The Mohegan Maiden — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

A RESCUE PROMISED. 85 which fell from the trees overhead. Christian stood looking on, perplexed at what he saw: Never had his friend acted 80. before, “What is wrong? What the matter?” he asked, instinct- ively stepping back a pace or two. Archibald made a great effort, and succeeded in calming himself. Then realizing how strange his behavior must ap- pear, he drew Christian to a seat beside him, and with as few words as possible, related all that had happened to him since leaving Hadley. The listener was scarcely less agitated than the speaker before the recital was ended, though his Indian stoicism en. abled him to subdue outward expression more fully. ~ “That must not be!” he finally said, after Archibald had concluded his recital. “I, at least, can not bear to think of it,’ was the reply, “But we are almost powerless, alone as we are; what can we do, Christian ?” | | ‘‘Me don’ know,” returned Christian. ‘“ Me go yonder and find out,” pointing to the village. ‘“Oome by-an’-by, and let you know. You stay here ?” he asked, as he prepared to move away. “I hope you will come soon and tell me of some plan for saving her life.” . “Me come !” and with that he was gone. It seemed as if the long hours never would wear away, and the faint hope he had had that Christian would accom- plish something, faded again to a deep despondency. What could the single-handed Indian do, in opposition to a tribe ? At length a light form sprang over the fortifications, and dashed away in a circuit, bringing up near where the impa- tient watcher was crouching. It was Christian, and though in haste he brought tidings of hope. If Archibald would consent to take the maiden to his home and people, for a time, Christian would guarantee that he would get her outside the village under cover of darkness. Of course the suffering lover had but one word to say in the matter, and that was to bid his red ally God speed. With a few quickly whispered directions, the faithful fellow hastened back, that his absence might not excite comment among his red brothers. > ~ comiclooks.com