American fiction -- 19th century; Historical fiction; Indians of North America -- Fiction
Once at the elm, it was not so difficult to find the way across the
marsh, as it was to reach that spot, coming FROM the chiente. As there
were several elms scattered about in the centre of the marsh, the
bee-hunter was fearful that he might not reach the right tree; in
which case he would be compelled to retrace his steps, and that at the
imminent hazard of being captured. He carried habitually a small dark
lantern, and had thought of so disposing of it in the lower branches of
this very elm, as to form a focus of it, but hesitated about doing
that which might prove a guide to his enemies as well as to himself.
If Margery would take charge of this lantern, he could hope to reap its
advantages without incurring the hazard of having a light suspended
in the tree for any length of time. Margery understood the lessons she
received, and promised to obey all the injunctions by which they were
accompanied.
“Now, God bless you, Margery,” added the bee-hunter. “Providence has
brought me and your brother's family together in troublesome times;
should I get back safe from this adventure, I shall look upon it as a
duty to do all I can to help Gershom place his wife and sister beyond
the reach of harm.”
“God bless you, Bourdon!” half whispered the agitated girl. “I know it
is worth some risk to save a human life, even though it be that of an
Injin, and I will not try to persuade you from this undertaking; but
do not attempt more than is necessary, and rely on my using the lantern
just as you have told me to use it.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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