The Mohegan Maiden — page 80: what you’re looking at

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

82 THE MOHEGAN MAIDEN. He seated himself upon the ground as he ceased, after the manner of his Indian friends, and waited for the result. There was a murmur and close consultation for some moments, pee when it was ended Wawanooma rose and said, “ The pale- face is strong, and speaks words of wisdom. people are wise, and mighty in battle. But they do not the Mohegan... We have our own laws, and those laws de ra that a murderer shall die! We . spoken Y Approbation burst from the Indians there. assembled. aa their leader ceased speaking, and they made an- impulsive movement toward the wigwam, where the object of their wrath was held a prisoner. “ht ‘chibald saw that his eflorts had been utterly in vain, and with a sinking heart he turned away. His first impulse was to leave the place for ever, but a stronger feeling drew him back. He would make sure that the Indians really intended carrying out their plan before he left them. There should be no uncertainty in the matter, . He had but a few moments to wait ere the appearance of a yelling, exultant rabble showed conclusively that they had not indulged in vain or empty threatenings. Standing where he was, he soon saw the maiden led past. Already, to his eyes, she seemed crowned with the halo of martyrdom. “Oh, my dear girl!” he moaned, “ can it be that this cruel fate is for you? Can it be that I can do nothing to save you ?” | He followed on in ie wake of the rabble, trying to think of some scheme for her rescue. Alas! too well he knew that the thought was madness. He was alone and helpless, Not a single human beiug would lend him avy assistance, and his own arm was far too weak for the work. He could but witness her death, and vow to heayen the the offense should hot pass unheeded or unavenged. wi The fatal place of execution was reachec , and the maiden, more dead than alive, was securely ont to the stake. Thus far the executioners had omitted, gathering any fuel, and. the heart-heavy spectator really began to hope that it was ouly a sham, after all. , . But no! From every h came crowds of i aoa and squaws, bearing piles of the needed fagots, which the | commicbooks.com