firing bedding and all the interior in one sheet turning to the slaughter house within, when the of blaze. One timid person makes others so; Indian beckoned as if mercy would be granted this was the case, or the fire could have been to him, and the aged Mr. D. flung himself off extinguished. The majority jumped down at the feet of savage clemency. He had but the gang hole to avoid the consuming flame, reached the earth when he sank under the or the carbonic vapor. This must have occur- bloody tomahawk! The horrid war whoop ed when the brace log gave way and left the wrung through the wild gloom, and as he poles, which were placed on the ends of the stooped to take the scalp, I levelled the rifle, shingles, loose from their moorings, and rolling, drew an exact head,* and I saw him tumble tumbled one after another off the building. dead upon his victim. There is justice for thy This left the house roofless on one side, and perfidy, death for friendship, slaughter and afforded an opportunity of saving the Block- clemency for thy mercy. The crack of the house and themselves, and gave those above rifle brought one of the pack around in time an opportunity of escaping over the wall, or to see the white smoke rise from the place a better chance of extinguishing the blazing where I stood. He immediately struck out fire about them. Dodge, an old man and his for the wood, not as a white man would, directdaughter, were the only ones left in the second ly to the place where the enemy appeared to or upper story. They were about to put be, but in a circuit, to the north, probably exdown the ladder for the purpose of getting the pecting the flight would be for the nearest water up from the well, when the powder cask Block-house. The reflection of the fire on below, by some unlucky accident exploded and the trees about nie, warned me that if I stirred prostrated those about it. Here again was from my hiding place I should be discovered, new panic for the timid, and while all was if I did not flee I should be sacrificed to savage confusion, hope had fled-death was among vengence! I threw aside the gun and fled them, frantic terror took the place of cool pru- south fast as I could, at that moment the war dence, and the next moment the door was whoop and the chase were given; it was fifteen opened for the purpose of surrendering to minutes before I stopped to listen, and when savage mercy! All now was lost. The elated I did, I could hear the brush crackling in my savages yell in triumph, and rush upon their rear, and which I was prevented from before victims before they had time to supplicate for hearing by the noise my own blind steps had mercy. The tomahawk's blow succeeded made. I again started with all possible speed, blow, which were heard amid the yell of the foe and the groans of the dying.

A mother was seen instinctively bending o'er her child to protect it from the threatening knife, when the blade entered her throat deep to the heart! she dropped upon the innocent who suffered in its turn, and the blood of the mother and the babe again commingle, while their united spirits fled from the unholy deeds, the revolting sight, to purer scenes among the blessed."

Here Dodge covered his face and wept! It was the wife of his absent friend who that day had gone to the Block-house at Waterford.

expecting every moment to dash my head against a tree; the dark clouds prevented a ray of light to guide my steps. The occasional roll of the deep tones of thunder was welcome to my ears! 'twas then I dashed on among the dry brush without fear of being heard by my pursuers; when it would cease I would listen until I could hear the enemy almost upon me in the rear.

My only hope seemed pending in the approaching storm. I again, and again started and run with all my power, then at times halting to listen; while at other times I was thrown heels over head by the old fallen timber, and down the banks of creeks into mud or on to the rocky bottom.

Dodge again thus resumed his story. "I turned from the painful scene, but could not be deaf to the groans of those with whom I had been intimate from my earliest recollection. My senses reeled, and scarcely knowing what I did, I seized a rifle and scaled the burning wall and fell to the ground safely on my feet. I fled to the wood, which was distant but little more than the length of the tallest trees; soon as I gained a shelter I turned to look on the place of murder and desolation! An Indian at the proper point below. had just turned the corner of the house, while the old man whom I had left, was attempting to follow my example, but on seeing the treacherous demon he remained writhing in pain on the burning timbers. He appeared about re

The rain commenced falling in torrents, and surely it was never more grateful to one on whom it descended. I could no longer hear my pursuer, which determined me to change my course a little. I struck the Muskingum at the great bend, and by swimming the river I could avoid my pursuer while I should gain five or six miles, providing I could again get to the river,

I

Having no coat to throw aside, soon as gained the river I threw myself into it, like the wounded stricken deer when pursued by a wolf or dog, and kept my face to the oppo* Drawing a head, is to take aim, or fine sight."

site shore. When about two-thirds over I found my God, in acknowledging His mercies, but my strength failing, and my limbs stiffening my own unworthiness, His infinite power, with the cold. My blood had been greatly heat- Justice and charity, my own finite weakness, ed, and now it was almost congealed by the my own dependence for the blessings of life, cold stream. My fears now pictured to me a preservation, and happiness! watery grave instead of the fiery one which The sum of our lives are like the scenes in had the hour before so fiercely threatened me. nature. Alternate day succeeds the nightI found my muscles contracting and my body the raging storm of the last night-the thunsinking, so that my head was several times un-dering in the heavens are succeeded with toder water. The more I strangled the greater day's sunshine! All nature seems to hail the my exertions to keep up, when fortunately 1 reappearance of his smiling face with joy and placed my hands on some floating timber, gladness. Who that has been confined for thereby preserving me from the power of weeks by sickness and pain,—and has recovdeath. After floating a mile or so, I was ered health-gone forth among the flowering stopped against some drift that extended to tulip trees-the dog-wood, horse-chesnut, the shore. By degrees the shore was gained, locust, or beside the fields of clover, the green the bottom land, the hills--war th again reani- lawn, or crystal purling waters, when the gold mated the blood, the limbs became more suple tints tinge the folding clouds, suspended in -the step quickened, the trot renewed, and the heavens-at such a time who has not exin an hour or more, again I stood on the bank perienced the sublime elevation of the soul, of the river at the great bend. Now by re- leaving its skeleton behind, soaring among the crossing, a few miles could be gained through celestial forms seated on the cloud tops-in another bend. Finding a piece of puncheon in extacy hailed the Eternal King enthroned on some drift wood, I launched out upon it, and the central arch?" reached the opposite shore.

Our friend seems to be of a happy elevation of mind," said Pierce. "If from mortal suffering his imagination carries him up to the enjoyment of immortal bliss-if for a time his painful misfortunes partly slumber—while dreams of bright images float within his brain, like trembling stars in the firmanent of heaven, about the moon eclipsed-if under such circumstances he enjoys but a moment's happiness-it is like a healing balm, good for the distressed."

I was chilled almost as much as in the first voyage, although not as much exhausted. Knowing the character of the Indians-their determined patience in the pursuit of an enemy, I could not feel myself safe until within the walls of the fort. I did not relax my exertions until within sight of the stockade. When the day advanced I redoubled my exertions and they were continued until I saw three friends ready to receive me! 'Twas then my nerves were enervated, and 1 became "One class of Philosophers have written," faint, darkness came over me, and-you know said Meigs, that naught but the realities of more of the remainder-I am yet living-life give permanent happiness. All that is thanks be to my Preserver, and comfortable visionary must end in disappointment and as I can be under the lacerated condition of my hands, face, and the bruised and sore state of my body.

When I think upon the many dangers I have by chance avoided-the narrow escapes I have had—I am lost in wonder and gratitude! who would think it possible that any person could go safely over the same ground blindfolded? yet this it may almost be said has occured with me.

pain.' My choice would be to possess the substance, than attempt to grasp and hug the shadow-and yet it may be, that when the real form cannot be present, the spiritual form may bless by reminding us of the life of happiness we have previously enjoyed-in this way we may often feel the pleasures of the past. Almost daily are presented to our senses something that by the mind's association leaves happy impressions"

At one time in the Block-house death seem- "The Poets have been happy in discovered inevitable. The grim tyrant stood mock-ing countries, and giving to the inhabitants ing at my terror. At another time he pursued more virtue, greater charms than could be me amid the gloom-almost embraced me found on our earth" said Fearing. "A while in the river, allured me off the precipice, Minerva, Apolla, Venus and Adonis, were yet he has been disappointed in his prey, and the four creating geniuses of lofty imaginamy guardian angel shall have the praise of tions. Poets, Painters and Sculptors gave them thwarting all his purposes. Though I should form and beauty. For them was old Olym live fifty, sixty, or an hundred years, yet this pus elevated to heaven; Tempe was spread incident of my life shall ever be remembered, out for their enjoyment; Ambrosia was their and annually those hours shall be devoted to food; Nectar their drink,and immortality their

inheritance. In giving to the gods a form, aing, now lays in ashes, and its inmates massahabitation and a name, if the artist copied cred! If so, I shall know before night drops nature, they excelled her, even in her great-her sable pall over the remains of the sufferest perfection. They preserved their subjects ers. Adieu!-God be with and preserve in unfading youth and beauty. Generations you!" love, adore, and search for living copies, but wonder why nature should so degenerate.

Our friends witnessed the departure of Pierce into the Ohio, and soon after was lost sight of as he turned round the point behind the dense, heavy forest.

THE QUEEN OF THE MEADOW.

BY MISS MITFORD.

As for the law of opposites that have been mentioned; or that pain is essentially necessary for enjoyment, seems to be rather contradictory. It may be a law in nature, and if so it cannot extend to infinite power—to God Himself. If it could apply to Him, would perfect happiness exist there? Would un- In a winding unfrequented road, on the limited wisdom? or could it be said, He was south side of our Village, close to a low, twofrom everlasting to everlasting? The time arched bridge, thrown across a stream of more would have been when non-existence was, beauty than consequence, stood the small and according to the theory before stated, as irregular dwelling, and the picturesque buildJehovah now reigns, the time must come ing of Hatherford Mill. It was a pretty scene when He will cease to direct the stupenduous on a summer afternoon, was that old mill, machinery of worlds on worlds, and the dis- with its strong lights and shadows, its lowposing of elemental matter! When matter itself shall be without form-without existence, and when the Creator Himself can not stay the power of annihilation!"

"You can go no further" said Pierce, "and if you could, I have not the time or mind to follow you into the labyrinth of metaphysics. I am obliged to follow the windings of what the French have styled the river La Belle, but I see nothing of it at this time, that ent:tles it to the name of beautiful.”

"Before we part, Doctor, can you tell me how the Indians could contrive so effectually the burning of the Block-House?”

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browed cottage covered with the clustering Pyracantha, and the clear brook, which, after dashing and foaming, and brawling, and playing off all the airs of a mountain river, while pent up in the mill-stream, was no sooner let loose, than it subsided into its natural peaceful character, and crept quietly along the val ley, meandering through the green woody meadows, as tranquil a trout stream as ever Izaak Walton angled in.

Many a traveller has stayed his step to admire the old buildings of Hatherford Mill, backed by its dark orchard, especially when its accompanying figures, the jolly miller, sitting before the door, pipe in mouth, and jug in hand, like one of Teniers' boors, the mealy miller's man with his white sack over his shoulders, carefully descending the outof-doors steps, and the miller's daughter, fitting about amongst her poultry, gave life and motion to the picture.

"I asked that question myself," said the Doctor, "but Mr. Dodge could only infer, From seeing poles with forks on the ends un. der the eaves, that they had been filled with burning pine knots, that soon ignited the shingles, and spread over the roof. This appears to me the most feasible, if not the only way for the savages to destroy it." "I feel The scenery at the other side of the road anxious for the safety of that child who was was equally attractive, in a different style. left senseless on the burning floor at the Its principle feature was the great farm of house," said Pierce," and yet, why should I? the parish, and old manorial house, solid and ber father was murdered outside the burning venerable, with a magnificent clump of witch wall. He may have been her last, best friend; elms in front of the porch, a suburb of outIf so, situated as she was, in a wilderness, buildings behind, and an old fashioned garden death would be most acceptable in ending a with its rows of espaliers, its wide flower life, that promised little more than privations borders, and its close filberd-walk, stretching and sorrow. May I soon learn her fate; but like a cape into the waters, the strawberry no doubt her flesh is still smouldering amid beds, sloping into the very stream; so that the the burning timber. I can think no longer cows, which in sultry weather, came down of the sickening deed; for my thoughts natur- by twos,and by threes, from the opposite mea ally turn to the situation of my own dear dows, to cool themselves in the water, could mother. The savages must have had some almost crop the leaves as they stood. concerted scheme in thus appearing simul- In my mind, that was the pleasanter scene taneously around the settlements. Perhaps of the two; but such could hardly have been the Block-House to which I should be hasten- the general opinion, since nine out of ten

passers-by never vouchsafed a glance at the | permission being, as soon as her father could great farm, but kept their eyes steadily fixed speak for astonishment, civilly refused, Mason the mill; perhaps to look at the old build-ter Samuel Robinson addressed himself to his ings, perhaps at the miller's young daughter. pipe again, with his wonted phlegm, played Katy Dawson was accounted by common a manful part in emptying the ale jug, and consent the prettiest girl in the parish. discussing the Welch rabbit, reappeared as Female critics in beauty would be sure to usual, on the following Saturday, and to judge limit the commendation by asserting that her from his whole demeanour, seemed to have features were irregular, that she had not a entirely forgotton his unlucky proposal. good feature in her face, and so forth; but Soon after the rejection of this most philthese remarks were always made in her ab-osophical of all discarded swains, an imporsence, and no sooner did she appear, than tant change took place in the neighbourhood, even her critics felt the power of her exceed-in the shape of a new occupant of the great ing loveliness. It was the Hebe look of youth farin. The quiet respectable old couple who and health, the sweet and joyous expression. had resided there for half a century, had and, above all, the unrivalled brilliancy of erected the mossy sun-dial, and planted the colouring, that made Katy's face, with all its great mulberry tree, having determined to refaults, so pleasant to look upon. A complex-tire from business, were succeeded by a new ion of the purest white, a coral lip, and a tenant from a distant county, the youngest cheek like the pear, her namesake, "on the son of a gentleman brought up to agricultural side that's next the sun,' 99 were relieved by pursuits, whose spirit and activity, his boldrich curls of brown hair, of the deep yet del-ness in stocking and cropping, and his scienicate hue that one sometimes finds in the tific management of manures and machinery, ripest and latest hazel nut of the season. Her formed the strongest possible contrast with figure was well suited to her blossomy coun- the old-world practices of his predecessors. tenance, round, short, and child-like; add to this "a pretty foot, a merry glance, a passing pleasing tongue," and no wonder that Katy was the belle of the village.

All the village was full of admiration of the intelligent young farmer, Edward Grey; who being unmarried, and of a kindly and socia ble disposition, soon became familiar with high and low, and was no where a greater favourite then with his opposite neighbour, our good miller.

But gay and smiling though she were, the fair maid of the mill was little accessible to Wooers. Her mother had long been dead, and her father, who held her as the very apple Katy's first feeling towards her new acof his eye, kept her carefully away from the quaintance was an awe, altogether different rustic junketings, at which rural flirtations from her usual shamefacedness; a genuine are usually begun. Accordingly, our village fear of the quickness and talent which broke beauty had reached the age of eighteen. with out, not merely in his conversation, but in out a lover. She had indeed had two offers; every line of his acute and lively countenone from a dashing horse-dealer, who, having ance. There was occasionally a sudden seen her for five minutes one day, when her laughing light in his hazel eye, and a very father called her to admire a nag that he was arch and momentary smile, now seen, and now cheapening, proposed for her that very night gone, to which, becoming as most people as they were chaffering about the price; and thought them, she had a particular aversion. took the refusal in such dudgeon, that he In short, she paid the young farmer, for so he would have left the house utterly inconsolable, persisted in being called, the compliment of had he not contrived to comfort himself by running away, as soon as he come in sight, cheating the offending papa, twice as much for three calendar months. At the end of as he intended, in his horse bargain. The that time, appearances mended. First she other proffer was from a stayed, thick, sober, began to loiter at the door; then she staid in silent, middle-aged personage, who united the the room; then she listened; then she smiled; office of schoolmaster and land-measurer, an then she laughed outright; then she ventured old crony of the good miller's, in whose little to look up; then she began to talk in her parlour he had smoked his pipe regularly turn; and before another month had passed, every Saturday evening for the last thirty would prattle to Edward Grey as fearlessly years, and who called him still from habit, and freely, as to her own father.

Young Sam Robinson." He one evening On his side, it was clear that the young as they sat together smoking outside the door, farmer, with all his elegance and refinement, broke his accustomed silence with a formal his education and intelligence, liked nothing demand of his comrade's permission to pre- better than this simple village lass. He passsent himself as a suitor to Miss Kitty; which ed over the little humours, proper to her as a

beauty and a spoiled child, with the kindness she might almost be called plain; but there of an indulgent brother; was amused with was such natural gentility about her, her her artlessness and delighted with her gaiety. manners were so pleasing and her conversaGradually he began to find his own fire side tion so attractive, that few people, after passlonely, and the parties of the neighbourhood ing an evening in her society, remembered boisterous; the little parlour of the miller her want of beauty. She was exceedingly formed just the happy medium, quietness fond of the country and of her pretty cousin, without solitude, and society without dissipa- who, on her part, looked up to her with much of tion and thither he resorted accordingly the respectful fondness of a younger sister, His spaniel, Ranger, taking possession of the and had thought to herself a hundred times, middle of the hearth-rug, just as comfortably when most pleased with their new neighbour, as if in his master's own demesnes, and Katy's "how I wish my cousin Sophy could see large tabby cat, a dog-hater by profession, not Edward Grey ;" and now that cousin Sophy merely submitting to the usurpation, but even had seen Edward Grey, poor Katy would have ceasing to erect her bristles on his approach. given all that she possessed in the world, if So the world waned for three months more. they had never met. They were heartly deOne or two little miffs had, indeed, occurred lighted with each other, and proclaimed openbetween the parties; once, for instance, at aly their mutual good opinion. Sophy praised fair held in the next town on the first of May: Mr. Grey's vivacity: Edward professed himself Katy having been frightened at the lions and enchanted with Miss Maynard's voice. Each tigers painted outside a show, had neverthe- was astonished to find in the other a cultiva less been halt-led, half-forced into the booth tion unusual in that walk of life. They talked, to look at the real living monsters by the un- and laughed, and sang together, and seemed gallant beau. This was a sad offence. But so happy, that Katy, without knowing why, unluckily our village damsel had been so became quite miserable, flew from Edward, much entertained by some monkeys and par- avoided Sophy, shrunk from her kind father, rots on her first entrance, that she quite for- and found no rest or comfort, except when got to be frightened, and afterwards, when she could creep alone to some solitary place, confronted with the royal brutes, had taken and give vent to her vexation in tears. Poor so great a fancy to a beautiful panther, as to Katy! she could not tell what ailed her ; but wish to have him for a pet; so that this quar-she was quite sure she was wretched, and rel passed away almost as soon as it began. then she cried again. The second was about the colour of a ribband, In the meanwhile, the intimacy between an election ribband. Katy having been the new friends became closer and closer. much caught by the graceful person and There was an air of intelligence between them gracious manners of a county candidate who that might have puzzled wiser heads than that called to request her father's vote, had taken of our simple miller-maiden. A secretupon herself to canvass their opposite neigh- could it be a love secret? And the influence bour, and was exceedingly astonished to find of the gentleman was so open and avowed, her request refused, on no better plea than a that Sophy, when on the point of departure, difference from her favourite in political consented to prolong her visit to Hatherford, opinion, and a previous promise to his oppo- at his request, although she had previously nent The little beauty, astonished at her resisted Katy's solicitations and the hospitawant of influence, and rendered zealous by ble urgency of her father. opposition, began to look grave, and parties Affairs were in this posture, when one fine would certainly have run high at Hatherford, evening, towards the end of June, the cousins had not her candidate put a stop to the dis- sallied forth for a walk, and were suddenly pute by declining to come to the poll. So joined by Edward Grey, when at such a disthat that quarrel was perforce pretermitted. tance from the house as toprevent the possibilAt last a real and serious anxiety overclouded ity of Katy's stealing back thither, as had been Katy's innocent happiness; and, as it often happens in this world of contradictions, the grievance took the form of a gratified wish.

Of all her relations her cousin, Sophy Maynard, had long been her favourite. She was an intelligent unaffected young woman, a few years older then herself, the daughter of a London tradesman, excellently brought up, with a great deal of information and taste, and a total absence of airs and finery. In person

her usual habit on such occasions. The path they chose led through long narrow meadows, sloping down on either side to the winding stream, enclosed by high hedges, and seemingly shut out from the world.

A pleasant walk it was, through those newly-mown meadows, just cleared of the hay, with a bright rivulet meandering through banks so variously beautiful; now fringed by rushes and sedges; now bordered by little