The Mohegan Maiden — page 30: what you’re looking at

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

32. THE MOHEGAN MAIDEN. thought that they might be walking into the jaws of death was sufficiently startling in itself to impart all possible care. | _ They had proceeded but a few rods in this manner, pausing and listening at every half-dozen steps, when Christian sud. denly turned, caught Archibald: by the shoulder and forced him to the ground. The young man Obeyed the gentle pull upon his sleeve in the direction of a large tree growing at hand. But he did not reach it before an approaching form became visible, rapidly drawing nearer, By thedim moonlight, those in the shade had no difficulty in determining that it was an Indian, and by his bearing they judged him to ‘be a Narra- gansett. . ok Ge Ey They were not left long in doubt, ‘Stealthy as tied been their movements they had not escaped the notice of the new- comer, who approached them with familiarity, utterin ngmae sentence in his native tongue, Christian, who stood ms ai of the white, replied in the same language, and the Marrag sett approached in the most cordial manner. But, as be + aa quite near, the attitude of the Mohegan awakened his su i cion, and. he started back. But the savage had hoine tie oo much to live. With a movement, like lightning Caretta, “ hurled his hatchet, which he had in hand, striking the en full upon the head. Without a gasp or warning ery, he dr ‘ ped to the earth. Instantly the victor wag upon iin The keen knife flashed from its sheath and whirled drouiva the victim’s head with a single dexterous motion, - Then, teari away the death trophy, he wiped the bloody blade ipon i fallen Indian’s mantle, returned the weapon to it sheath picked up the hatchet, and stood before the horrified Archi- bald with an exultant smile. : 3 It was quite apparent to themselves that the young scouts were in most 5 gar danger. Just in advance of them could be heard the movements of many Savages, and, though audacious daring on the part of Christian had saved them from discovery for the moment, it was Uncertain how soon they might, be surprised by the swarming red-sking, “ They are preparing to assault the tow,” Whispered Archi- bald, when he had reflected for a moment, “We must back off and get in ahead of them if it can possibly’ be done.” comiiclooks.com