Graham's Magazine, Vol. XIX, No. 5, November 1841Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XIX, No. 5, November 1841
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
“More profitably employed—fishing; but we will return in a day or two,
and try whether a wigwam can be made of it.” The young Briton had seated
himself on one of the boards, and seemed lost in contemplation, while
Frank quietly withdrew to see the luck of the fishers—who, in the
meantime, had not forgotten the two youths, but, in their simple phrase,
were discussing the point at issue:
“Why, Old Nora could tell him plenty about the Ingens,” said Basil, “for
her grandmother told her, and she saw a power of ’em in her time—but he
only seems to care about one—and I can’t say I ever heard Nora go over
such a strange name as that.”
“They were smart, them chiefs, in their time,” observed Luke, “for they
say our folks learned to make the canoes from ’em, and I’d put ’em
against any boat that swims.”
“But they won’t hold much of a crew, Luke, let alone passengers, and as
there’s four of us, and a heavy load of Massa Egerton’s nelics, as he
calls them; besides, it’s lucky we’ve got something bigger to float home
in.”
Their angling had not been very successful in the short time they had
engaged in it, and at Frank’s request, the boat was again put in
readiness for their departure.
Once more on the water, Frank reminded his friend of the promised
conclusion of his story.
“I thought you had forgotten it,” replied Egerton, smiling, “but I will
with pleasure gratify you. I believe we left my ancestor expecting the
early arrival of his parents at St. Mary’s, and I will now proceed to
give you the other portion of the legend.
“One evening, after his usual visit to the wigwam, James was slowly
returning to his lodgings. Lost in thought, he did not at first perceive
that heavy clouds were gathering in the sky, but the sudden darkness
made him quicken his pace.
“‘You are late this evening, Master James,’ said his tutor, as he met
him at the door, ‘you waste a great deal of time with that wild Indian,
and I am glad your parents are coming to take charge of you.’ ‘I am glad
too,’ thought his pupil, but he did not say so, and soon after retired
to rest.
“The sleep of innocent youth is ever sound, and a severe storm which
arose had been raging some time before it broke his deep slumber.
“He started from his pillow, and his first thoughts were fears for his
parents’ safety. The wind roared fearfully, and the rain beat in
torrents against his chamber window. He looked out on the thick darkness
that obscured every object, and his heart sunk within him at the dreary
view. Overcome with the distress of his feelings, he leaned against the
casement, and gave vent to the friendly tears that often relieve the
sadness of boyhood. Suddenly a faint and distant flash of light broke
through the gloom. It was gone, but a sound followed which, even amid
the howling of the storm, could not be mistaken. It struck on the ear of
the weeping boy, with startling certainty.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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