Beadle's Dime Novels No. 85: The Fugitives — page 78: what you’re looking at

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

80 THE FUGITIVES. straight up to Death himself, felt a quicker throb of his heart, as he reflected upon his momentous errand. The only female that ever had held dominion in his affections, was now in dire extremity, needing the strong arm that was doing its utmost to help her. - How his heart thrilled, as he reflected: that: in all probability the next few hours would decide the matter of life and death. Similar in some respects, and yet far different in others, were the feelings of the lieutenant. Joyous, hopeful, grateful, he knew he was hastening to the rescue of cherished ones— that was enough. His only desire was to get on—on—on—to strike the desecrating savages to the earth, and set the cap- tives free, and he found it hard to keep time with the measured tread of their imperturbable guide. The temperament of old Gershom might, in some points, be considered a compromise between that of the lieutenant and the Quaker. Although well advanced in years, he had taken an active part in many of the forays in thé Indian country, and he experienced the peculiar thrill of expectation that passes like a shock through ‘the warrior’s.breast when he realizes that he really is upon the eve of battle. The thought most occupying his mind was the desire that circumstances had been such that Jerusha had been the com- panion of the hapless fugitives. It will be recollected that Arthur made his’ escape before the capturetof the strong- minded woman, and therefore knew nothing about it. It would have been well, had the old man been given a glimpse of his spouse at that particular time. The Old Warrior's Path, as it was termed for many years before and after the Wyoming massacre, was so wwell- marked that there was no occasion for our friends going astray. Franklin walked with a sure step, not once looking to the ground, but only ahead, to the right and left; ready fox the first glimmer of light among the trees. The first mile, and somewhat more, was senteatiee in entire silence by the party, and without any interruption. The gloom around, the impressive nature of their errand, had sobered all, and each one was wrapped in his own thoughts. . Some distance further, the leader paused for a few moments’ con- sultation. canidinabacciall