Beadle's Dime Novels No. 97: The Doomed Hunter — page 65: what you’re looking at

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

A MISFORTUNE. 67 to fee] exhausted, aud realized that he must succumb should the chase be prolonged for a great length of time. ‘The mani- fold hardships through which he had passed had told. upon his naturally rugged frame. Looking back he saw that quite a dozen Indians were still within sight—odds too great for any single man, no matter how bold and courageous. Possibly he might reduce their number. The only question was that of reloading his rifle. He had also a pistol undischarged, and he did not believe a single fire-arm among the Indians to be loaded. | Shifting his gun Ralph poured the powder in, and produced a ball, which he fitted to the muzzle of the bore. Then he attempted to draw the rammer. Just at that moment he > was undeceived in regard to the state of his enemies’ weapons. A gun was discharged behind him, and the bullet whistled near—so near, indeed, as to strike the lower part of his rifle. ' He glanced down, to assure himself that the weapon was not seriously injured, then proceeded to ram down the ball. He turned the piece in order to prime, when a gasp of de- spair burst from his lips. The sayvage’s bullet had carried away the cover to his rifle-pan! Here was a loss not to be rem- edied. His most valuable weapon was ruined. With a hasty exclamation he hurled it from him, and the Indians, divining the cause, set up a shout of triumph. There is a very venerable adage, saying, “ Misfortunes never come singly.” However true this may be in everyday life, it was certainly the case with Ralph, at that moment. He had scarcely thrown aside his weapon when he found himself in the midst of a densely tangled vine. He endeavored to pause—to save himself, but it was too late. His foot caught, and he was thrown to the earth. Extricating the unfortunate member, he attempted to use it, Gab ae that his knee had been wrenched, and was useless — 0} the moment. Still he raised himself upright, and with “folded arms and a look of defiance, awaited the arrival of his” exulting enemies. . He’ had not long to wait, for the red-men were ony fod -. anxious to secure so dangerous a foe., Without any pause they’ rushed upon and disarmed, but did not bind him. A stalwart savage took him by either arm, and dragged him to 4 B COMMCOOOkkXs.COnn -