A MEMORABLE JOURNEY. 25 



scenes presented by the new-found lands, already 

 bearing a semblance of civilization from the nu- 

 merous forts and settlements which appeared. 

 Will, having arrived on the borders of the Sink- 

 ing River, deposited there his family with a 

 powerful guard in camp as their defence, while 

 he, careful to secure further supplies, pressed on 

 to meet his friend Boone at a given spot. Six 

 days only he was absent, six eventful, memora- 

 ble days. Doubly long seemed the separation 

 to Will's loving heart. He hurriedly sought 

 the spot where all that was precious on earth to 

 him remained — consecrated as home by one 

 blest presence. 



He perceived with astonishment the camp 

 broken up, and the few remaining emigrants re- 

 treating. Hastening after them, he sternly de- 

 manded his wife and children of those whom he 

 had constituted their guardians. 



" You will find them where you left them ; 

 ask the Shawnees, they can tell you the rest," 

 was the reply. "Traitors," exclaimed Smith, 

 " you have neglected your trust, they are mur- 

 dered!" Then with a sudden spring at the 

 throat of the hunter who had spoken, he hurled 

 him to the ground, and without turning to see 

 the result, the wretched man returned to the 

 camp. 



He was found there stretched on the floor be- 

 S 



