In place of the fierce effort to carry the place
by surprise, the savages had now resorted to means that were more
methodical, and which, though not so appalling in appearance, were perhaps
quite as certain of final success. Ruth profited by a momentary cessation
in the flight of the missiles, to seek those in whose welfare she had
placed her chief concern.
"Has other, than brave Dudley, suffered by this assault?" demanded the
anxious wife, as she passed swiftly among a group of dusky figures that
were collected in consultation, on the brow of the declivity; "has any
need of such care as a woman's hand may bestow? Heathcote, thy person is
unharmed!"
"Truly, one of great mercy hath watched over it, for little opportunity
hath been given to look to our own safety. I fear that some of our young
men have not regarded the covers with the attention that prudence
requires."
"The thoughtless Mark hath not forgotten my admonitions! Boy, thou hast
never lost sight of duty so far as to precede thy father?"
"One sees or thinks but little of the red-skins, when the whoop is ringing
among the timbers of the palisadoes, mother," returned the boy, dashing
his hand across his brow, in order that the drops of blood which were
trickling from a furrow left by the passage of an arrow, might not be
seen.
Pages:
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290