The Mohegan Maiden — page 40: what you’re looking at

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

42 THE MOHEGAN MAIDEN. | Narragansett captors, and now that there was no probability - of again falling in with them, she desired to leave the hospita- ple abode of her friends, and repair to her own people. Although the thought of separation from her cost the | young man a pang, he agreed to accompany her to her desti- nation. In company with Christian, who was to remain with his tribe for a time, they set forth one fine June morning, and reached the place of their destination in safety. Not haying met with any adventure upon the way, it was deemed more satisfactory proof that the Indians of hostile disposition had left that section of country. | Archibald spent a pleasant afiernoon and night with his Indian friends, and then set forth on his return to Hadley. Jt was the middle of the afternoon of the first day apon the return, when Archibald drew near a small ravine, or rather a deep valley between two small hills. A noble spring flowed in the hollow, and this the young man had looked forward to as a temporary resting-place, where he would refresh himself, and partake of the-food supplied by his Mohegan friends. Merely assuring himself that no one was in the vicinity of the spring, and apprehending no danger, he began to descend the bank. Scarcely had he made half the distance to the bottom, when a strange spectacle met his gaze. At a little distance above the spring, and hidden from the sight of those upon the bank by a curve, stood two Indians, whose Narragansett trappings the scout recognized at a glance. They were in a hostile attitude, and had, evidently, been pre- paring for a deadly strife, when the sounds of Archibald’s in- cautious movements attracted their notice. Instantly forgetting their own disagreement, whatever it might be, they turned their attention to the new-comer, as a more deserving enemy of themselves and people. Their guns, which it seemed the red-men had not cared to use in their own conflict; were leaning against a tree beside them. While they were gaining possession of their weapons, Archibald sprung behind a large tree, putting himself in a posture of defense. The discovery had been simultaneous, and. the movements which followed were nearly so, until the trio stood behind three respective trees, with guns presented, waiting any opportunity for a shot which might present. comicbooks.com