Beadle's Dime Novels No. 142: The Sagamore of Saco — page 58: what you’re looking at

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

60 TMH SAGAMORE OF SACO. the constituted authority of the colony, which sought in vain to seduce him to the condition of good citizenship. Being called upon to take the oath of allegiance to the colony, he refused, on the ground of his connection with the Saco tribe, whose interests he represented. The relentless colonists pronounced a decree of outlawry upon the unhappy man, and set a price upon his head. To these colonial persecutions were superadded those of town and church; so that, but for his faithful friends and allies, the Sacos, the situation of the high-spirited youth would have been miserable in the extreme; but his own indomita- ble will and fierce assertion of personal independence bore him above hardships and persecutions which would have par- alyzed a man of less mettle. John Bonyton never skulked in by-places to avoid his ene- mies, but openly confronted them, walking into the town bravely, accoutered in his demi-sayage costume, and haugh- tily bowing to soldier, civilian, or priest, who might be seen with pale lips turning the first corner to avoid the fiery eye of the hanghty sagamore. After the price had been put upon his head, John Bonyton might have been seen making his way at the early twilight of a winter day, to the house of the acting Governor of the colony, Thomas Gorges. The family were engaged in singing the evening hymn, when a loud rap responded to the last note of the singers. The Governor opened the door in person, for he detected cowardice upon the faces of those nearest the window. Jobn Bonyton stood erect, with rifle in band, and spoke slowly and distinetly : “IT am John Bonyton, Sagamore of Saco. What will you give me for my head, Governor ?” “ How Be te Zing a i FR “ Not one; I am alone.” “ Then I must say you are a foolhardy man, John, and I warn you to depart. God forbid I should be instrumental i in shedding your blood.” “ Hear me, Thomas Gorges. -I shall go as I came, and no man will dare lay his hand upon me. Mark me, sir: the _stetthat Inge Zohn onyton in the dnt will be, the signa = : Ecomichooksrecom i > * _ Ee ait a 6 el es ae pS i