Beadle's Dime Novels No. 97: The Doomed Hunter — page 43: what you’re looking at

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

THE PANGS OF DESPISED LOVE. 45 white who had scorned their greatest boon,-and he as stead- ily returning their gaze. Suddenly the Indian maiden drew a sharp knife from its ‘place of concealment, and with a cry of rage threw herself upon Ralph, endeavoring to plunge the weapon into his body ! Although the act was unlooked for, the young man was not taken entirely at a disadvantage. He had more than half expected such an onset from the father or brother, and was only surprised that the daughter should seek her own revenge. Graspitie the hand which held the weapon, he gave way as she came on, and very soon had the knife in his own *hand. The maiden turned away with a sob, realizing that she was in no danger from the man whose life she had sought. For a moment it seemed that the control of the place was to change hands. Ralph had the knife, and with it in hand he rushed toward the door. But Elk’s Fvot uttered a loud cry, and remained stationary, as did his father and sister. Ralph succeeded in opening the door, but here he was con- fronted by a couple of Indians, armed with guns. They quickly covered his person with their pieces, and ordinary prudence induced him to retreat. Seeing that any offensive act must certainly cost his life, he hurled the knife through one of the openings, and with folded arms awaited the action of his savage guards. That they were his foes now could not be doubted. But it was possible that they might temporize for a while, and there his only hope rested. Elk’s Foot stepped tothe door, and called one of the In- dians inside, giving him orders to watch Ralph closely, and shoot him at the first movement. Hearing the substance of this charge, the young man seated himself upon the couch of skins, while the sentinel cocked and pointed his gun, in readi- ness to obey the order most literally. te The three great powers of the tribe then gathered in one corner, and discussed the matter, apparently at great length. ~The result of their deliberations was not known, but they soon prepared to leave the place, the son repeating certain instructions to the savage guard, which caused his evil eyes to dance with lively anticipation. He relaxed’ a trifle in Pe ; donnicibocks.conns