were only an artifice to ascertain whether the hunter was concealed in the vicinity. He uttered them in a loud tone, and immediately ascended the stream, while another savage glided forward a short distance, and then halted, his ears on the alert for any suspicious sound. The long-drawn yawn and words of Nat reached his ears, but the obscurity was too great for him to detect the precise spot where the hunter was standing. At the same time, the Indian was not aware that he was seen at all by his enemy.