The Mohegan Maiden — page 76: what you’re looking at

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

78 THE MOHEGAN MAIDEN. will assure them that she acted a noble part, and if my efforts can not save her from that dreadful fate—” » But, really, he did not believe that they would be so rash ‘as to carry out their purpose in regard to the maiden. Rather comforting himself with that thought, Archibald finally fell asleep, and did not awaken to realize his situation until dawn of another eventful day. 7 | se * - —eew CHAPTER IX. THE DAY OF EXECUTION. As his mind reverted at once to the scenes surrounding him, the young man sprung upright and gazed about. The light of day had just entered the wigwam sufficiently to display all the characters there assembled, ‘and as a consequence the inmates were generally astir. There were exceptions, how- ever. Mute and silent, upon a block beside the couch, sat Shining Star, her eyes fixed upon the floor, and her whole manner drooping and dejected. What wonder? Was not the light, which drove away the gloom of morning, coming as a death- signal to her? She knew the nature of her people too well to think, fora moment, that there was any respite for her. Du- ring the long hours of night she had nerved herself to meet death calmly, and now she felt that all was ready for the great change. j | is : As Archibald’s gaze rested upon her own, 2 faint smile for a moment broke over her features, but the sadness which gave it birth soon chased it away. The young man looked no fur- ther. He could see nothing save that pale, suffering face, and his resolution of the preceding night was renewed. He would make every possible effort in behalf of the poor maiden. Perchance he might save her from the dreadful fate, now so near its accomplishment. s Rising to his feet, he found that much of the pain and sore- ness had departed from his head, and he was really himself again. Putting on his cap he turned toward the door. commiclbooks.com