Latest / Adventure Books Library / 17 - The Last Of The Mohicans - James Cooper

Transcript

17 - The Last Of The Mohicans - James Cooper · Adventure Books Library

0:00
Chapter seventeen. Quote weave the woof the thread is spun, the web is
0:07
wove, the work is done unquote by Gray. The hostile armies which lay
0:14
in the wilds of the Horican passed the night of the ninth of August seventeen
0:19
fifty seven much in the manner they would had they encountered on the fairest field
0:25
of Europe, while the conquered were still sullen and dejected. The victor's triumphed.
0:34
But there are limits alike to grief and joy, And long before the
0:38
watches of the morning came, the stillness of those boundless woods was only broken
0:44
by a gay call from some exalting young Frenchmen of the advanced pickets, or
0:49
a menacing challenge from the fort, which sternly forbade the approach of any hostile
0:54
footsteps. Before the stipulated moment, even these a came, visional threatening sounds
1:00
ceased to be heard in that dull hour which precedes the day, at which
1:07
period a listener might have sought in vain any evidence of the presence of those
1:11
armed powers that then slumbered on the shores of the Holy Lake. It was
1:17
during these moments of deep silence, that the canvas which concealed the entrance to
1:22
a spacious marquis in the French encampment, was shoved the side, and a
1:26
man issued from beneath a drapery into the open air. He was enveloped in
1:33
a cloak which might have been intended as a protection from the chilling damps of
1:37
the woods, but which served equally well as a mantle to conceal his person.
1:44
He was permitted to pass the grenadier who watched over the slumbers of the
1:49
French commander without interruption, the man making the usual salute which betokens military difference,
1:57
as the other passed swiftly through the little city of tents in the direction
2:00
of William Henry. Whenever this unknown individual encountered one of the numberless sentinels who
2:07
crossed his path, his answer was prompt and as it appeared satisfactory, for
2:15
he was uniformly allowed to proceed without further interrogation, with the exception of such
2:21
repeated but brief interruptions. He had moved silently from the center of the camp
2:25
to its most advanced outpost. When he drew nigh the soldier who held his
2:30
watch nearest to the works of the enemy. As he approached, he was
2:35
received with the usual challenge. Che vivet frasei was the reply, Le motte
2:43
d'oudrey le victory, said the other, drawing so nigh as to be heard
2:50
in a loud whisper cespiin returned the sentinel, throwing his musket from the charge
2:54
to his shoulder for promenaise bi montite sour i is necess de te vigilant monenfante.
3:06
The other observed, dropping a fold of his cloak and looking the soldier
3:09
close in the face as he passed him, Still continuing his way toward the
3:14
British fortification, the man started his arms rattled heavily as he threw them forward
3:21
in the lowest and most respectful salute, and when he had again recovered his
3:24
peace, he turned to walk his post, muttering between his teeth. Font
3:30
de trevigilant in verite gecroix quevnova vans la on carpolal kyni do jaimais. The
3:43
officer proceeded without effecting to hear the words which escaped the sentinel in his surprise,
3:49
nor did he again pause until he had reached the low strand, and
3:53
in a somewhat dangerous vicinity to the western water bastion of the fort. The
3:59
light of an obscure moon was just sufficient to render objects, though dim,
4:04
perceptible in their outlines. He therefore took the precaution to place himself against the
4:12
trunk of a tree, where he leaned for many minutes and seemed to contemplate
4:16
the dark and silent mounds of the English works in profound attention. His gaze
4:24
at the ramparts was not that of a curious or idle spectator, but his
4:29
looks wandered from point to point, denoting his knowledge of military usages and betraying
4:35
that his search was not unaccompanied by distrusts. At length, he appeared satisfied,
4:43
and, having cast his eyes impatiently upward towards the summit of the eastern
4:46
mountain, as if anticipating the approach of the morning, he was in the
4:51
act of turning on his footsteps when a light sound on the nearest angle of
4:57
the bastion caught his ear and induced him to re Just then, a figure
5:02
was seen to approach the edge of the rampart, where it stood, apparently
5:06
contemplating in its turn, the distant tents of the French encampment. Its head
5:13
was then turned toward the east, as though equally anxious for the appearance of
5:16
light. When the form leaned against the mound and seemed to gaze upon the
5:21
glassy expanse of the waters, which, like a submarine firmament, glittered with
5:27
its thousand mimic stars. The melancholy air the hour, together with the vast
5:33
frame of the man who thus leaned musing against the English ramparts, left no
5:40
doubt as to his person in the mind of the observant spectator. Delicacy no
5:46
less than prudence now urged him to retire, and he had moved cautiously round
5:50
the body of the tree for that purpose, when another sound drew his attention
5:56
and once more arrested his footsteps. It was a love and almost inaudible movement
6:01
of the water, and was succeeded by a grating of pebbles, one against
6:08
the other. In a moment, he saw a dark form rise, as
6:12
it were, out of the lake, and still without further noise, to
6:15
the land, within a few feet of the place where he himself stood.
6:20
A rifle neck slowly rose between his eyes and the watery mirror, But before
6:26
it could be discharged. His own hand was on the lock who exclaimed the
6:31
savage whose treacherous aim was so singularly and unexpectedly interrupted. Without making any reply,
6:40
the French officer laid his hand on the shoulder of the Indian and led
6:44
him, in profound silence, to a distance from the spot where their subsequent
6:48
dialog might have proved dangerous, and where it seemed that one of them at
6:53
least sought a victim. Then, throwing open his cloak so as to expose
6:58
his uniform and the cross of Saint Louis, which was suspended at his breast,
7:02
Montcalm sternly demanded, what means this? Does my son not know that
7:09
the hatchet is buried between the English and his Canadian father? What can the
7:14
Hurons do? Returned the savage, speaking also, though imperfectly in the French
7:19
language. Not a warrior has a scalp and the pale faces make friends?
7:27
Huh? The Renaud subtill methinks this is an excessive zeal for a friend who
7:33
is so late an enemy. How many sons have set since le Renard struck
7:40
the word post of the English? Where is that sun? Demanded the sullen
7:45
savage behind the hill, and it is dark and cold, But when he
7:51
comes again, it will be bright and warm. Le Subtille is the sun
7:57
of his tribe. There have been clouds and many mountains between him and his
8:01
nation, but now he shines, and it is a clear sky. The
8:07
Renard has power with his people, I well know, said Montcalm. For
8:13
yesterday he hunted for their scalps, and to day they hear him at the
8:18
council. Far. Marquay is our great chief. Let him prove it by
8:24
teaching his nation how to conduct themselves toward our new friends. Why did the
8:30
chief of the Canadas bring these young men into the woods and fire his cannonet
8:35
there at the house, demanded the subtle Indian to subdue it. My master
8:41
owns the land, and your father was ordered to drive off these English squatters.
8:48
They have consented to go, and now he calls them enemies. No
8:52
longer tis well. Marka took the hatchet to color it with blood. It
8:56
is now bright. When it is red, it shall be buried. But
9:03
Marquay is pledged not to sully the lilies of France, the enemies of the
9:07
great King across the Salt Lake, or his enemies his friends, the friends
9:13
of the Huron's friends, repeated the Indian, in scorn, let his father
9:18
give Maquai hand Montcalm, who felt that his influence over the warlike tribes he
9:26
had gathered was to be maintained by concession rather than by power, complied reluctantly
9:31
with the other's request. The Savage placed the fingers of the French commander on
9:37
a deep scar in his bosom, and then exultingly demanded, does my father
9:41
know that what warrior does not? This were leaden bullet has cut? And
9:50
this continued the Indian, who had turned his naked back to the other,
9:56
his body being without its usual calico mantle. This, my son has been
10:01
sadly injured. Here who has done this? Magua slept hard in the English
10:07
wigwams, and the sticks have left their mark, returned the Savage with a
10:11
hollow laugh, which did not conceal the fierce temper which nearly choked him.
10:18
Then, recollecting himself with a sullen and native dignity, he added, go
10:22
teach your young men at his peace. Lerenard Septil knows how to speak to
10:28
a Huron warrior without deigning to bestow further words or to wait for any answer.
10:35
The savage cast his rifle into the hollow of his arm and moved silently
10:41
through the encampment toward the woods, where his own tribe was known to lie.
10:46
Every few yards. As he proceeded, he was challenged by the sentinels,
10:50
but he stalked suddenly onward, utterly disregarding the summons of the soldiers,
10:56
who only spared his life because they knew the air, and tread no less
11:01
than the obstinate daring of an Indian. Montcalm lingered long and melancholy on the
11:07
stand where he had been left by his companion, brooding deeply on the temper
11:11
which his ungovernable ally had just discovered. Already had his fair fame been tarnished
11:18
by one horrid scene, and in circumstances fearfully resembling those under which he now
11:24
found himself. As he mused, he became keenly sensible the deep responsibility they
11:31
assume who disregard the means to attain an end, And of all the danger
11:35
of setting in motion an engine which exceeds human power to control, then shaking
11:41
off a train of reflection, which he accounted a weakness in such a moment
11:45
of triumph, he retraced his steps toward his tent, giving the order as
11:50
he passed to make the signal that should arouse the army from its slumbers.
11:56
The first tap of the French drums was echoed from the bosom of the fort,
12:01
and presently the valley was filled with the strains of martial music, rising
12:05
long, thrilling and lively above the rattling accompaniment. The horns of the victors
12:13
sounded merry and cheerful flourishes until the last laggard of the camp was at his
12:18
post. But the instant the British fifes had blown their shrill signal, they
12:24
became mute. In the meantime, the day had dawned, and when the
12:28
line of the French army was ready to receive its general, the rays of
12:33
a brilliant sun were glancing along the glittering array. Then that success, which
12:39
was already so well known, was officially announced. The favored band, who
12:43
were selected to guard the gates of the fort, were detailed and defiled before
12:48
their chief. The signal of their approach was given, and all the usual
12:54
preparations for a change of masters were ordered and executed directly under the gun of
13:00
the contested works. A very different scene presented itself within the lines of the
13:05
Anglo American Army. As soon as the warning signal was given, it exhibited
13:11
all the signs of a hurried and force departure. The solemn soldiers shouldered their
13:16
empty tubes and fell into their places, like men whose blood had been heated
13:22
by the past contest, and who only desired the opportunity to revenge an indignity
13:28
which was still wounding to their pride. Concealed as it was under the observances
13:35
of military etiquette, women and children ran from place to place, some bearing
13:41
the scanty remnants of their baggage, and others searching in the ranks for those
13:46
countenances they looked up to for protection. Monroe appeared among his silent troops,
13:52
firm but dejected. It was evident that the unexpected blow had struck deep into
13:58
his heart, though he struggled to sustain his misfortune with the port of a
14:03
man. Duncan was touched at the quiet and impressive exhibition of his grief.
14:09
He had discharged his own duty, and he now pressed to the sight of
14:13
the old man to know in what particular he might serve him my daughters,
14:20
was the brief but expressive reply. Good, heavens, are not arrangements already
14:24
made for their convenience to day. I am only a soldier, Major Heyward,
14:31
said the veteran. All that you see here plain I like to be
14:35
my children. Duncan had heard enough without losing one of those moments which had
14:41
now become so precious. He flew toward the quarters of Monroe in quest of
14:46
the sisters. He found them on the threshold of the low edifice, already
14:52
prepared to depart, and surrounded by a clamorous and weeping assemblage of their own
14:56
sex, who had gathered about the place with a sort of instinctive consciousness that
15:03
it was the point most likely to be protected. Though the cheeks of Coral
15:07
were pale and her countenance anxious, she had lost none of her firmness,
15:13
but the eyes of Alice were inflamed and betrayed how long and bitterly she had
15:18
wept. They both, however, received the young man with undisguised pleasure,
15:24
the former for a novelty, being the first to speak. The fort is
15:30
lost, she said, with a melancholy smile. Though are good name,
15:35
I trust remains. It is brighter than ever. But dearest Miss Monroe,
15:41
it is time to think less of others and to make some provision for yourself
15:48
military usage. Pride, That pride on which you so much value yourself,
15:54
demands that your father and I should, for a little while continue with the
15:58
troops. Then where to seek a proper protector for you against the confusion and
16:06
chances of such a scene? None is necessary, returned Cora. Who would
16:11
dare to injure or insult the daughter of such a father at a time like
16:17
this? I would not leave you alone, continued the youth, looking about
16:22
him in a hurried manner, for the command of the best regiment in the
16:27
pay of the king. Remember, our alice is not gifted with all your
16:33
firmness, and God only knows the terrors she might endure. You may be
16:40
right, Cora replied, smiling again, but far more sadly than before.
16:45
Listen, Chance has already sent us a friend when he is most needed.
16:52
Duncan did listen, and on the instant comprehended her meaning. The low and
16:57
serious sounds of the sacred music so well known to the Eastern provinces caught his
17:03
ear and instantly drew him to an apartment in an adjacent building which had already
17:08
been deserted by its customary tenants. There he found David pouring out his pious
17:15
feelings through the only medium in which he ever indulged. Duncan waited until,
17:21
by the cessation of the movement of the hand, he believed the strain was
17:25
ended. When by touching his shoulder he drew the attention of the other to
17:29
himself, and in a few words explained his wishes. Even SOO replied the
17:37
single minded disciple of the King of Israel, when the young man had ended.
17:41
I have found much that is comely and melodious in the maidens, and
17:45
it is fitting that we who have consorted in so much peril should abide together
17:52
in peace. I will attend them when I have completed my morning praise,
17:56
to which nothing is now wanting but the doxology. Wilt thou bear a part
18:03
friend. The meter is common, and the tune southwell, then extending the
18:11
little volume and giving the pitch of the air anew with considerate attention, David,
18:17
then extending the little volume and giving the pitch of the air anew with
18:22
considerate attention, David recommenced and finished his strains with a fixedness of manner that
18:27
is not easy to interrupt. Heyward was fain to wait until the verse was
18:33
ended. When seeing David relieving himself from the spectacles and replacing the book,
18:38
he continued, it will be your duty to see that none dare approach the
18:44
ladies with any rude intention, or to offer insult or to taunt at the
18:49
misfortune of their brave father. In this task you will be seconded by the
18:53
domestics of their household. Even so, it is possible that the Indians and
19:00
stragglers of the enemy may intrude, in which case you will remind them of
19:06
the terms of the capitulation and threaten to report their conduct to Montcalm. A
19:11
word will suffice if not I have that here which shall returned David, exhibiting
19:19
his book with an air in which meekness and confidence were singularly blended. Here
19:26
are words which uttered, or rather thundered, with proper emphasis, and in
19:30
measured time, shall quiet the most unruly temper? Why rage the heathen?
19:37
Furiously enough, said Heyward, interrupting the burst of his musical invocation. We
19:45
understand each other. It is time that we should now assume our respective duties.
19:52
Gamut cheerfully ascended, and together they sought the females. Cora received her
19:57
new and somewhat extraordinary protector courteously at least, and even the pallid features of
20:03
Alice lighted again with some of their native archness as she thanked Heyward for his
20:10
care. Duncan took occasion to assure them he had done the best that circumstances
20:15
permitted, and as he believed quite enough for the security of their feelings of
20:22
danger, there was none. He then spoke gladly of his intention to rejoin
20:26
them the moment. He had led the advance a few miles toward the Hudson
20:30
and immediately took his leave. By this time, the signal for departure had
20:36
been given and the head of the English column was in motion. The sisters
20:41
started at the sound, and glancing their eyes around, they saw the white
20:45
uniforms of the French grenadiers, who had already taken possession of the gates of
20:49
the fort. At that moment, an enormous cloud seemed to pass suddenly above
20:55
their heads, and looking upward, they discovered they stood beneath the wide of
21:00
the standard of France. Let us go, said Cora. This is no
21:06
longer a fit place for the children of an English officer. Alice clung to
21:11
the arm of her sister, and together they left the parade, accompanied by
21:18
the moving throng that surrounded them. As they passed the gates. The French
21:23
officers, who had learned their rank, bowed often and low forbearing. However,
21:30
to intrude those attentions which they saw with peculiar tact might not be agreeable.
21:37
As every vehicle and each beast of burden was occupied by the sick and
21:41
wounded, Cora had decided to endure the fatigues of a foot march rather than
21:48
interfere with their comforts. Indeed, many a maimed and feeble soldier was compelled
21:53
to drag his exhausted limbs in the rear of the columns for the want of
21:57
the necessary means of con in that wilderness. The whole, however, it
22:03
was in motion, the weak and wounded, groaning and in suffering, their
22:07
comrades silent and sullen, and the woman and children in terror. They knew
22:15
not of what. As the confused and timid throng left the protecting mounds of
22:19
the fort, and issued on the open plain. The whole scene was at
22:25
once presented to their eyes. At a little distance on the right and somewhat
22:30
in the rear, the French army stood to their arms. Montcalm, having
22:36
collected his party so soon as his guard had possession of the works. They
22:40
were attentive but silent observers of the proceedings of the vanquished, failing in none
22:45
of the stipulated military honors, and offering no taunt or insult in their success
22:51
to the less fortunate foes. Living masses of the English, to the amount
22:56
in the whole of near three thousand, were moving slowly across the plain toward
23:02
the common center, and gradually approached each other. As they converged to the
23:07
point of their march, a vista cut through the lofty trees, where the
23:11
road to the Hudson entered the forest. Along the sweeping borders of the woods
23:18
hung a dark cloud of savages, eyeing the passage of their enemies, and
23:22
hovering at a distance like vultures who were only kept from swooping on their prey
23:27
by the presence and restraint of a superior army. A few had straggled among
23:33
the conquered columns, where they stalked in sullen discontent, at tent of though
23:40
as yet passive observers of the moving multitude, The advance, with Hayward at
23:45
its head, had already reached the defile and was slowly disappearing. When the
23:51
attention of Cora was drawn to a collection of stragglers by the sounds of contention.
23:56
A truant provincial was paying the orphit of his disobedience by being plundered of
24:03
those very effects which had caused him to desert his place in the ranks.
24:07
The man was of powerful frame and too avaricious to part with his goods without
24:12
a struggle. Individuals from either party interfered, the one side to prevent and
24:19
the other to aid in the robbery. Voices grew loud and angry, and
24:23
a hundred savages appeared, as it were by magic, where a dozen only
24:29
had been seen a minute before. It was then that Chorus saw the form
24:33
of Magua blighting among his countrymen, and speaking with his fatal and artful eloquence.
24:41
The mass of women and children stopped and hovered together like alarmed and fluttering
24:47
birds. But the cupidity of the Indian was soon gratified, and the different
24:52
bodies again moved slowly onward. The savages now fell back and seemed content to
24:57
let their enemies advance without further molestation. But as the female crowd approached them,
25:06
the gaudy colors of a shawl attracted the eyes of a wild and untutored
25:11
huron. He advanced to seize it without the least hesitation. The woman,
25:18
more in terror than through love of the ornament, wrapped her child in the
25:21
coveted article and folded both more closely to her bosom. Cora was in the
25:27
act of speaking with an intent to advise the woman to abandon the trifle,
25:33
when the savage relinquished his hold on the shawl and tore the screaming infant from
25:38
her arms, abandoning everything to the greedy grasp of those around her. The
25:44
mother darted, with distraction of her mind to reclaim her child. The Indian
25:48
smiled grimly and extended one hand in sign of a willingness to exchange, while
25:53
with the other he flourished the babe over his head, holding it by the
25:57
feet, as if to enhance the value of the ransom. Here here there,
26:03
oh, any everything, exclaimed the breathless woman, tearing the lighter articles
26:10
of dress from her person with ill directed and trembling fingers. Take all,
26:14
but give me my babe. The savage spurned the worthless rags, and,
26:19
perceiving that the shawl had already become apprized to another, his bantering but sullen
26:25
smile changing to a gleam of ferocity, he dashed the head of the infant
26:30
against a rock and cast its quivering remains to her very feet. For an
26:34
instant, the mother stood like a statue of despair, looking wildly down at
26:41
the unseemly object which had so lately nestled in her bosom, and smiled in
26:47
her face. And then she raised her eyes and countenance toward Heaven, as
26:52
if calling on God to curse the perpetrator of the foul deed. She was
26:57
spared the sin of such a pre for maddened at his disappointment and excited at
27:03
the sight of blood, the huron mercifully drove his tomahawk into her own brain.
27:11
The mother sank under the blow and fell grasping had her child in death
27:15
with the same engrossing love that had caused her to cherish it when living.
27:21
At that dangerous moment, Maukua placed his hands to his mouth and raised the
27:25
fatal and appalling hoop. The scattered Indians started at the well known cry as
27:30
coursers bound at the signal to quit the goal, and directly there arose such
27:34
a yell along the plain and through the arches of the wood, as seldom
27:38
burst from human lips. Before they who heard it listened with a curdling horror
27:44
at the heart, little inferior to that dread which may be expected to attend
27:48
the blast of the final summons. More than two thousand raving savages broke from
27:53
the forest at the signal and threw themselves across the fatal plain with instinctive alacrity.
28:00
We shall not dwell on the revolting horrors that succeeded. Death was everywhere,
28:04
and in his most terrific and disgusting aspects. Resistance only seemed to inflame
28:11
the murderers who inflicted their furious blows long after their victims were beyond the power
28:17
of their resentment. The flow of blood might be likened to the outbreaking of
28:22
a torrent, and as the natives became heated and Maddened by the sight,
28:26
many among them even kneeled to the earth and drank freely, exultingly, hellishly
28:33
of the crimson tide. The trained bodies of the troops threw themselves quickly into
28:38
solid masses, endeavering to all their assailants by the imposing appearance of a military
28:44
front. The experiment, in some measure succeeded, though far too many suffered
28:48
their unloaded muskets to be torn from their hands in the vain hope of appeasing
28:53
the savages. In such a scene, none had leisure to note the fleeting
28:59
moments. It might have been ten minutes. It seemed an age that the
29:03
sisters had stood riveted to one spot, horror stricken, and nearly hopeless,
29:11
when the first blow was struck. Their screaming companions had pressed upon them in
29:15
a body rendering flight impossible. And now that fear of death had scattered most,
29:22
if not all, from around them, they saw no avenue open,
29:26
but such as conducted to the tomahawks of their foes. On every side arose
29:32
shrieks, groans, exhortations, and curses. At this moment, Alice caught
29:37
a glimpse on the vast form of her father, moving rapidly across the plain
29:41
in the direction of the French army. He was, in truth proceeding to
29:47
montcalmb fearless of any danger to claim the tardy escort for which he had before
29:52
conditioned. Fifty glittering axes and barbed spears were offered unheeded at his life,
30:00
but the savages respected his rank and calmness even in their fury. The dangerous
30:06
weapons were brushed aside by the still nervous arm of the veteran, or fell
30:10
of themselves after menacing an act that would seem no one had courage to perform.
30:15
Fortunately, the vindictive Mockel was searching for his victim in the very band
30:19
the veteran had just quitted. Father, Father, we are here, shrieked
30:26
Alice as he passed at no great distance, without appearing to heed them.
30:30
Come to us, father, will we die? The cry was repeated,
30:34
and in terms and tones that might have melted a hardest stone, but it
30:38
was unanswered once. Indeed, the old man appeared to catch the sound,
30:44
for he paused and listened, But Alice had dropped senseless on the earth,
30:48
and cor had sunk at her side, hovering in untiring tenderness over her lifeless
30:56
form. Monroe shook his head and disappointment, and proceeded, bent on the
31:03
high duty of his station. Lady, said Gamut, who helpless and useless
31:07
as he was, had not yet dreamed of deserting his trusts. It is
31:12
the jubilee of the devils, and this is not a mean place for Christians
31:17
to tarry in. Let us up and fly go, said Coras, still
31:22
gazing at her unconscious sister. Save thyself to me, thou canst not be
31:29
of further use. David comprehended the unyielding character of her resolution by the single
31:34
but expressive gesture that accompanied her words. He gazed for a moment at the
31:38
dusky forms that were acting their hellish rites on every side of him, and
31:42
his tall person grew more erect, while his chest heaved and every feature swelled
31:48
and seemed to speak with the power of the feelings by which he was governed.
31:52
If the Jewish boy might tame the spirit of soul by the sound of
31:56
his harp and the words of sacred song, they may not be amiss.
32:00
He said, to try the potency of music here. Then, raising his
32:05
voice to its highest tone, he poured out a strain so powerful as to
32:09
be heard even amid the din of that bloody field. More than one savage
32:15
rushed toward them, thinking to rifle the unprotected sisters of their attire and bear
32:21
away their scalps. But when they found this strange and unmoved figure riveted to
32:27
his post, they paused to listen. Astonishment soon changed to admiration, and
32:32
they passed on to other and less courageous victims, openly expressing their satisfaction at
32:39
the firmace with which the white warrior sang his death song. Encouraged and deluded
32:45
by his success, David exerted all his power to extend what he believed so
32:51
holy an influence. The unwonted sounds caught the ears of a distant savage who
32:57
flew raging from group to group, like one who scorning to touch the vulgar
33:01
herd, hunted for some victim more worthy of his renown. It was Maqua
33:07
who uttered a yell of pleasure when he beheld his ancient prisoners again. At
33:13
his mercy come, he said, laying his sword hands on the dress of
33:19
Cora. The wigwam of the Yuron is still open. Is it not better
33:23
than this place. Away, cried Cora, veiling her eyes from his revolting
33:30
aspect. The Indian laughed tauntingly as he held up his reeking hand and answered,
33:37
it is red, but it comes from white veins. Monster. There
33:43
is blood, oceans of blood upon thy soul. Thy spirit has moved this
33:47
scene. Makwa is a great chief, returned the exalting savage. Will they
33:54
hair go to his tribe? Never right? If thou wilt and complete thy
34:01
revenge. He hesitated a moment, and then, catching the light and senseless
34:06
form of alice in his arms, the subtle Indian moved swiftly across the plain
34:10
toward the woods. Old shrieked Cora, following wildly on his footsteps. Release
34:16
the child, wretch, what is it you do? But Makua was deaf
34:22
to her voice, or rather he knew his power and was determined to maintain
34:27
it. Stay, ladies, stay, called gamut f after the unconscious Cora.
34:32
The holy charm is beginning to be felt, and soon shalt thou see
34:37
this horrid tumult stilled, perceiving that in his turn he was unheeded. The
34:44
faithful David followed the distracted sister, raising his voice again in sacred song,
34:49
and sweeping the air to measure with his long arm in diligent accompaniment. In
34:53
this manner they traversed the plane through the flying and wounded of the dead.
35:00
The fierce Churon was at any time sufficient for himself and the victim that he
35:04
bore. Though Cora would have fallen more than once under the blows of her
35:07
savage enemies, but for the extraordinary being who stalked in her rear, and
35:13
who now peered to the astonished natives. Gifted with the protected spirit of madness,
35:20
Maqua, who knew how to avoid the more pressing dangers and also to
35:23
elude pursuit, entered the woods through a low ravine, where he quickly found
35:29
the narragansetts, which the travelers had abandoned so shortly before, awaiting his appearance
35:35
in custody of a savage as fierce and malign in expression as himself. Laying
35:40
alice on one of the horses, he made a sign to Kra to mount
35:45
the other. Notwithstanding the horror excited by the presence of her captor, there
35:51
was a present relief of escaping from the bloody scene. Enacting on the plain,
35:54
to which Cora could not be altogether insensible. She took her seat and
36:00
held forth her arms for her sister, with an air of entreaty and love
36:04
that even the huron could not deny. Placing Alice then on the same animal
36:09
with Cora, he seized the bridle and commenced his route by plunging deeper into
36:14
the forest. David, perceiving that he was left alone utterly disregarded as a
36:21
subject too worthless even to destroy, threw his long limb across the saddle of
36:25
the beasts they had deserted, and made such progress in the pursuit as the
36:30
difficulty of the path permitted. They soon began to ascend, But as the
36:35
motion had a tendency to revive the dormant faculties of her sister, the attention
36:39
of Cora was too much divided between the tenderest solicitude in her behalf, and
36:45
in listening to the cries which were still too audible on the plain to note
36:49
the direction which they journeyed. When, however, they gained the flattened surface
36:53
of the mountain top and approached the eastern precipice, she recognized the spot to
36:59
which had once before been led under the more friendly auspices of the scout.
37:04
Here Maku suffered them to dismount, and, notwithstanding their own captivity, the
37:09
curiosity, which seems inseparable from horror, induced them to gaze at the sickening
37:15
sight below. The cruel work was still unchecked. On every side. The
37:20
captured were flying before the relentless persecutors, while the armed columns of the Christian
37:25
king stood a fast and an apathy which has never been explained, and which
37:30
has left an immovable blot on the otherwise fair excutcheon of their leader. Nor
37:37
was the sword of death stayed until cupidity got the mastery of revenge. Then.
37:42
Indeed, the shrieks of the wounded and the yells of their murderers grew
37:45
less frequent, until finally the cries of horror were lost to their ear,
37:52
or were drowned in the loud, long and piercing hoops of the triumphant savages.
38:00
End of Chapter seventeen