The Mohegan Maiden — page 35: what you’re looking at

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

THE PANIC. 87 grasp their weapons, tawny Narragansetis were swarming in through the breach they had made. - In vain the doomed, confused, halfawakened whites sought to drive them back. They had no leader, and were all un- prepared for such a struggle, and though they fought manfully the Indians gradually gained upon them, Already the black Smoke from burning buildings began to -rise, adding. fresh horror to the hearts of those whose homes were being con- Sumed, ii It is at such moments that the example of a coward or hero decides the whole matter. Some timid-hearted one amid the settlers raised the cry, “We can not save our town; let us take to the woods and Save our lives!” } The cry was taken up by many lips, and those to whom the thought. of death was most dreadful gave a rush toward the South gate. The few brave men left to combat the Indians Were outnumbered and overpowered, so that they, too, were forced to give way. This was just what the Narragansetts desired, and, feeling sure that their work,was done, they scat tered about the place to sack and plunder. | The scheme of the Indians would have been perfect in its Working had it not been for the presence and determination of Archibald Turner. Forcing back the excited throng, he Closed the gate, as before stated, and sought by earnest reason- ‘ng, to bring back their scattered senses. a's Moments. were precious, however. The ambuscade had changed to an assaulting party, and would be at hand in a few Minutes; while it was uncertain at what instant those within the Walls would rally, and fall upon the rear of the party with deadly affect. arr’ Archibald was striving, with good results, to bring a differ- Cnt state of affairs about, but in such a pressing emergency Tesults could not be attained quickly enough. Besides, the young man scarcely knew how to grapple the important situa-_ lion, With a body of fighting followers he would not haye hesitated to attack either party of the savages; but with only — & Confused mass of men, assailed in front and rear, he scarcely ew in what direction to turn. But “ angel of deliverance was at hand, At the moment 17 2 comicbooks.com