Beadle's Dime Novels No. 85: The Fugitives — page 21: what you’re looking at

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

A DOUBLE ANXIETY. 28 began to act and feel far differently. It was observed by several of his acquaintances, that, for a few days before hos- tilities commenced, he took. his rifle and went alone into the woods. Ordinarily, this would have attracted little attention, but, one of them, from curiosity, followed him. . He saw him penetrate the forest to a considerable distance, and then pause and look around him, as if to make sure he was not observed. Then affixing a mark to a tree, he retired a hundred yards or 80, and began practicing upon it with his rifle. The friend smiled, and mentally concluded that “ Brother Franklin,” would not be found wanting at the critical moment. Whether he was right or not in his conclusion, will soon be evident. “But, mother, do you think they will gain the battle?” asked Annie, alluding to the last remark made by her parent. “You aré usually so hopeful and: confident, that it seems strange for me to attempt to console you.” “TI do not need your consolation, Annie; you feel the alarm as much as I do. It may not be best to let Arthur know all, but there need be no concealment between us.” “You are: right; I believe I have more terror this minute than you have experienced all day. I think there is scarcely a shadow of success for us.” “You have a double anxiety... You are alarmed for George and for Stoddard.” | | “I wonder whether he will fight,” sonmdrizid the daughter, referring, of ‘course, to the person last named. “T have no doubt of it. If he does not, I asia never en- tertain the least respect for him.” ! Annie made no answer, for, in her heart, she entertained the opinion of her mother. She could defer to moral principle; but in a momient like the present, she could conceive of no conscience that would allow: any human being to remain a passive spectator, when. youth, beauty, innocence and old age asked in vain for mercy. “Tam sure he will do all he can to defend the helpless. I know him well enough to say that with certainty,” added the mother, who noticed the thoughtful look of her daughter. “Yes; I am also certain he will, He is naturally chival- rous, and no woman or child can appeal to him in vain for protection.” conmicloooks.comn — «a ee oo _