A MEMORABLE JOURNEY. 25 
scenes presented by the new-found lands, alrcady 
bearing a semblance of civilization from the nu- 
merous forts and settlements which appeared. 
Will, having arrived on the borders of the Sink- 
ming River, deposited there his family with a 
powerful guard in camp as their defence, while 
ne, careful to secure further supplies, pressed on 
to meet his friend Boone at a given spot. Six 
days only he was absent, six evenwui, memovra- 
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 tu the ground, and without turning to sce 
the result, the wretched man returned to the 
camp. 
He was found there stretched on the floor be- 
a 
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