Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1884-03-29
CHAPTER XVI.
Bot. Let me play the lion too.

Bot. Let me play the lion too.
--iAidsummer Nights Dream
Notwithstanding the high resolution
Of Hawk-eye, he fully comprehended
all the difficulties and dangers he was
about to incur.
Ashe approached the buildings, his
steps became more deliberate, and his
vigilant eye suffered no sign, whether
friendly or hostile, to escape him. A
neglected hut was little in advance
of the others.
Throwing himself into suitable
posture for the beast he represented,
Hawk-eye crawled to q little opening,
where he might command view of
the interior. 1t proved to be the
abiding place of David Gamut.
However implicit the faith of David
was in the performance of ancient
miracles, he eschewed the belief of
any direct supernatural agency in the
management of modern morality.
The ingenious Hawk-eye ventured
through the open door, into the very
presence of Gamut. The position of
the latter brought the fire between
them and when Hawk-eye had seated
himself on end, near a minute elapsed.
during which the two remained re-
garding each other without speaking.
The suddenness and the nature of the
surprise had nearly proved too much
for resolution of David. He fumbled
for his pitch-pipe, and arose with a
confused intention of attempting a
musical exorcism.
Dark and mysterious monster" he
exclaimed; 81 know not your nature
nor intents; but if aught yon mediate
against the person and rights Of one of
the humblest servants of the temple.
listen to the inspired language of the
youth of Israel, and repent"
The bear shook his shaggy sides and
then a well-known voice replied
"Put up the footing we'pon, and
teach your throat modesty. Five
words Of plain and comprehen lib'e
English are worth, just now, an hour
of sqalling."
"What art thou y demanded David.
"a man like yourself; and one
whose blood is as little tainted by the
cross of bear or an Indian as your
own. Have you SO soon forgotten
from whom you received that foolish
instrument you hold in your hand 7"
"Can these things be-" returned
David. II have found many marvels
during my sojourn with the heather,
but surely nothing to excel this"
| Come, Gomez returned Hawk-eye
"you may see Il skin, which, if it be
not as white as one of the gentle ones, has
Il tinge Of red to it that the winds of
heaven and the sun have not bestowed.
Now. let us to business
First tell me of the maiden, and of
the youth who so bravely sought her."
interrupted David.
SAY, they are happily freed from the
tomahawks of these varlets. But can
you put me on the scent of Uncas?"
THE young man is in bondage, and
much / fear his death is decreed. |
greatly mourn that one so well-dis-
posed should die in his ignorance, and
have sought a goodly hymn"
"Can you lead me to him 7"
"The task will not be difficult" re-
turned David, hesitating; Though
greatly fear your presence would
rather increase than mitigate his I'M
happy fortunes"
"No more words, but lead on" re-
turned Hawk-eye.
AS they proceeded, the scout ascer-
tanned that his companion found access
to Uncas under privilege of his mag
mary infrmity.
The lodge in which Uncas was con-
fined was in the very centre of the vii
lage, and in a situation, perhaps, more
difficult than any other to approach,
or leave, without observation. But it
was not the policy of Hawk-eye to affect
the least concealment. The hour,
however, afforded him some little pro-
lection which he appeared so much to
despise.
| At the sight of Gamut, accompanied
by one in the we'll known masquerade
of their most distinguished conjurer,
they readily made way for them both.
Still they betrayed no intention to de-
part.
From the total inability of the scout
| to address the Hurons in their own lam