Wild Western Scenes: A Narrative of Adventures in the Western Wilderness, Wherein the Exploits of Daniel Boone, the Great American Pioneer are Particularly DescribedJones, J. B. (John Beauchamp)
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Wild Western Scenes: A Narrative of Adventures in the Western Wilderness, Wherein the Exploits of Daniel Boone, the Great American Pioneer are Particularly Described
Jones, J. B. (John Beauchamp)
Boone, Daniel, 1734-1820 -- Fiction; Western stories; Wilderness areas -- Fiction
The youth gazed round in silence, and made no reply. He was evidently
awakening to a consciousness of his condition. A frown of horror
darkened his brow as he contemplated the scenes of his wild abode among
the Indians; and, when he contrasted his recent mode of life with the
Elysian days of his childhood, now fresh in his memory, mingled
emotions of regret, fear, and bliss seemed to be contending in his
bosom. A cold dampness settled upon his forehead, his limbs trembled
violently, and distressful sighs issued from his heaving breast.
Gradually he sank down on a couch at his side, and closed his eyes.
When some minutes had elapsed, during which a death-like silence was
maintained, Mary approached lightly to where her father stood, and
inquired if her brother was ill.
“No,” said Roughgrove, in a whisper; “he only sleeps; but it is a very
sound slumber.”
“Now let us take off his Indian dress,” said Glenn, “and put on him
some of my clothes.” This was speedily effected, and without awaking
the youth, whose senses were benumbed, as if by some powerful opiate.
“Now, Mary,” said Roughgrove, “you must likewise have repose. You are
almost exhausted in body and mind. Sleep at your brother’s side, if you
will, poor girl.” Mary laid her head on William’s pillow, and was soon
in a deep slumber.
For several moments Roughgrove stood lost in thought, gazing
alternately at the reposing brother and sister, and Glenn. He looked
also at Sneak and Joe reclining by the fire; both were fast asleep. He
then resumed his seat, and motioned Glenn to do likewise. He bowed his
head a brief length of time in silence, apparently recalling to mind
some occurrence of more than ordinary import.
“My young friend,” said he, at length, while he placed his withered
hand upon Glenn’s knee, “do you remember that I said there was
_another_ secret connected with my family?”
“Distinctly,” replied Glenn; “and I have since felt so much anxiety to
be acquainted with it that I have several times been on the eve of
asking you to gratify my curiosity; but thinking it might be
impertinent, I have forborne. It has more than once occurred to me that
your condition in life must have been different from what it now is.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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