Beadle's Dime Novels No. 142: The Sagamore of Saco — page 67: what you’re looking at

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

THB CAPTIVE. © 69° before'them bound to a tree, the light of the moon conflicting with the ruddy*light of the torch-flame of the council-fire, playing in weird contrast over her dark, motionless features. As chief after chief arose and gave, in a clear, solemn voice, his views regarding the campaign, it was observed that the sagamore cast stern and frequent glances upon the captive, At length he seized a torch and flashed it full upon her face. The eyes of the two met, but not a word passed the lips of either. Returning to the council, the sagamore asked: “ Has the captive heard our proceedings ?” * No; the wind bears the sound away. The sapling to which she is bound is beyond earshot.” “Tt is Acashee, the daughter of Samoset.” The younger chiefs sprung to their feet, and would have buried their tomahawks in her brain, for they knew of the story of Hope Vines, and the grief of the sagamore. The captive witnessed the outburst with exultant pride, and began to chant her death-song, with head erect and eyes flash- ing skyward, in words like the following : “Break out into laughter, Ye thunder-bolts Ioud, Wildly thereafter Scream from your storm-cloud, Oh, eagles undaunted ! *“‘ By the warrior’s hand The maiden shail fall. Light up the torch brand! The torturers call With pangs they have vaunted.” Thus far, and the women from the camp, unwilling that one of their kind and a captive should emulate the hardihood of warriors, rushed out and threw water from their gourds upon her, and in derision tossed bean-pods and corn-husks about her, and jeeringly clapped the paddles of the canoe, and the pokers of the fire in her face. For awhile the proud woman held her head high, but, fearful of falling beneath these fem- nine weapons, her head fell upon her bosom, and she was silent. wn _— : In the mean while, the chiefs around the council-fire sat long in solemn conclave. At one time, the debate had been of. more than usual animation, but at length a solemn silence 142 3 comichooksscom,