The
captive was now fed, and old Mark was on the point of making a proper
beginning in the task he had so gladly assumed, by an up-offering of
thanks, when Whittal Ring broke rudely into the room, and disturbed the
solemnity of his preparations, by a sudden and boisterous outcry.
"Away with scythe and sickle," shouted the witling; "it's many a day since
the fields of Wish-Ton-Wish have been trodden down by horsemen in buff
jerkins, or ambushed by creeping Wampanoags."
"There is danger at hand!" exclaimed the sensitive Ruth. "Husband, the
warning was timely."
"Here are truly some riding from the forest, and drawing nigh to the
dwelling; but as they are seemingly men of our kind and faith, we have
need rather of rejoicing than terror. They bear the air of messengers from
the River."
Mark Heathcote listened with surprise, and perhaps with a momentary
uneasiness; but all emotion passed away on the instant, for one so
disciplined in mind rarely permitted any outward exposure of his secret
thoughts. The Puritan calmly issued an order to replace the prisoner in
the block-house, assigning the upper of the two principal floors for his
keeping; and then he prepared himself to receive guests were little wont
to disturb the quiet of his secluded valley.
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