The Mohegan Maiden — page 49: what you’re looking at

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

WAS IT LOVE? 51 being superior to mortals, or possessing supernatural pow- ers... - Archibald Turner spent the time in ordinary labor, assist- ing to cultivate the neighboring fields, many of which were Worked in common during those troublesome times, those who assisted sharing in the produce. The fields being hoed, the young man shouldered his rifle again, and started into the forest. He had no particular ob- ject in view, but longed to tramp the wilderness once more— to encounter its perils and enjoy its adventures—so fascinating had the forests become to bim. eA! Onto It was early morning when be set out. The dew was Still sparkling on the grass about Hadley, and many a glad Songster was piping his welcome to the new ‘fledged day. Yet Archibald wandered forth with little eye for any of the beau- lies spread about, and quite, heedless of the sweet voices Which chirped with such glee from the tree-tops. His thoughts Were fur away, even to the Mohegan village. In fact, he was Wondering where the sweet maiden of the red-skins, Shining tar, might be at this moment, and what she was doing. Was she thinking of him? Possibly, and the thought was Very gratifying to the young Englishman. | Archibald would not have acknowledged that he was in love With her; far from it. That he felt a deep interest in her wel- 4" there could be no doubt. If she had a white skin, and the Same attractions of grace and natural beauty, he would argue to himself, she might sway his affections, and command the mage of courtiers. Was she the less deserving because of her birth and parentage, events over which she had no con- trol ? Might it not be possible to educate her as we educate °Ur own children, and make her a refined woman ? cbating within himself upon these matters, not for the first lime; he wandered on, and entered the forest, scarcely heeding whither he went. He only knew that the forest Scenery, over which his eyes wandered with a gaze which saw nothing, was familiar to him. Had he looked more intently, the young man would. have seen moving figures here and there, among the trees in advance of him, and detected more than one eye which watched his progress from behind some Cover with eager satisfaction. But, he saw no such thing. comiclooks.conn