Beadle's Dime Novels No. 35: East and West — page 60: what you’re looking at

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

60 THE BEAUTY OF WILLARD’'S MILL. Frank's hail was answered, after a few efforts, and the men made to understand that they were wanted with their boat, and lanterns. Though the moon gave a feeble light through the clouds, it was thought best to take along lights to signal the whereabouts of the boats, and to direct any stragglers where to find rescue. Half an hour was spent in preparations ; and then the little fleet was ready to go down by the woods, and cruise along in the hope of picking up any fugitives from death. “ Well, now, boys, you can’t all go. One’s enough toa skiff, and two to the flat-boat—that’s only four,” said Mr. Willard to the men. Frank his determination to be one of the four. Fletcher offered to go with the flat-boat, presuming he could pole as well as a better boatman; and Nat said he would take a skiff. “ But you can not manage a boat, Nat—you’re disabled,” interfered Minnie, who was an anxious witness of the enlist- ment. “My arm is better since I put that liniment on it,’ replied Nat, without looking at Minnie, “ But he is not able to go—is he father ?” “ Why how do you know, Minnie ?” asked her father, rather petulantly. “T think,” said Minnie, with an unusual show of spirit, “that some of the men might offer who have two good arms.” Nat stole a glance at his advocate, but was only strength- ened in his resolution. The men, made ashamed of their tardiness, now all declared themselves more or less anxious for the service ; and the boats were soon making for the woods—the flat-boat to keep in shallower water. “ Wish us a safe return, won’t you Mrs. Willard ?” Fletcher had said, as they left the house. “We all wish you that, I am sure,” answered Minnie. “Nat, I wish you had stayed with us.” “ The next time, Minnie !”’ was Nat’s brief reply. The anxious family were more than ever unable to think ofsleep. Mr. Willard laid down on his bed, but kept open the door of the room, that he might converse at intervals with comfcbooks.com .