The Land Claim — page 96: what you’re looking at

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

92 THE LAND-CLAIM. “Tf he tried to cross in that storm, he is more likely at the bottom of the river, where he ought to be,” said one of the constable’s assistants. ’ “ His arm was broken, he pretended, by the falling of an oak limb on it. Perhaps it was, perhaps it was not. At all events, there must be some of the gang about these ravines, and they ought to be hunted out,” said Allen. “Yes, that’s true,” answered Wyman. “But we haven't force enough to undertake that sort of a job, such a night as this. But come, Allen, you must take Aer home right away. My wagon is down here in the road. One of us will have to go ahead and carry the lantern. I wonder where them fellers has their boat moored ?” “Tt is down opposite the big ravine,” said Alicia, who was following, with Allen, close behind the constable. “TI left my wagon there; hope they won’t find that,” he said, striding on faster. , _ Alicia was so completely exhausted by the time they had reached the road, that she could not go on another rod, and begged to be allowed to rest. “Let her wait there, Allen, while I fetch the wagon up,” said Wyman, hurrying off, while Alicia sunk upon the lower step of the terrace. The other man followed the constable, leaving one of the lanterns for Allen. “What can I do for you, darling? Here, sit on my knee, dear; don’t refuse. It is nothing—or rather it is necessary, for*you will catch your death-cold, I am afraid, on the ground. You ought to be put in a warm bed this instant. I know how to nurse you, but I can not. I wish I was a woman !” Alicia could not help laughing a little, dreary as she felt. Soon the constable was seen returning on foot, and without the wagon. “T’ll bet my head those thieves have got it!” exclaimed Allen, jumping up so quickly as to throw Alicia off his knees, though he sti]l kept his arms around her, “My wagon and horse are gone! I don’t see what you will do, unless you carry her up to the cabin, and build up a fire. She can’t get te town to-night through this mud and water. I must be after them rascals right off, without losin’ . comicloooks. con