The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1841-12-24
CHAPTER VII


1t was very evident from the cautious move
ments of hen friends that they were unaware Of
the number of her captors. Had they known the
true state of the case, they would undoubtedly
have taken bolder measures for her rescue--lhe
advantages being altogether on their side. They
were pretty well convinced that there were but
two at the most to deal with, although they were
not sure that Others had not joined them. Even to
get the captive safely Out of the clutches of two on
~, they felt TO be Il hazardous game, we'll know
ing that if their attempts were discovered the first
blow would fall on her head, Aware of this their
proceedings we've marked by the greatest possible
secrecy.
Knowing that some plan had been muiured for
her release, Mabel waited the issue with tremb
ling apprehension. Holding her breath that she
might catch the first intimaon Of the approach OF
deliverers, her patience was soreiy tested, Min
utes passed away--eacl one seeming an age IN her
state of suspensc-and sill all was silen. as death.
Once only she thought she heard scarce percep-
tible rustic among the leaves at Distance and
her eyes were Immediately turned upon the sleep
ing savage, drending lest the nose should break
his sunberS. But he still slept on--breaIhing
heavily, and occasionally mutering uniucgihIy
in his sleep' 1t one time she thought all was lost
for the Indian suddenly hn-raiSed himself, uttered
at the same time slight exclamation rs Of sur
prise The action and the ullerancc were probably
occusoned by the Gittering of some Wild thoughts
through his brain, for he soon settled away again
in the same depth Ofunconsclousncss us ever,
Mabel now listened with renewed INTENSITY for
signs indicating the approach Of her friends, but
not sound could be heard There WAS not so
much as the falling of leaf 10 break the grave
like stiffness. Drrading either the awakng Of the
sleeper or the return Of the absent, her anxiety i'll
creased every moment. The feeling Of suspense
of OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES so strong that it almost a.
mounted to torture and she found it difficult 10 sus-
tain herself amid the conflicting emotions that ag-
itutcd her breast. Again and ugan she bent her
ear in the hope Of catching an approaching sound
and for the hundreth time her searching glance
was rvettcd on different points whence she cX-
pected the appearance Of her DELIVERIES; but all in
vain. With sickoning emotion aud Il sigh of
disappointment wrung from the very depths Of her
heart, she bent her head for moment, half Weld
iug TO the weight that oppressed her, when slight
touch on her ann almost caused her to shrc!; out
in alarm, SO sudden and unexpected was the ac-
ton.
'.Tor your life be stia!" whispered her father in
her ear.
ltrcquirod all tie effort she could command to
obey him--so full and strong was the tide of feel
ing that rushed through her heart. moment
hardly TRANSFERRED when she felt the thongs that
bound her wrists giving way and at last drop from
them. Her first impulse was to throw her liberia
ted arms around her parents nec,. The Scout
received and returned the embrace in silence, then
in low whisper said
Here my child, take the knife and loose your
feet. Quick, Mabe, for time j, precious! How
many of the varments are they gall" he added,
'aS she bent over TO sever The cords
Ere she could return an answer, a slight crush
in" and a hasly step among the undcrbrush Il lit
tie in font of them struck her ear.
'4Nh God, father, he's rc,urned!' exclaimed the
maiden halfaloud, lorgetiu in her alarm of every
thing else.
The word. had barely left her lips, when n tall
savage bounded with shrill whocp lion the bushes
few yards in advance ofthem, brandiShing his tom
ahawk in the very act of launching it at the half
stopping girl. As quic, as thought the Scout sprang
TO his feet aud confronted him, nterposng hi, own
body as shield to his child. The action Of the
Scout frustrated the purpose Of the Indian; and he
poised his weapon TO strike down his opponent
Ills arm was thrown back and the Offering insiru
ment was Just on the point of being sent on lis ia
tai efrand, when the fash ola gun lit up the deep
shadows of the forest, followed by sharp report
and ride ball whisiled direct over the shoulder
Il
a smothered strickland the tall savage bounded
high in the air and fell hcadong among the under
brush.
"Bravely done. my boy'" shouted the old man
eyuItingly as his glance rested for moment on the
dead indians shouldn't have been ashamed Of
that myself? But there is other work for US yet
How many of the red devils are thcle, MGbe -
said he, turning quickly around
The scene that met his gaze checked ut once ey-
cry feeling Of cXultaton. 1t was his daughter
darling down the deci,ity and across the opening
and the laterly sleeping Indian in fall pursuit. with
the long hunting knife Of the Scout held threaten
ingy toward her. The Scouts first npy'sc was to
lly TO her rescue, but moments thought convinc-
ed him that before he could reach her it would be
too late TO save her. 4 second glance also reveal
ed TO him the Young man rushing TO her assistance,
though the distance between the parties was so
great there was no hope ci his being able TO reach
the infatuated savage in time 10 prevent the ac
complishmcnt of his fatal purpose. Something.
however must be done, and that too shortly, for
the Indian was fast closing upon the terrified maid
en- who continued her flight directly across the
area.
Snr;rginr TO the little hiIlock on whch he and
his daughter had rested at the time they met, the
scout caught up his rifle and aimed it at the saw
ace. He hesitated, however, for the foe was
directly in range within daughter, and he was
fa7rfulthe same ball might carry death to her as
well as her pursuer. BY this time the Indian was
within a few feet of the victim. Already his arm
was extended to seize her, when the Scout hastily
lowered his rifle, and shouted with voice 10
which despair gave strength
"Double ON him, gaI!-turn this way, for your
l;fe!''
As quick as flash the painting maid turned
short on her pursuer in the direction Of her father
The movement was so sudden that she gained con-
siderably on the bafled savage.
Once more the Scout raised his rifle with de-
Iibcra,c aim, and taking advantage Of the very mo