The Pilgrims of New England - A Tale of the Early American Settlers by Mrs. J. B. Webb
page 62 of 390 (15%)
page 62 of 390 (15%)
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that already the life of Henrich had probably been sacrificed in
expiation of his father's having slain the son of the Nausett Chief. Still he led his warriors on, and neither paused nor spoke until the party emerged from the thick wood, upon a little opening that was lighted up brilliantly by the moon-beams. Here, where it was evident a small temporary encampment had existed, and had only been very recently and hastily removed, he stopped, and looked earnestly around. The poles still stood erect which lied supported the tents of the Nausetts; the fires were still burning; and many articles of domestic use lay scattered about, which the hasty departure of the inhabitants had probably prevented their removing. Rudolph hurried through the camp in search of some sign of his son; and his eager eye fell on the well-known tunic that Henrich was accustomed to wear. He snatched it up hastily; and then, with a deep groan, let it fall again upon the ground. The breast of the tunic was pierced through in several places, and the whole dress was stained with blood--blood that was newly shed. Maitland pointed to this evidence of his son's death! and when the Sachem had examined it, he set his teeth together, and drew in his breath with an oppressed, hissing sound, as of severe pain. 'It is over, my friend,' he said, in a low deep voice to Rodolph--'it is over; and we are too late. Naught now remains but to take revenge-- full, ample revenge. Let us follow the miscreants.' Rudolph turned, and looked at him. He fixed on him such a searching gaze--a gaze so full of gentle reproof and of deep settled grief-that the warm-hearted Chief stood silent, and almost abashed before his |
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