The Mohegan Maiden — page 20: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

22 ; THE MOHEGAN MAIDEN, “There may be something in that. We shall have the advantage of them in range, and may keep them at bay better. than if we were in the woods, [I ghall trust chiefly to you, Christian, for you are an Indian, and know their ways. Do what you think will be for the best.” | | “ Row on-—row on—go fast!” said ‘the Mohegan, pulling with fresh energy at his oar, « May go too fast for them.” They laid themselves to the oars manfully, and the little canoe sped through the water right merrily. But, fast as they pulled, the others were quite ag rapidly nearing the point of conjunction, and it was difficult to say which would be first to reach it. : zi The Indian boat was longer and heavier than their own and seyen N arragansetts made out its complement, ‘Four of these were straining at the paddles, while another steered. But for the current, which was against them, the party in the smaller boat would have had the advantage, ) “ Those fellows are crawling in too fast,” bald; the first words he had spoken for some time. “ We have to stop their speed, or ea will get in ahead of “Vis; better shoot,” remarked Christian, looking uncasi] at the progress of his foes. “Can hit now.” : J “Then blaze away!” returned Archibald, «J yi] vn your paddle, while you shoot and load up again,” The Mohegan’s eyes glistened with satisfaction ag observed Archi- | he ley- eled the weapon, and a moment later its sharp voice rang out. the opening of the contest, between the two unequal parties, But, the ball fell into the water some distance from the Nar- ragansett boat, and an exclamation of disappointment escaped the hunter’s lips. “Never mind,” said the white, encour agingly. ‘ The distance was long, and our boat rocks go, it is no wonder you failéd to hit. But, what ig that ? They have got a gun, too !” ) So it seemed, for immediately after Christian’, shot, a put of smoke, and the report of a musket from the Narragansett boat, responded, and a ball plowed up the Water somewhat more than half-way to its mark. “ You see you are not so bad @ marksman,” gaiq Archibald, with a smile, as he gave the paddles into the hands of the — connicloooks.com