Red Belt, the Tuscarora — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

TAKING THK TRAIL. 49 ocenpied by the old chicf who ruled the several tribes con- gregated there. Old Sampson Lowe and Red Belt, whom we have left far behind, continued undeviatingly in their course. When the day dawned—not the one the night of which Wild Hawk and his companiens entered the village—they were far away from the broad:river behind them, and were well advanced into the enemy's country. But these two hardy men cared not for danger. They had an object in view; tliat object they would accomplish, or sacrifice life itself. Old Sampson Lowe—who now had forgotton all about his wounded shoulder—rubbed his hands with delight and chuck- led low to himself as the trail was readily found. He was now satisfied that he was not wrong; he was satisfied, too, that, as smart as had been the others, he and Red Belt were not far behind them. The tracks were fresh, and only half- covered with dew, showing that the impressions had been made long, after nightfall. The old hunter aud his companion halted by a bubbling spring, which flowed from beneath the base of a large rock, and seated themselves. But they did not build a fire; they dared not do so. They were content with their jerked veni- son and coarse bread, already prepared for their use. This with draughts from the sparkling spring at their feet amply supplied them. When the meal was over, the two hunters stretched them- selves on the earth, and were soon oblivious in slumber— Eagle taking his place in their midst, likewise—sleeping now, waking now, and watching as a faithful sentinel should. Several hours passed ; the sun was now high in the heavens, and careering toward the zenith. The young Indian awoke and gently touched his compan- ion. . Old Sampson was soon aroused, and then upon his feet. The two lingered not, but turned at once to the trail again. On they strode, ‘Then the sun gradually sunk behind -he dark, shadow- crowned mountains, and gloom and dreariness grew apace over the silent woods. Then the last shade of scarlet-and- -purple faded from the comficlooks.c© j