The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1854-12-22

form, gave to her motions an elasticity ana
graccfulness, to which the modern victim ol
passion is an entire stranger. And the
bridegroom, in the strength and vigor Of his
youth, with his sun.burned counlenance and
manly proportions, presented o striking
contrast to the fashionable exquisite Of mod.
ern days.
The rites were concluded; and Charles
Harding had just imprinted, on the blushing
cheek Of his bride, the ceremonial kiss,
when terrific yell from without rang thro'
every nook Of the mansion. Every man
sprang to his rifle. The next moment the
report Of muskets came sharply on their
ears.
ITO arms the heathen ure upon US y"
shouted Capt. Hanville.
There was sudden rush from tho house.
The moon shone full upon the wild scenery
around; but no foe was visible. A solitary
figure made its appearance at a remote corner
Of the building.
"TIelp, for Gods sake 'said well known
voice, 81 am wounded - tho bloody red
skins are around"
The wounded man staggered slowly to.
wards them. At that instant q rifle flash
cleaned from the nearest woods. and the
unfortunate sentinel fell dead ut tho feet
Of his comrades. Tho exulting whoop Of
our invisible foe was drowned BY the muskets
Of the whites who fired at every bush and
thicket.
"To your horses" exclaimed Capt. Har.
mon, the Capt. Of the rangers, as the dusky
forms OF the enemy now became visible in
the opening.
Charles Harding turned auxiously to his
bride - she did not join in the cries and
tears Of those around her - but sat still and
white as statue.
"Do not be alarmed" he said affection.
ately pressing her hand, 1--we shall easily
route the savages. There is little danger.
Be quiet, we shall return Immediately"
The spirit Of her Eth,r was strong in the
hear, of Emily. $50 Charles" said she,
"and may God preserve YOU"
Charles sprang toshis saddle, and in n
moment the ringing Of hoofs announced the
departure Of the rangers. Capt. llanville
garrisoned his dwelling with the remainder
Of the company.
TsIs -.s-..oI .-..-- L..i L...Oiy ii.-rPs..sod
in the shadow Of the surrounding woodlands,
and the tramp Of their horses died away in
the distance, when the report Of arms and the
fearful warcry Of the savages, told the
anxious listeners at the garrison that the
battle had commenced. Afler an interval
Of trying suspense, the sound Of conflict
ceased, and soon the heavy tread Of horses
announced the return OF the rangers. They
wheeled into the enclosure, and Capt Har.
mon, leaping from his horse, confronted the
agitated assembly
"The vile heather, " he muttered between
his clenched teeth; and turning TO the
bride, who sat trembling with anxiety, ho
said
"Your husband is among tho missing (!
1t has been horrid nights work,"-and
threw himself into chair, apparently ex-
hausted by his cxcrtiou.
"Is he dead !" exclaimed Emily, spring.
ing up and grasping convulsively the hand
of the soldier. "Tell me, Capt. Harmon,
is he dead!"
"Your husband is prisoner" said Har.
mon, but he fought desperately before he
yielded. He was surrounded and oyerpow.
cred and we were unable to rescue him.
The Indians were twice our numbers. They
paid dearly fer their captives - many Of
their braves ars dead - and many Of my
own little troop lie cold and stark beneath
the moonlight"
"And you have left your comrade to
perish by tho foul tortures Of his enemies, {"
said Emily, her tone Of cntreaty changing
to that Of indignation :" to die at the stake
without blow for his rescue. Would to
Heaven that the powers Of man were
mine"
She trembled in every limb and her tears
fell fast. A dark frown gathered on the
brow Of Harmon; but suppressing the
emotion, be turned to his companions, ind
declared his intention 10 pursue the retreat
ing foe and rescue Harding or die in the
attempt.
Who goes with me, 4"
"All," shouted the rangers. New re-.
cruits filled the saddles vacated in the pro.
ceding skirmish, and soon tho band wero
gathering down the road to the forest.
I will not relate the particulars Of the
daring attempt; suffice it to say, the foo
were ovcrtakcn, q fierce fight ensued, and
the prisoners were liberated. The party
returned in triumph TO the house Of the
veteran Hanville. His daughter met them
at the door and aiter one long embrace Of
her husband. she clasped the rough hand Of
Harmon, and vet It with tears of heartfelt
gratitude and joy; and from that moment
he was to Charles and hi, bride moro than