"Eben was foremost in the
bloody affair among the people of the Plantations, where his manhood was
of good example to all in company. Should he continue as faithful and as
valiant, thou mayest yet live to see thyself the consort of a Captain!"
"Not for glory gained in this night's marching, for yonder cometh the man
with a sound body, and seemingly with the stomach of a Caesar--ay, and
I'll answer for it, of a regiment too! It is no trifle that will satisfy
his appetite, after one of these--ha! pray Heaven the fellow be not
harmed--truly, he hath our neighbor Ergot in attendance."
"There is other than he too, for one cometh in the rear whose gait and air
are unknown to me--the trail hath been struck, and Dudley leadeth a
captive! A savage, in his paint and cloak of skin, is taken."
This assertion caused all to rise, for the excitement of an apprehended
inroad was still strong in the minds of those secluded people. Not a
syllable more was uttered, until the scout and his companion were
before them.
The quick glance of Faith had scanned the person of her husband, and,
resuming her spirits with the certainty that he was unharmed, she was the
first to greet him with words:
"How now, Ensign Dudley," said the woman, quite possibly vexed that she
had unguardedly betrayed a greater interest in his welfare than she might
always deem prudent.
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