The Mohegan Maiden — page 51: what you’re looking at

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

A RESPITE. 53 burying the barb in Archibald’s brain instead ? Despite all the young man’s undeniable courage, there was a sinking sen- Sation at his heart, at each fresh trial. But, he braved them all, and when the Indians had exhausted that part of the programme, they gathered in the usual council. } But for the peculiar circumstances under which Archibald had been taken prisoner, there is not a doubt but that his life Would have paid the penalty at once. As it was, however, a desire was kindled in the breasts of some of his captors to take him to their home, where their squaws and children might feast upon, and learn cruelty from his tortures, A tall brave, who seemed the leading spirit of the party, Propounded the idea, dwelling upon it with considerable say- age eloquence. His eye sparkled and glowed with fiendish Pleasure, as he dilated upon the. scenes in store for them, in Which all could share. He pointed to the bulky frame of the prisoner, of whose browegg they had received abundant proof, and urged how ‘iting would be such a victim when long-continued and ter- Tible tortures were to be applied. | His logic, coupled with the passionate revenge he painted, _ Proved irresistible. With a simultaneous shout, his brethren “cquiesced in his plan. Instant action was urged, and pre- Parations at once made to set out upon the return to their People. To this proceeding some objection was raised, but it Was quickly overruled, and with democratic unanimity the “atire party moved in obedience to the voice of the majority. The scout’s bands were now cast off, saving the cord which “onfined his arms, and he was placed in the midst of the file, ClWeen two wicked-looking braves. Then the line of march Was taken up, and rapidly pursued for many weary hours, be- Ore any pause was permitted. Their provisions were running low, and it was rather ne- Cessary that they seek some mode of replenishing them. Archibald was treated to a far more substantial repast than any of his captors enjoyed; but he was far from suspecting the object of such unusual benevolence. 3 On the party traveled ; it seemed to the young man that he had never walked so far and so fast during one day. The sun was sinking low behind the trees, and already it was dusky comiicbooks.com