The Spirit of the Border and the Last Trail

by Zane Grey

  “Then let me entreat you to remain here for a few days, so that I may send my brother Jonathan and Wetzel with you. If any can guide you safely to the Village of Peace it will be they.”

  At this moment Joe saw two men approaching from the fort, and recognized one of them as Wetzel. He doubted not that the other was Lord Dunmore’s famous guide and hunter, Jonathan Zane. In features he resembled the colonel, and was as tall as Wetzel, although not so muscular or wide of chest.

  Joe felt the same thrill he had experienced while watching the frontiersmen at Fort Pitt. Wetzel and Jonathan spoke a word to Colonel Zane and then stepped aside. The hunters stood lithe and erect, with the easy, graceful poise of Indians.

  “We’ll take two canoes, day after tomorrow,” said Jonathan, decisively, to Colonel Zane. “Have you a rifle for Wetzel? The Delawares got his.”

  Colonel Zane pondered over the question; rifles were not scarce at the fort, but a weapon that Wetzel would use was hard to find.

  “The hunter may have my rifle,” said the old missionary. “I have no use for a weapon with which to destroy God’s creatures. My brother was a frontiersman; he left this rifle to me. I remember hearing him say once that if a man knew exactly the weight of lead and powder needed, it would shoot absolutely true.”

  He went into the cabin, and presently came out with a long object wrapped in linsey cloths. Unwinding the coverings, he brought to view a rifle, the proportions of which caused Jonathan’s eyes to glisten, and brought an exclamation from Colonel Zane. Wetzel balanced the gun in his hands. It was fully six feet long; the barrel was large, and the dark steel finely polished; the stock was black walnut, ornamented with silver trimmings. Using Jonathan’s powder flask and bullet pouch, Wetzel proceeded to load the weapon. He poured out a quantity of powder in the palm of his hand, performing the action quickly and dexterously, but was so slow while measuring it that Joe wondered if he were counting the grains. Next he selected a bullet out of a dozen which Jonathan held toward him. He examined it carefully and tried it in the muzzle of the rifle. Evidently it did not please him, for he took another. Finally he scraped a bullet with his knife, and placing it in the center of a small linsey rag, deftly forced it down. He adjusted the flint, dropped a few grains of powder in the pan, and then looked around for a mark at which to shoot.

  Joe observed that the hunters and Colonel Zane were as serious regarding the work as if at that moment some important issue depended upon the accuracy of the rifle.

  “There, Lew; there’s a good shot. It’s pretty far, even for you, when you don’t know the gun,” said Colonel Zane, pointing toward the river.

  Joe saw the end of a log, about the size of a man’s head, sticking out of the water, perhaps a hundred and fifty yards distant. He thought to hit it would be a fine shot; but was amazed when he heard Colonel Zane say to several men who had joined the group that Wetzel intended to shoot at a turtle on the log. By straining his eyes Joe succeeded in distinguishing a small lump, which he concluded was the turtle.

  Wetzel took a step forward; the long, black rifle was raised with a stately sweep. The instant it reached a level a thread of flame burst forth, followed by a peculiarly clear, ringing report.

  “Did he hit?” asked Colonel Zane, eagerly as a boy.

  “I allow he did,” answered Jonathan.

  “I’ll go and see,” said Joe. He ran down the bank, along the beach, and stepped on the log. He saw a turtle about the size of an ordinary saucer. Picking it up, he saw a bullet hole in the shell near the middle. The bullet had gone through the turtle, and it was quite dead. Joe carried it to the waiting group.

  “I allowed so,” declared Jonathan.

  Wetzel examined the turtle, and turning to the old missionary, said:

  “Your brother spoke the truth, an’ I thank you fer the rifle.”

  CHAPTER VIII

  “So you want to know all about Wetzel?” inquired Colonel Zane of Joe, when, having left Jim and Mr. Wells, they returned to the cabin.

  “I am immensely interested in him,” replied Joe.

  “Well, I don’t think there’s anything singular in that. I know Wetzel better, perhaps, than any man living; but have seldom talked about him. He doesn’t like it. He is by birth a Virginian; I should say, forty years old. We were boys together, and I am a little beyond that age. He was like any of the lads, except that he excelled us all in strength and agility. When he was nearly eighteen years old a band of Indians—Delawares, I think—crossed the border on a marauding expedition far into Virginia. They burned the old Wetzel homestead and murdered the father, mother, two sisters, and a baby brother. The terrible shock nearly killed Lewis, who for a time was very ill. When he recovered he went in search of his brothers, Martin and John Wetzel, who were hunting, and brought them back to their desolated home. Over the ashes of the home and the graves of the loved ones the brothers swore sleepless and eternal vengeance. The elder brothers have been devoted all these twenty years and more to the killing of Indians; but Lewis has been the great foe of the redman. You have already seen an example of his deeds, and will hear of more. His name is a household word on the border. Scores of times he has saved, actually saved, this fort and settlement. His knowledge of savage ways surpasses by far Boone’s, Major McColloch’s, Jonathan’s, or any of the hunters’.”

  “Then hunting Indians is his sole occupation?”

  “He lives for that purpose alone. He is very seldom in the settlement. Sometimes he stays here a few days, especially if he is needed; but usually he roams the forests.”

  “What did Jeff Lynn mean when he said that some people think Wetzel is crazy?”

  “There are many who think the man mad; but I do not. When the passion for Indian hunting comes upon him he is fierce, almost frenzied, yet perfectly sane. While here he is quiet, seldom speaks except when spoken to, and is taciturn with strangers. He often comes to my cabin and sits beside the fire for hours. I think he finds pleasure in the conversation and laughter of friends. He is fond of the children, and would do anything for my sister Betty.”

  “His life must be lonely and sad,” remarked Joe.

  “The life of any borderman is that; but Wetzel’s is particularly so.”

  “What is he called by the Indians?”

  “They call him Atelang, or, in English, Deathwind.”

  “By George! That’s what Silvertip said in French—‘Le Vent de la Mort.’”

  “Yes; you have it right. A French fur trader gave Wetzel that name years ago, and it has clung to him. The Indians say the Deathwind blows through the forest whenever Wetzel stalks on their trail.”

  “Colonel Zane, don’t you think me superstitious,” whispered Joe, leaning toward the colonel, “but I heard the wind blow through the forest.”

  “What!” exclaimed Colonel Zane. He saw that Joe was in earnest, for the remembrance of the moan had more than once paled his cheek and caused beads of perspiration to collect on his brow.

  Joe related the circumstances of that night, and at the end of his narrative Colonel Zane sat silent and thoughtful.

  “You don’t really think it was Wetzel who moaned?” he asked, at length.

  “No, I don’t,” replied Joe quickly; “but, Colonel Zane, I heard the moan as plainly as I can hear your voice. I heard it twice. Now, what was it?”

  “Jonathan said the same thing to me once. He had been out hunting with Wetzel; they separated, and during the night Jonathan heard the wind. The next day he ran across a dead Indian. He believes Wetzel makes the noise, and so do the hunters; but I think it is simply the moan of the night wind through the trees. I have heard it at times, when my very blood ran cold.”

  “I tried to think it was the wind soughing through the pines, but am afraid I didn’t succeed very well. Anyhow, I knew Wetzel instantly, just as Jeff Lynn said I would. He killed those Indians in an instant, and he must have an iron arm.”

  “Wetzel excels in strength and speed any man, red or white, on the frontie
r. He can run away from Jonathan, who is as swift as an Indian. He’s stronger than any of the other men. I remember one day old Hugh Bennet’s wagon wheels stuck in a bog down by the creek. Hugh tried, as several others did, to move the wheels; but they couldn’t be made to bulge. Along came Wetzel, pushed away the men, and lifted the wagon unaided. It would take hours to tell you about him. In brief, among all the border scouts and hunters Wetzel stands alone. No wonder the Indians fear him. He is as swift as an eagle, strong as mountain ash, keen as a fox, and absolutely tireless and implacable.”

  “How long have you been here, Colonel Zane?”

  “More than twelve years, and it has been one long fight.”

  “I’m afraid I’m too late for the fun,” said Joe, with his quiet laugh.

  “Not by about twelve more years,” answered Colonel Zane, studying the expression on Joe’s face. “When I came out here years ago I had the same adventurous spirit which I see in you. It has been considerably quelled, however. I have seen many a daring young fellow get the border fever, and with it his death. Let me advise you to learn the ways of the hunters; to watch someone skilled in woodcraft. Perhaps Wetzel himself will take you in hand. I don’t mind saying that he spoke of you to me in a tone I never heard Lew use before.”

  “He did?” questioned Joe, eagerly, flushing with pleasure. “Do you think he’d take me out? Dare I ask him?”

  “Don’t be impatient. Perhaps I can arrange it. Come over here now to Metzar’s place. I want to make you acquainted with him. These boys have all been cutting timber; they’ve just come in for dinner. Be easy and quiet with them; then you’ll get on.”

  Colonel Zane introduced Joe to five sturdy boys and left him in their company. Joe sat down on a log outside a cabin and leisurely surveyed the young men. They all looked about the same: strong without being heavy, light-haired and bronzed-faced. In their turn they carefully judged Joe. A newcomer from the East was always regarded with some doubt. If they expected to hear Joe talk much they were mistaken. He appeared good-natured, but not too friendly.

  “Fine weather we’re havin’,” said Dick Metzar.

  “Fine,” agreed Joe, laconically.

  “Like frontier life?”

  “Sure.”

  A silence ensued after this breaking of the ice. The boys were awaiting their turn at a little wooden bench upon which stood a bucket of water and a basin.

  “Hear ye got ketched by some Shawnees?” remarked another youth, as he rolled up his shirt sleeves. They all looked at Joe now. It was not improbable their estimate of him would be greatly influenced by the way he answered this question.

  “Yes; was captive for three days.”

  “Did ye knock any redskins over?” The question was artfully put to draw Joe out. Above all things, the bordermen detested boastfulness; tried on Joe the ruse failed signally.

  “I was scared speechless most of the time,” answered Joe, with his pleasant smile.

  “By gosh, I don’t blame ye!” burst out Will Metzar. “I hed that experience onct, an’ onct’s enough.”

  The boys laughed and looked in a more friendly manner at Joe. Though he said he had been frightened, his cool and careless manner belied his words. In Joe’s low voice and clear, gray eye there was something potent and magnetic, which subtly influenced those with whom he came in contact.

  While his new friends were at dinner Joe strolled over to where Colonel Zane sat on the doorstep of his home.

  “How did you get on with the boys?” inquired the colonel.

  “All right, I hope. Say, Colonel Zane, I’d like to talk to your Indian guide.”

  Colonel Zane spoke a few words in the Indian language to the guide, who left his post and came over to them. The colonel then had a short conversation with him, at the conclusion of which he pointed toward Joe.

  “How do—shake,” said Tome, extending his hand.

  Joe smiled, and returned the friendly hand pressure.

  “Shawnee—ketch’um?” asked the Indian, in his fairly intelligible English.

  Joe nodded his head, while Colonel Zane spoke once more in Shawnee, explaining the cause of Silvertip’s enmity.

  “Shawnee—chief—one—bad—Injun,” replied Tome, seriously. “Silver—mad—thunder-mad. Ketch’um paleface—scalp’um sure.”

  After giving this warning the chief returned to his former position near the corner of the cabin.

  “He can talk in English fairly well, much better than the Shawnee brave who talked with me the other day,” observed Joe.

  “Some of the Indians speak the language almost fluently,” said Colonel Zane. “You could hardly have distinguished Logan’s speech from a white man’s. Cornplanter uses good English, as also does my brother’s wife, a Wyandot girl.”

  “Did your brother marry an Indian?” And Joe plainly showed his surprise.

  “Indeed he did, and a most beautiful girl she is. I’ll tell you Isaac’s story some time. He was a captive among the Wyandots for ten years. The chief’s daughter, Myeerah, loved him, kept him from being tortured, and finally saved him from the stake.”

  “Well, that floors me,” said Joe; “yet I don’t see why it should. I’m just surprised. Where is your brother now?”

  “He lives with the tribe. He and Myeerah are working hard for peace. We are now on more friendly terms with the great Wyandots, or Hurons, as we call them, than ever before.”

  “Who is the big man coming from the fort?” asked Joe, suddenly observing a stalwart frontiersman approaching.

  “Major Sam McColloch. You have met him. He’s the man who jumped his horse from yonder bluff.”

  “Jonathan and he have the same look, the same swing,” observed Joe, as he ran his eye over the major. His faded buckskin costume, beaded, fringed, and laced, was similar to that of the colonel’s brother. Powder flask and bullet pouch were made from cow horns and slung around his neck on deerhide strings. The hunting coat was unlaced, exposing, under the long, fringed borders, a tunic of the same well-tanned, but finer and softer, material. As he walked, the flaps of his coat fell back, showing a belt containing two knives, sheathed in heavy buckskin, and a bright tomahawk. He carried a long rifle in the hollow of his arm.

  “These hunters have the same kind of buckskin suits,” continued Joe; “still, it doesn’t seem to me the clothes make the resemblance to each other. The way these men stand, walk, and act is what strikes me particularly, as in the case of Wetzel.”

  “I know what you mean. The flashing eye, the erect poise of expectation, and the springy step—those, my lad, come from a life spent in the woods. Well, it’s a grand way to live.”

  “Colonel, my horse is laid up,” said Major McColloch, coming to the steps. He bowed pleasantly to Joe.

  “So you are going to Short Creek? You can have one of my horses; but first come inside and we’ll talk over your expedition.”

  The afternoon passed uneventfully for Joe. His brother and Mr. Wells were absorbed in plans for their future work, and Nell and Kate were resting; therefore he was forced to find such amusement or occupation as was possible in or near the stockade.

  CHAPTER IX

  Joe went to bed that night with a promise to himself to rise early next morning, for he had been invited to take part in a “raising,” which term meant that a new cabin was to be erected, and such task was ever an event in the lives of the settlers.

  The following morning Joe rose early, dressing himself in a complete buckskin suit, for which he had exchanged his good garments of cloth. Never before had he felt so comfortable. He wanted to hop, skip, and jump. The soft, undressed buckskin was as warm and smooth as silk plush; the weight so light, the moccasins so well-fitting and springy, that he had to put himself under considerable restraint to keep from capering about like a frolicsome colt.

  The possession of this buckskin outfit, and the rifle and accoutrements which went with the bargain, marked the last stage in Joe’s surrender to the border fever. The silent, shaded glen
s, the mystery of the woods, the breath of this wild, free life claimed him from this moment entirely and forever.

  He met the others, however, with a serene face, showing no trace of the emotion which welled up strongly from his heart. Nell glanced shyly at him; Kate playfully voiced her admiration; Jim met him with a brotherly ridicule which bespoke his affection as well as his amusement; but Colonel Zane, having once yielded to the same burning, riotous craving for freedom which now stirred in the boy’s heart, understood, and felt warmly drawn toward the lad. He said nothing, though as he watched Joe his eyes were grave and kind. In his long frontier life, where many a day measured the life and fire of ordinary years, he had seen lad after lad go down before this forest fever. It was well, he thought, because the freedom of the soil depended on these wild, light-footed boys; yet it always made him sad. How many youths, his brother among them, lay under the fragrant pine needle carpet of the forest, in their last earthly sleep!

  The “raising” brought out all the settlement—the women to look on and gossip, while the children played; the men to bend their backs in the moving of the heavy timbers. They celebrated the erection of a new cabin as a noteworthy event. As a social function it had a prominent place in the settlers’ short list of pleasures.

  Joe watched the proceeding with the same pleasure and surprise he had felt in everything pertaining to border life.

  To him this log-raising appeared the hardest kind of labor. Yet it was plain these hardy men, these low-voiced women, and merry children regarded the work as something far more significant than the mere building of a cabin. After a while he understood the meaning of the scene. A kindred spirit, the spirit of the pioneer, drew them all into one large family. This was another cabin; another home; another advance toward the conquering of the wilderness, for which these brave men and women were giving their lives. In the bright-eyed children’s glee, when they clapped their little hands at the mounting logs, Joe saw the progress, the march of civilization.

  “Well, I’m sorry you’re to leave us tonight,” remarked Colonel Zane to Joe, as the young man came over to where he, his wife, and sister watched the work. “Jonathan said all was ready for your departure at sundown.”