Beadle's Dime Novels No. 139: The Border Foes — page 34: what you’re looking at

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

‘we must call upon God to help us, for we shall not be able to help ourselves.” “J have an idea, father,” said Alice, in an eager voice. “ What sort of an idea, my child ?” “ One that will save us, if you will let me put it in practice.” “ Let us hear it.” “Tt is a very simple one. Let me slip out and go to the fort, where I will inform Captain Hood of your danger, and he will immediately send you assistance.” “ Impracticable !” exclaimed Mrs. Ryeburn. “ You talk like a crazy person,” said the old man. “ How could you get to the fort on such a dark night as this ?” “Tt does not seem impossible to me, father. I know the way to the fort so very well, that I have often thought I could follow it blindfolded. It is very dark, but the darkness would shield me from the Indians, and I can take a lantern, which I can conceal until I am a safe distance from the house.” ' “Tt is out of the question. I would not even send Tom ea such an errand,” replied Jacob Ryeburn. “ It is entirely too perilous. You must not think of such a thing. It is almost certain death,” added his wife. Alice persisted in endeavoring to obtain permission to un- dertake the adventure which she had proposed, but the deni- als of her parents were so positive, that she was obliged to cease her importunities. When this question was settled, the family were alarmed by a cry from Hannah, and Mr. Ryeburn rushed into the back apartment, accompanied by his wife and Tom. When asked the reason of her outcry, the negress declared - that she had seen the head of an Indian at the little window, -but it had disappeared as soon as she screamed. Although he did not really apprehend any danger from a~% this opening, the old man proceeded to close it, and he pp : had it effectually barricaded. He then returned to the other room, where, to his great - > sgnldmat, bo WH Es that Alice could when all their other plans fail. If they set fire to the house,