Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 8 — page 7: what you’re looking at

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

— = the stream against the roots and dipping branches along the shore. \ it be?” he asked, with a painful whisper, as he raised his head, ‘that we have been heard?”’ ‘IT do not think so,”’ replied Haldidge, apparently | in as much doubt as the rest. “Then they have run in to shore, and departed.”’ “IT fear that has been done.” ‘But we have kept so close to the shore, would we not have seen or heard the boat?” “Provided they landed at once. They may have run in this very minute, and may not be more than a few yards off.” ‘If so, we must hear them yet, and it won't do to slide down upon them in the manner we are now go- inz, or we shall find ourselves in the same fix we ex- pected to get them in.”’ “Very true, and a Bopd PRE CAOR, remarked Haldidge, and as he did so, he reached up and caught an overhanging limb, and held the canoe still. ‘* Now, boys, if you've got cars—” ‘Sh! Look there!’ interrupted Haverland, in an excited whisper. Each turned his head, and saw what appeared to be a common lighted candle floating upon the sur- face of the stream, It was a small point of light which at intervals glowed with a fuller redness, and which for a time completely confounded our friends. On it came as noiselessly as death, gliding forward with such a smooth, regular motion as to w that it was ly borne by the current, ‘What in the name of—” “Stop!” cried Haldidge; ‘that’s the canoe we're after! It’s the light of one of their pipes we see. Are your guns ready?” ‘ Yes,’’ replied the two, just loud enough for him to hear, ‘Make right toward it, then, and fire the instant you see your mark. Now!” At the same instant he released his hold upon the limb, and they threw all their force upon the oars. The canoe bounded like a ball directly ahead, and seemed about to cut the other in twain. A minute after, the shadowy outlines of three forms could be dimly seen, and the ave rifles were already raised, when the beacon-light was suddenly ex- tingu'shed and the Indian canoe vanished as if by magic. Sts one of their tricks!"’ excitedly exclaimed Haldidge. ‘‘Dash ahead! Curse them; they can’t be far off,”’ The two dropped their rifles, and again seized the oars, and Hal vice sheered it abruptly up-stream, for he fancied they had turned in that direction. He bent his head forward, expecting each moment to see the forms of their enemies loom up to view in the mist, but he was mistaken; no sav reeted his anxious vision. He guided his boat in every direc- tion—across the stream, up and down—but to no | a | | Seth J ones. CHAPTER X. A COUPLE OF INDIAN CAPTIVES, So sudden, so nape ed, so astonishing was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an In- dian moved or spoke. The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over num- bers of those seated around. Seth himself stood a second to satisfy himself the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms and commenced whistling. A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowl- ing, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted Lhe se the strained breathing rough the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention. Every face but that of the chieftain’s was livid with fury. He alone sat perfectly unagitated. Three Indians arose, and, grasping their knives, stood before him waiting for he expected words. “Touch him not,’’ said he, with a shake of the head; ‘‘ him no right here.” As the chief spoke, he tapped his forehead signifi- cantly with his finger, meaning that the prisoner was demented. The others believed the same, still it was hard to quell the Poa UP fire which was scorchin their breasts. But his word was law inviolate, an without a murmur, they seated themselves on the ground eget, Seth, although his eve appeared vacant and un- meaning, had noted these movements with the keenness of the eagie. He knew that’a word or sign from the chief would be sufficient to hack him to a thousand pieces. When he stood before his in- human tormentor, with the keen tomahawk in his hand, the certainty of instant death or prolonged torture would not have prevented him taking the SAV vengeance he did. Now that it was over, he was se . His natural feelings came back and with it the natural desire for life.. The words o the chief convinced him that he was regarded as eith- er insane or idiotic, and consequently as not deserv- ing death. Sti elhousy saved for the present, he ever stood in imminen The fallen savage had living friends, who would seize the first opportu- nity to avenge his death. At any rate, let matters stand as they might, Seth felt that he was in hot uarters, and the safest course was to get out of them a§ soon as possible, It was perhaps ten minutes after the horrid deed, that the Savages commenced besti themselves. while he dihers- commenced preparations tor Maeteg Ww. others commen reparations for the ie march. At Graham to the water's edge, re- who had pursued turned, and the tragical occurrence was soon made purpose, They had surely lost their prey this time. | knowntothem. A perfect battery of deadly, gleam- Che Indians had undoubtedly heard the pursuers— | ing eyes were opened upon Seth, but he stood it un- had muffled their own oars, and so p as | flinchingly. The Indians would have relished well silently as they. the idea of aa their baffled vengeance upon the ‘* Hold a minute!’’ commanded Haldi helpless captive in their hands; but the command- As they rested, they listened deeply me intently. eaning - resence of their chief restrained the slightest ‘Do you hear anyt ?”’ he asked, 1 demonstration, and they contented themselves with lessly forward. “There! Listen again. m looks. They could disti h the ripple of water, grow- One t did not escape Seth’s notice from the ing fainter and fainter each minute. first, and it was an occasion of wonder and - ‘They are below us again, and now for a trial of | tion to him, Nothing could be seen of Ina. fact, speed.”’ : ° the appearance of t was such as to lead one to The two needed no more incentives, and for a time | believe that the savages knew nothing of her. Could it be that he and the canoe skimmed over the water with asto speed. The moon was now up, and there were patches in the stream, where the wind had blown away the fog, and being to the light, were as clear as midday. Now and then they crossed such spots, sometimes but a few feet wide, and at others several rods. At these times ore on either side was perfectly outlined, and they glided over with a sort of instinctive terror, as they felt how easily an enemy might be concealed. In ea one of these, broader than a glimpse of the Indian canoe showed itself, just dis- appearing upon the opposite side. They were not more than a hundred yards apart, and they bounded toward it with at rapidity. The patches of light frequen nan the fog was evidently disappearing. Quite a breeze had which was fast sweeping it away. Haldidge kept close in to the eastern shore, feeling sure that their enemies would land upon this side! Suddenly the whole mist lifted from the surface of the water in a volume, and rolled off toward the woods. The bright moon was reflected a long dis- fully and the pursuers gazed searchingly about, became more wag eet to see their enaanes mpee ozen nee ‘i ey were again doom disappoint- ment. Not a = le disturbed the waters, except their own canoe, so that there was not sufficient to conceal © moon was directly overhead, & shadow cast along the bank, the slightest object. The In- reg ew evidently landed, and Bg as distant in “‘Tt’s no use,” remarked Haverland, gloomily, “they are gone, and we might as well be too.’’» saa -" a sore laappoenat ” said Graham. ‘“‘And as much so to me as to either o ” Haldidge. ‘I have an old score fou? said wretches that will take many hoped to do something toward been prevented, There is no use of hoping more at this time; they have eluded us, that is self-evident, and we must try some other means. No doubt you are wearied in body as well as in mind, and don’t fancy particularly this remaining out in the river here, a shot for any one who might possess the will; so le S ae tcedie ane have a aren and talk on things.” y 00 trio ran the canoe to the bank and lanied. against the infernal years to wipe out. I it to-night, but have | pe ages £ u roceeded ing breath Sos nishing | | Graham had been mistake in the party? Could some other tribe have made off with her? Or, had they se and taken her in another direction? As he upon these questions, he became convinced that the last sug: ested thecertainanswer. They could not have the , as they had never lost sight of the trail since it; and, moreover, he had noticed several slight occurrences, since his advent among them, that satisfied him, beyond a doubt, of the iden- tity of the party with the one which descended upon the home of the woodman. m the caution which the aggressors evinced in their flight, together with the haste with which it had been conducted, it was ap they had some fears of pursuit; and to Seen their treasure, a number left them ata avorable point, gag nn Bg join the main body where pursuit was not to expec or where the pursuers had been sufficiently misled warrant it, As he reflected, Seth was satisfied that this was the only and true explanation of her non-appearance. ne preparations were soon completed, and the Indians commenced moving forward, If Seth had entertained any doubts of their intention relating to — ee | moment the runners Eo EO rr i him, they were soon dispelled by his experience. It_ was not at all likely that he would be reserved as a prisoner, unless they intended to put him to some use. Accordingly he found himself loaded down with an enormous burden, consisting mostly of f in the shape of deer’s meat, which the savages ha brought with them. They buried their fallen com- rade, without the ceremony and mourning which might be expected. The North American Indian rarely gives way 0 ons as the burial of one of their number, @ war-dance,” or something similar, when the whole nest of devilish passions is allowed vent. They ind in no such ceremonies—if monies th may be called—at this time, A comparatively shal- low grave was dug, and into this the fallen one was to his emotions, except upon such | — in an upright position, his face turned toward | e east. His rifl buried with him. The Seth’s rings were truly t. He was natural- ly lithe, wiry, and capable of enduring prolonged exertion, but, unfortunately for him, the savages had become aware of this and loaded him accord- é, knives, and all his clothing were day was a suff. one in A and | poe ocating one rE Et Most of the journey was through the forest, the arching tree-tops shut out the witheri rays of the sun. Had they encountered any su open plains as the one passed over near their en where campment, Seth would have never lived through it, As it was, his load nearly made h'm insensible te ain. A consuming thirst was ever tormenting hin, although he found abundant means to rlake it in the numberless rills which gurgled through the wilder ness. “How Yankee like it?” ter ret a savage by his side, stooping and peering fiendishly into his face. “first rate; goes nice. Say, you, s’\posen ycu try it’’’ “Ugh! walk faster,” and a whack accompanieé the word, **Now I cac’late, I'm going to walk jvst about as fast as I durned please, and if you ain’t a mind tf wait, es can heave ahead. Fact, by gracious.” And Seth did not hasten his steps in the least Toward noon he found he should be obliged to have a short rest or give out entirely, He knew it wouk be useless to ask, and consequently he determing? to take it without asking. So, unlcosing the cords which bound the pack to his back, he let it fall te the ground, and, seating himself upon it, again went to whistling. “Go faster, Yankee—youno keep up!” exclaimed one, giving him a stunning blow, “See here, you, p’raps you don’t know who it mought be you insulted that way. I'm Seth Jones, from New Hampshire, and consequently you'll be keerful of tetching me.” The savage addressed was ong the point of strik- ing him insolently to the earth, when the chieftain interfered. ‘*No touch pale-face—him tired—rest a little.” Some unaccountable whim had possessed the sav- age, as this mercy was entirely unexpected by Seth, and he knew not how to account for it, unless it might be he was reserving him for scme horrible torture. The resting-spell was but a mcment, however, and just as Seth had begun to really enjoy it, the chief- tain ave orders for the replacement of the load Seth felt disposed to tamper awhile, for the sake of prolonging his enjoyment, but, on second thou concluded it the better plan not to cross the c who had been s0 lenient to him thus far. So, witha considerable number of original remarks, and much disputation about the placing of the bu den, he shouldered it at last and t1ucged foi ward. Seth was right in his conjectures about Ina. To- ward the latter part of the day, the three India who had been pursued by our other friends, rejo the main party, bearing her with them. She noticed her companion in captivity at once, but no ccmmm nication passed ketweenthem. A look of melancholy relief escaped her as she became :ssured that her parents were still safe, and that only she and her new friend were left to the sufferings and horrors of captivity. But there was enough in that to damp even such a young and hopeful spirit as was hers Not death alone, but a fate frcm the gv atts Fn tors far worse than death itself, was to be apprehe ed. In the future, there was but one Hand that could sustain and safely deliver them, and to that One she looked for deliverance. CHAPTER XI. STILL IN PURSUIT, ., seems the devil himself is ld them imps!” remarked Haldidge, as they lande “But I tus Heaven is aiding us,” added Haver- At will, if we help curselves, and now as I'm in this scrape, I'm bound to see the end. Look ma? It @ k I'm thinking we'll mak “It's poor work 1m well make, gropin in this moonlight,’’ said Graham. ‘ _ “While there’s life there’s hope. Scatter “long the bank, and search every foot of land. I'll iun up- seem @ ways, as I’ve an idea they landed not fur oO The hunter disappeared, with these words, and Graham and eee commenced their work in an opposite direction. The branches overhan the water were ¢ y lifted up, and the muddy shore examined; the suspicious bending or parting of the undergrowth was followed by the minutest scrutiny, and although the heavy darkness was against them, yet it would have required a most ed trail to ave escaped their vision. But their efforts were useless; no trail was detected; and convinced that the savages must have landed upon the opposite side, they turned to retrace their steps. As ow did so, a low whistle from the hunter reached th ears. ‘What does that mean?” asked Graham. “He nas Gohenen et Let us hasten.” “What fs it, Haldidge?”’ asked Haverland, as they reached the hunter. ; Rn ae gtd as ot — LY, a sinner, and t’s m vate opine they ain’t fur off neither.” = Shall we wait till daylight before we undertake to follow it?” “Tam much afraid we shall have be signs which we might miss in Dayan. ve far off,” ‘Several hours yet.” 180 Well, we will ie ourselves comfortable until en.” With these words the trio seated themselves upon the earth, and kept up a low conversation until morning. As soon as the faint light appeared, they detected the Indian canoe a short distance up ' bank, secreted beneath a heavy, overhanging mas# of undergrowth. As it was during the summer sea to, as there may this darkness. EGOMicboo (E cS (E@)