Wyandotte eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 608 pages of information about Wyandotte.

Wyandotte eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 608 pages of information about Wyandotte.

“He never can know whether it was Beulah or I,” thought Maud; “yet, he may fancy we are both here.”

On the rocks, that overhung the mills, the gentlemen paused, and conversed for quite a quarter of an hour.  The distance prevented Maud from discerning their countenances; but she could perceive the thoughtful, and as she fancied melancholy, attitude of the major, as, leaning on his fowling-piece, his lace was turned towards the Knoll, and his eyes were really riveted on the loop.  At the end of the time mentioned, the young soldier shook hands hastily and covertly with his companions, hurried towards the path, and descended out of sight, following the course of the stream.  Maud saw him no more, though her father and Mr. Woods stood on the rocks quite half an hour longer, catching occasional glimpses of his form, as it came out of the shadows of the forest, into the open space of the little river; and, indeed, until the major was within a short distance of the spot where he was to meet the Indian.  Then they heard the reports of both barrels of his fowling-piece, fired in quick succession, the signals that he had joined his guide.  This welcome news received, the two gentlemen returned slowly towards the house.

Such was the commencement of a day, which, while it brought forth nothing alarming to the family of the Hutted Knoll, was still pregnant with important consequences.  Major Willoughby disappeared from the sight of his father about ten in the morning; and before twelve, the settlement was alive with the rumours of a fresh arrival.  Joel knew not whether to rejoice or to despair, as he saw a party of eight or ten armed men rising above the rock, and holding their course across the flats towards the house.  He entertained no doubt of its being a party sent by the provincial authorities to arrest the captain, and he foresaw the probability of another’s being put into the lucrative station of receiver of the estate, during the struggle which was in perspective.  It is surprising how many, and sometimes how pure patriots are produced by just such hopes as those of Joel’s.  At this day, there is scarce an instance of a confiscated estate, during the American revolution, connected with which racy traditions are not to be found, that tell of treachery very similar to this contemplated by the overseer in some instances of treachery effected by means of kinsmen and false friends.

Joel had actually got on his Sunday coat, and was making his way towards the Knoll, in order to be present, at least, at the anticipated scene, when, to his amazement, and somewhat to his disappointment, he saw the captain and chaplain moving down the lawn, in a manner to show that these unexpected arrivals brought not unwelcome guests.  This caused him to pause; and when he perceived that the only two among the strangers who had the air of gentlemen, were met with cordial shakes of the hand, he turned back towards his own tenement, a half-dissatisfied, and yet half contented man.

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Wyandotte from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.