Beadle's Dime Novels No. 97: The Doomed Hunter — page 41: what you’re looking at

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

A BRIBE OFFERED. 43 * character and disposition of the lady he was expected to wed. ' All his arguments were. turned aside by the shrewd Indian, however often repeated. | The conference broke up at length, and Elk’s Foot took his departure, neither feeling more satisfied for the talk. ~ Ralph began really to feel alarmed. Not even when in the hands of the mob had he felt himself in that danger which was about him now. It was sufficient that he was in the hands of the untutored, capricious savages, and that the choice had been presented him between living, or a speedy death. It was hard for him to die, thus in his early man- hood—especially hard to leave behind a name to which the foulest of human crimes clung! But, it seemed preferable to dishonor. Nay, he reflected until it really seemed that ee easy to die, with a pure conscience. Through the long afternoon such thoughts as these filled his mind, and whtn the lengthened shades of evening came, they found him firm. If he could not obtain further time he would boldly declare against the desired marriage, and brave the issues ! Even sooner than he expected, the party came. Elk’s Foot led the way, as before, followed by Sleeping Fawn. The rear was brought up by a tall savage, of dignified mien, though far advanced in life, wrinkled and searred. This Ralph at once concluded to be Wolf-Slayer, the mighty chief of the powerful tribe. The trio advanced to the midst of the cabin, Elk’s Foot closing and fastening the door be- hind them. | eT. “The pale-face is a great warrior, and is wise!” began - Sleeping Fawn. “His heart has learned wisdom. He will rule over the half of ie great tribe of which the Wolf- Slayer is king !” ; She indicated the tall savage weatde her, who grunted as his name was mentioned. “The eee Fawn has said well,’ the old chief re- sponded. “ But she is weak. She doesnot love her own people, but begs a pale-face to rule her tribe. It is well. The pale-face can not refuse, for her heart is set upon him.” - There was a grunt from each of the three, and from their manner Ralph inferred that they awaited his reply. He still CconniclooolkS.eorn)