Choice Readings for the Home Circle by Anonymous
page 12 of 416 (02%)
page 12 of 416 (02%)
|
hay season. He was a good-looking young fellow, with a sunburnt, open
countenance; but though kind-hearted in the main, he was filled with prejudices, acquired when in England, against Americans in general, and the North American Indians in particular. As a boy he had been carefully instructed by his mother, and had received more education than was common in those days; but of the sweet precepts of the gospel he was as practically ignorant as if he had never heard them, and in all respects was so thoroughly an Englishman, that he looked with contempt on all who could not boast of belonging to his own favored country. The Indians he especially despised and detested as heathenish creatures, forgetful of the fact that he who has been blessed with opportunities and privileges, and yet has abused them, is in as bad a case, and more guilty in the sight of God, than these ignorant children of the wilds. So intent was he upon his work, that he heeded not the approach of a tall Indian, accoutred for a hunting excursion, until the words:-- "Will you give an unfortunate hunter some supper, and a lodging for the night?" in a tone of supplication, met his ear. The young farmer raised his head; a look of contempt curling the corners of his mouth, and an angry gleam darting from his eyes, as he replied in a tone as uncourteous as his words:-- "Heathen Indian dog, you shall have nothing here; begone!" The Indian turned away; then again facing young Sullivan, he said in a pleading voice:-- |
|