The Mohegan Maiden — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

THROUGH THE FOREST. 31 The speaker had no heed to hasten the movements of his Indian companion, for that individual was already loping through the forest at the top of his speed. - Indeed, it re- quired the best efforts of Archibald to keep pace with him. They had little difficulty in finding their canoe. Quickly they pushed off, and sped across me river at the top of their Speed. “ Better hide canoe,” remarked Christian, as his white brother sprung ashore, and was about striking into the forest. “May want him ag’in.” | | “True,” was the reply. “There, that will do; now hasten as if death was on our track like a hound !” Paying little heed to the obstructions in their way, but dashing through or over them in a manner almost, reckless, the scouts sped on. The night was quite dark, and one un- used to the woodland would have found the utmost difficulty in making any progress. But, those sons of the forest seem- ed, as indeed they were, quite at home in that wilderness. Finally the moon arose, and its white rays served to illu- minate the deep shades somewhat, Christian had been upon the lead since’ they left the boat, for Archibald had more faith in the young Indian’s skill than in his own. They were fast Nearing the settlement, though as yet no sounds or signs of life ‘bespoke a civilized dwelling in the midst of such a wild waste. Suddenly Christian paused, throwing back his hand as a Signal, and bending nearly to the earth that he might listen More intently. Archibald imitated his example, and at first ancied he heard some sound in advance. But, if so, i+ Ceased almost immediately, and, though both listened intently, hothing further was to be heard. “What was it?” Turner asked, in a low whisper, as his ita icing finally raised himself again. “What did y ou ear 2?” “ Can’t tell,” replied the Indias: “Think somefin’; guess somefin’ not gooi: " : “Do you think it is Indians ?” “Spect so.” They resumed their progress, proceeding with a vast deal more of caution than they had hitherto displayed. The comliicbooks.com