И друзья найдут прием, враги могилу; И где никто не преклоняет колени, кроме тех случаев, когда они молятся небесам, И даже тогда, если только по-своему». ХАЛЛЕК, НЬЮ-ЙОРК: ДЕРБИ И ДЖЕКСОН, 119 НАССАУ-СТРИТ. ЦИНЦИННАТИ: ДЕРБИ.
1856. ВСТУПил в соответствии с Актом Конгресса. , в 1855 году Дж. К. ДЕРБИ,
в канцелярии клерка окружного суда Соединенных Штатов по Южному округу Нью-Йорка.
У. Х. ТИНСОН, Stereotyper. PUDNEY & RUSSELL Printers. ИЗВИНЕНИЯ
Как можно справедливо считать клоуном или, по крайней мере,
неблаговоспитанный, который, не постучав в дверь, не поклонившись, не сказав: "С
вашего позволения" или другого знака уважения, ворвался бы к
неизвестной ему компании лиц, и вместо приветствия заслуживал бы бесцеремонного приглашения немедленно отправиться в другое место, так что, я полагаю, представляя себя вам, моя достопочтенная публика, будет не более чем вежливо сказать что-нибудь в качестве вступления. заметил из моего темного уединения в
тихой деревушке Адлбрейнс, что мода в этом отношении,
господствовавшая, несомненно, со времен св. Луки, начинавшего
свое Евангелие с предисловия к Феофилу, дошла до наших
дней , отличаясь этим от других мод, которые по большей части
столь же преходящи, как полевые цветы, и
поэтому предаются вдумчивому рассмотрению рассудительных; ибо
нельзя считать, что нет ценности в том, что получило санкцию
веков. Под влиянием размышлений об этом описании
и тому подобном я однажды уселся в маленьком убежище, которое
снисходительное пристрастие моих друзей имеет обыкновение удостоить титулом
моего «этюда», чтобы попытаться написать предисловие и представиться
. подходяще моим читателям. Я тем более стремился
сделать это должным образом, что, хотя я и простой крестьянин, но, так
сказать, в ботинке из воловьей кожи, а потому лишенный того лоска, который,
как полировка на начищенном сапоге, отличает и иллюстрирует
жители нашего мегаполиса в высшей степени, как я знаю из
личного опыта, дважды побывав в Нью-Йорке, и, как мне говорили,
также граждане Бостона, Филадельфии и других провинциальных
городов, с более мягким блеском, я не хотелось бы, чтобы его считали полностью
лишенным утонченности. Было бы странно, если бы я, поскольку
в юности пользовался привилегией, два с половиной триместра учился
в танцевальной школе несравненного профессора терпсихорской науки, образованного господина Сен-Леже-Пье. Возможно, именно из-за этого раннего воспитания я всегда
огорчаюсь, когда происходит какое-либо отклонение или отклонение или пренебрежение
к изящному, подобающему и правильному.
Следует заметить, что моя последняя четверть была прервана на середине; это неблагоприятное событие произошло не из- за моего
высокомерия или высокомерного тщеславия , как если бы я усовершенствовал себя в тайнах голубиного крыла и баланса, а из-за внезапного ухода самого профессора, который, верный имени, указывающему на его конституциональное легкомыслия, счел удобным исчезнуть между двумя днями, с авансом за весь мой срок в кармане, и не останавливаясь, чтобы сделать даже один из его необычайно вежливых поклонов. Обстоятельство это было особенно неприятно для меня вследствие того, что, когда стало известно о нашей пропаже, все собрались в школе, а также потому, что большую часть вечера мне удалось привлечь руку молодой леди, чьи чары произвели на меня глубокое впечатление. (хотя, как показали дальнейшие события, и не прочное) впечатление на мое восприимчивое сердце. Месье был нашим единственным музыкантом, и, конечно же, мы танцевали со своей скрипкой. Причину его уклонения или бегства объясняли по-разному: одни приписывали ее долгу, который он взял на себя за лайковые перчатки и туфли, а другие — боязнью гнева молодого джентльмена, сестру которого он имел неосторожность поцеловать в присутствие другой девушки, не примечательной личной привлекательностью, которой он никогда не говорил такого же комплимента. Как и следовало ожидать, она была возмущена непристойностью и отсутствием вкуса и немедленно дал об этом знать, несмотря на мольбы краснеющей красавицы и
«извинения» мсье. Как говорит Вергилий,
«Manet alt; mente i ep;stum, Judicium Paridis spret;que injuria form».
По-моему, именно этот поцелуй стоил бедному мсье Пье его школе, а мне — полтора доллара, причем три доллара — цена обучения в течение семестра. Не то чтобы, прошу меня понять, меня не волнуют деньги, но в рассказе о событии я предпочитаю быть
обстоятельным и строго точным. Но я нахожу, что, увлёкшись болезненно-приятными воспоминаниями моей юности, я уклоняюсь от своей задачи, состоящей не в том, чтобы рассказать о злоключениях танцмейстера, а в том, чтобы сочинить предисловие.
Я уселся, как я говорил, в своем маленьком логове или конфугиуме,
где, как в гавани отдыха, я люблю прятаться от
отвлекающих факторов мира и концентрировать свои мысли, и который был
для меня сцены многих печальных и приятных часов, и обмакнул
свое гусиное перо (анафема маранафа на стальные перья, которые, как я не могу не
воображать, придают стилю часть своей жесткости, ибо, если
перо сделано из стали, разве не естественно что стиль по происхождению
и сходству должен быть твердым?) в чернильницу, предварительно
взглянув на бюсты Шекспира и Мильтона, которые, отлитые
из гипса, украшают мое уединение, наполовину умоляя их помочь в столь
важном деле. предприятие, когда дверь открылась, и кто должен войти,
кроме моего дорогого друга, преподобного Ингрейса Грейса? Но здесь позвольте мне заметить в скобках, что привычка говорить в скобках мне
особенно не нравится, и только необходимость вынуждает меня к этому, и прежде чем я
двинусь дальше, что слово поскольку его _curiosa felicitas_ в
настоящем приложении, которое я выбрал для определения своего логова, не ускользнуло, я надеюсь, от внимания разборчивого ученого. Более того,
я надеюсь, что меня не обвинят в тщеславии, если я присвою себе
небольшую заслугу в выборе. Следует заметить, что
это составной термин, последняя часть которого «фугиум» (от fuga, бегство),
характеризующая цель, для которой мой укромный уголок служит
убежищем, куда я улетаю от бессмысленного шума и суеты
мир; и префикс «con» (эквивалентный cum, with), передающий
идею его социального назначения. Ибо мне было бы неприятно думать
, что, как крыса Чарльза Лэмба, которая, по счастливой случайности, нашла
чеширский сыр, держала это открытие в глубоком секрете от
остальных крыс, чтобы монополизировать восхитительное лакомство,
притворяясь при этом, что его долгие и частые отлучки в какой-нибудь
дыре были чисто для созерцания небесного, так как его
ум в последнее время сильно проникся и поэтому он
не выносит перерывов, я имею привычку
уединяться эгоистичное исключение в нем. Далеко не так: дверь никогда не
запирается для входа, и мой confugium, скорее, означает (хотя
словари с их обычной расплывчатостью, столь достойные сожаления,
не сумели выпотрошить его полное значение) общее место
уединения для меня и близких друзей. . Поэтому не как
вторжение, а, наоборот, как приемлемый зов приветствовал я
прибытие Инкремента. Должно быть, на моем лице была необычная степень
серьезности, соответствующая важности работы, которую
я собирался взять на себя, поскольку преподобный джентльмен едва
сел, как заметил это и спросил о причине. Мы
находимся на той почве интимности, что в
вопросе не было неуместности, и я без колебаний сообщил ему о своей цели.
«Я должен скорее подумать, — сказал преподобный Инкриз, — построить веранду
перед деревянным домом или вставить двери из красного дерева в мою старую
полуразрушенную церковь».
Замечание было не очень лестным, но
между нами царит большая свобода слова, и я не обиделся; тем более, что я знал, что
преподобный джентльмен разочаровался в продаже
тома проповедей, от
публикации которых я тщетно пытался отговорить его и
чьи скудные доходы полностью оправдывали мои предчувствия. Упоминание о
моей работе, естественно, напомнило об этом бедственном устроении и о том, что я
заболел; слезный; _. Прочитав его мысли, я ответил так мягко, насколько
позволяла легкая дрожь в моем голосе, что о вкусах не спорят
и что такая мелочь, как песня, как известно, переживает
проповедь.
Я заявляю, что не хотел зла, но его благоговение (один из лучших людей в
мире, но во всех смыслах этого слова принадлежащий к "
воинствующей церкви") мгновенно вспыхнуло:
"Смею сказать," — сказал он с горечью, — что вы понимаете пустяковый
вкус этого тривиального века лучше, чем я. Способность ценить
серьезное чтение, чтение, которое развивает понимание, в то же время
исправляет сердце, похоже, связано с забытыми знаниями до потопа
. те, кто потакает этому болезненному аппетиту, должны за многое ответить
; не за то, - с удовольствием добавил он, - его негодование остывает, как паровой
котел, нашедший вентиляцию, - что пустяк, на котором
вы трата вашего времени не имеет определенной
заслуги, но кажется жаль, что человек, способный на лучшие вещи,
так жалко злоупотребляет своими силами».
Эти чувства не были для меня совершенно новыми, иначе я мог бы
немного возбудиться; ибо в течение всего времени, пока я был занят
сочинением произведения, мой друг, который также имеет обыкновение
сообщать мне о своих литературных предприятиях, настаивал на том, чтобы я
читал ему главы по мере их появления. проявляя немалое
любопытство к тому, каким образом я буду избавляться от
трудностей, в которые, по его мнению, я был время от времени вовлечен,
и бурное восхищение остроумными ухищрениями, как
он однажды сказал в комплиментарном настроении, благодаря которым я ускользнул от них. Правда,
все это предательство интересов сопровождалось различными пишами и
пшавами и причитаниями по поводу пустякового характера моих занятий;
но, как и многие другие, как в одежде, так и без нее, его
поведение противоречило его языку, и первое меня воодушевляло,
а второе только улыбало. - Если таково ваше мнение, - сказал я, внезапно схватив лежавшую передо мной рукопись и собираясь бросить ее в огонь.
— Если таково ваше откровенное мнение, то я лучше немедленно уничтожу эту чепуху.
"Держать!" -- воскликнул преподобный Инкриз, хватая меня за руку, -- вы
ужасно обидчивы и поспешно; как часто я предостерег вас от
этой черты вашего характера . заслуги, как, например, "Древняя история" Роллена или "Связь" Придо, и может в лучшем случае наслаждаться лишь эфемерным существованием, разве она заслуживает того, чтобы вообще не существовать? живет последний день». -- Что ж, Инк, -- сказал я, -- если, подобно бабочке, чье короткое и беспорядочное присутствие придает новую красоту зеленым полям, голубому небу, цветам и пению птиц, моя книжечка сможет соблазнить улыбку губ, или обмануть боль из груди одного из тех, кого вы так любите называть "пилигримами через унылую пустыню", я буду чувствовать себя вполне компенсация за трату моего времени ". «Если ваши ожидания так умеренны, я не вижу ничего плохого в том, чтобы вы им потворствовали», — сказал мой друг; "но я не могу не желать , чтобы вы чаще прислушивались к моему совету в его сочинении ". «Я очень уважаю ваше мнение, — ответил я, — но я считаю невозможным пропустить идеи другого через горнило моего ума и воздать им должное. Так или иначе, когда я ожидаю поток золота, это получается _caput mortuum_ из свинца. Нет, мне лучше чеканить медь по-своему. Но скажи мне откровенно, что тебя оскорбляет. К этому времени мой друг-преп. забыл свой злосчастный том проповедей и вернулся к доброму нраву. -- Обижает меня? Друг мой, полуприхожанин (ибо я замечаю, что у вас в последнее время появилась дурная привычка ходить в церковь только по утрам -- исправьте, извольте), вы очень резко выражаетесь. в книге нет ничего , что меня оскорбило бы, хотя, — добавил он осторожно, — я не хочу сказать, что полностью одобряю ваши религиозные, философские или политические рассуждения . высказывай свое мнение». -- Мой дорогой Инкрейс, -- сказал я, пожимая ему руку, -- тем более я люблю вас за вашу искренность, но почему вы называете их моими домыслами? Я не высказывал никаких мнений. Это мнения персонажей, а не мои Я хочу, чтобы вы и весь мир отчетливо поняли это». «И все же мир призовет вас к ответу за них. Если человек стреляет из пистолета в толпу, разве он не несет ответственности за любой вред, который может быть последствием?» "Я не ожидаю сделать такой громкий отчет," сказал я, улыбаясь; «Но я протестую против вашего учения. Почему, согласно этому, автор несет ответственность за все мнения своего драматического лица, какими бы абсурдными и противоречивыми они ни были». «Я не захожу так далеко. Я считаю, что автор несет ответственность только за произведенный эффект: если этот эффект благоприятен для добродетели, он заслуживает похвалы; если наоборот, порицания». -- Я признаю справедливость вашей точки зрения с этим ограничением и полагаю, что именно с таким чувством ответственности я написал, -- сказал я. -- Могу ли я тогда льстить себя надеждой, что вы ваше одобрение?" "У вас есть это," сказал он; — И пусть ни один критик не смотрит на вашу книгу менее снисходительно, чем на меня. Но какое имя вы даете бэнтлингу? «О, — сказал я, — я еще не пришел к выводу, мне кажется, что одно имя почти так же хорошо, как другое». "Я не знаю об этом," сказал преподобный Инкриз. Супружеская пара, которая недавно принесла ко мне своего ребенка для крещения, во всяком случае так не думала . Я спросил, какое имя было выбрано, когда, к моему удивлению, я услышал звуки, которые очень напоминали один из титулов, дарованных заклятый враг человечества. Предполагая, что мой слух обманул меня, я спросил снова, когда то же самое слово, к моему ужасу, было повторено более отчетливо: «Люцифер!» — сказал я себе. — Это невозможно! Я не могу окрестить ребенка таким именем. Я еще раз наклонился, и в третий раз задал вопрос. Ответ был тот же, и повторил громче и с ударением, как будто родители определили, иметь это имя или нет. К этому времени мое положение стало неловким, ибо там был я, в присутствии всей ожидающей конгрегации, стоя с младенцем на руках, который, чтобы добавить к моему ужасу, поднял шквал, как будто убедив меня, что он имеет право на это имя.Мой холостяк скромность не могла больше выносить этой сцены , поэтому, торопливо окунув пальцы в купель и решив, что у него должно быть хорошее имя, как можно более противоположное дьявольскому, столь странным образом выбранному, я окрестил младенца Джорджа Вашингтона. В то время это выглядело странно, но обряд был совершен, ребенку дали прекрасное имя, и я почувствовал облегчение . последний, заливаясь слезами, воскликнул: «О, Тир, что ты сделал? Это девушка, это девушка! и вы назвали ее Джордж Уотингтон! Моя бедная маленькая Люти, моя дорогая маленькая Люти! Увы! — прошептала мать, и когда я спросил имя , чтобы быть очень вежливым и сказать «Люси, сэр», в ответ на мой вопрос она сказала: «Люти, три», что я принял за Люцифера. Что делать? Я утешала опечаленных родителей, как могла , и пообещала внести имя в приходские и городские записи как Люси, что и сделала; но при всем том подлинное, православное имя девушки - Джордж Вашингтон!" "Я вижу," сказал я, платя ему за его шутку ожидаемым смехом, "есть что-то в имени, и мы должны быть осторожны в его выборе. В результате я последовал совету моего друга и взял ту, которая была окончательно выбрана. Вскоре после этого преподобный джентльмен взял свою шляпу и оставил меня в моих размышлениях. После этого я снова взялся за перо и тщетно пытался написать предисловие. Наконец, в отчаянии, я не нашел лучшего средства, как объяснить вам, моя дорогая публика, обстоятельства, которые мешают мне сделать это сейчас. усилие, и не больше подумайте о том, чтобы осудить меня, чем вышеупомянутый деревенский житель, о котором упоминается в начале этого моего извинения, если бы он, вместо того, чтобы шумно броситься на общество, постарался (его чувство становления, преодолевающее его застенчивость) свернуть свое тело в подобие лука, тем самым только иллюстрируя и подтверждая глубокую мудрость максимы, _non omnia possumus omnes_. Если наши неловкие попытки соединить вместе, я все же буду питать надежду, что более близкое знакомство с вами повысит мою способность молчать с изяществом и улучшит мои манеры, даже если я не сомневаюсь, что под руководством мсье Пье вышеназванный соотечественника можно было бы со временем научить делать сносный лук. Навсегда, _vive_, моя дорогая общественность, и, пока мы не встретимся снова (что, если мы когда-нибудь встретимся, будет зависеть от того, насколько мы довольны друг другом ), _vale_. АВТОР. ГЛАВА I. Наконец золотые восточные врата Величайших небес открылись, И Феб, свежий, как жених к своей подруге, Вышел вперед, тряся своим роскошным сеном, И швырял свои блестящие лучи сквозь мрачное небо. КОРОЛЕВА ФЕЙ СПЕНСЕРА. Это было прекрасное утро осени благодатного 18-го года. Лучи солнца еще не падали на легкую пелену тумана, витавшую над безмятежным лоном реки Северн, и поднимались и собирались в складки, как будто готовясь к отплытию при приближении врага напрасно сопротивляться. С журчанием, таким тихим , что почти незаметным, скользил поток, голубой, как небо, в котором отражалось , между берегами, теперь зелеными и плавно спускающимися вниз, увенчанными порослью дуба, гикори, сосны, болиголова и савина, теперь поднимаясь в неровные массы серых скал, поросших мхом, с кое -где чахлым кустом, выбивающимся из трещины и, казалось, получающим голодное существование от самой скалы; а теперь, в резком контрасте, представляя собой почти отвесные возвышения бесплодного песка. Изредка можно было услышать резкий крик зимородка с засохшей ветки у края или трепет крыльев дикой утки, скользящей по поверхности, но кроме этих звуков не было никаких звуков, и они служили только сделать тишину глубже. Именно в этот час и на острове в реке начинается наша история. Сам остров имеет неправильную форму и очень мал, едва достигает акра в длину, а его берег покрыт галькой и гранитными валунами. Недалеко от центра и лицом к востоку стоит некрашеная деревянная хижина самого скромного вида, форма и размер которой представляют собой продолговатую примерно тридцать на пятнадцать футов. Единственным средством входа является одна грубая дверь , а свет проникает через два небольших окна, одно с восточной, а другое с западной стороны. Беспорядочные клочки травы, несколько заброшенных кустов смородины за хижиной и один или два высоких куста падуба у двери — все это бросается в глаза признаком растительности. У дверей этой каюты в то время, которое мы описываем, стояла одинокая фигура. Это был худощавый худощавый мужчина, рост которого скорее превышал, чем опускался ниже шести футов. Первое, что привлекло к нему внимание, была темная седая борода, спускавшаяся до половины груди, резко контрастировавшая с высоким белым лбом, из-под которого блестели большие мечтательные глаза. Волосы на его голове, как и борода, были длинными и свободно падали на плечи. Платье его было самого грубого вида, состоящее из сукна темно-серого цвета, причем верхняя одежда представляла собой свободный сюртук, спускавшийся почти до колен и подпоясанный на талии темным шерстяным кушаком. Его возраст трудно было определить. Это могло быть где-то между сорока пятью и пятьдесят пятью годами. Поведение и внешний вид этого человека выражали преданность и ожидание. Тело его было наклонено вперед, руки сцеплены, а глаза пристально устремлены на восток неба, вдоль горизонта которого слои облаков, мгновение назад свинцового оттенка, теперь принимали все более и более глубокие багряные оттенки. Когда облака окрасились в более яркие цвета, его лицо загорелось волнением. Его фигура , казалось, расширилась, глаза сверкнули, руки разжались, и он протянул руки, словно приветствуя долгожданного друга. Но вот лучи солнца стали струиться по вздымающейся возвышенности и освещать поверхность реки, и все слабее и слабее светили облака, пока они мало-помалу не растворились в синей глубине. Именно тогда тень разочарования, как показалось, прошла по лицу мужчины. Его восторженное выражение лица поблекло, он бросил почти укоризненный взгляд к небу, и его чувства нашли выход в словах. «Разве Ты не говорил: се, гряду скоро?» Зачем же медлить колеса колесницы Твоей? О, Господи, я ждал спасения Твоего. В ночных бдениях, в полночь, при пении петухов и по утрам я вспоминал о Тебе. на заре вышла душа моя навстречу Тебе, ибо тогда явится знамение Сына Человеческого на Небесах, и увидят Его, грядущего на облаках Небесных с силою и славою великою, и пошлет Ангелов Своих с трубный звук великий , и соберут избранных Его от края неба до края». Глаза его дико забегали по кругу, потом упали и вцепились в землю, и несколько мгновений он оставался неподвижным, как статуя, после чего с унылым видом обернулся, как бы собираясь войти в избу. В этот момент с берега послышался выстрел из пушки, и, посмотрев вверх, он увидел, как с отлогого берега на берег упал человек. Если раньше у Затворника и было какое-то проявление слабости или немощи , то теперь оно исчезло. Ничто не могло превзойти быстроту и энергию его движений. Броситься к воде, броситься в лодку, отвязать ее от кола, к которому она была привязана, и энергичным толчком отправить ее на полпути через пролив — дело одного мгновения. Несколько ловких и сильных ударов весла вскоре заставили его заскрежетать о галечный берег, и он прыгнул рядом с распростертым мужчиной. Он лежал лицом к земле, вытянув одну руку, а другую согнув под телом. Рядом с ним листья и трава были запачканы каплями крови, а недалеко лежало ружье. Старик обнял незнакомца, чтобы поднять его из лежачего положения. Движение должно было причинить боль, потому что послышался низкий стон. Но это, по крайней мере, свидетельствовало о наличии жизни, и даже в этих грустных звуках было утешение. Со всей материнской нежностью он поднял раненого на руки и постарался выяснить место и характер раны, чтобы остановить, если возможно, кровотечение. Но вскоре стало очевидно, что все такие попытки будут бесполезны и будут только усиливать боль, не приводя к желаемому результату, пока одежда не снимается. Казалось, что лучше было бы немедленно отправить его в хижину. Поэтому так осторожно, как только мог, старик отнес его к лодке и положил на дно. Несколько взмахов веслом отправили его обратно на остров, и вскоре раненый незнакомец уже лежал на грубой, но желанной постели. Здесь первое, что нужно было сделать, это снять с него пальто и другую одежду, которая скрывала рану. Выполнив эту обязанность, которая заключалась в том, что он отрезал пальто и разорвал нижнее белье, следующей заботой старика было, как можно лучше, наложить повязки, чтобы остановить кровь , струившуюся из правого бока. и плечо. Это было сделано с немалым искусством, как у того, кто не видел тогда огнестрельного ранения в первый раз. Процесс сопровождался изредка стоном, когда бинты слишком сильно сдавливали раненые части, который страдалец, казалось, пытался подавить, в то же время как бы стараясь выразить свою благодарность улыбкой и кроткими взглядами его глаза. Любая попытка напряжения немедленно пресекалась его доброй няней, которая всегда, когда это случалось, требовала тишины. «Ты ослаб от потери крови, молодой человек, — сказал он, — но я ошибаюсь, если есть большая опасность. Тем не менее, ты едва спасся . все пронумерованы, и кто не позволяет ни одному воробью упасть без предупреждения на землю за то, что он направил пулю так, что она разорвала только внешнюю плоть, не достигнув жизненно важной части . пусть они не проникнут глубже поверхности и не затронут твою бессмертную душу». Тут молодой человек сделал движение, как бы собираясь заговорить, но его перебил другой. -- Нет, -- сказал отшельник, -- ты должен повиноваться мне ради твоего же блага, а я запретил всякую речь. От этого возбудится кровь, и ты еще больше ослабеешь. Успокойся теперь, пока я оставляю тебя лишь на мгновение, чтобы обнаружить, если смогу, лодку, идущую в Хиллсдейл». Мы воспользуемся отсутствием Отшельника, чтобы описать внутреннюю часть хижины и ее обитателя. И начнем с последнего: это был темноволосый юноша лет двадцати одного-двух, естественная бледность лица которого усиливалась как вороным цветом волос, так и потерей крови. Черты его лица были совершенно правильными, и надбровные дуги увенчивались скорее высокими, чем широкими бровями. Глаза были самыми замечательными и требовали немедленного внимания. Они были большими, черными и сверкающими и, несмотря на запреты старика , широко открыты и бродили по квартире. По тому, как к нему обращались, было видно, что он неизвестен. Сама комната представляла собой квадрат примерно в пятнадцать футов, или половину хижины, с камином из больших камней и кирпичей, освещенным одним окном, обшитым и оштукатуренным. Его мебель состояла из упомянутой выше кровати, лежащей на низкой сосновой раме, первоначально выкрашенной в красный цвет, но теперь несколько испорченной и изношенной; пару стульев с корзинчатым дном; каменный кувшин для воды; ружье и пороховой рожок, поддерживаемые двумя гвоздями, вбитыми в стену; стол из сосны и полки с книгами. Это была задняя комната, выходившая в другую комнату того же размера, отличавшуюся от первой тем, что в ней не было камина и не было обрешетки. В этой последней комнате не было мебели, если не считать верстака, на котором стояло несколько инструментов; плаха, сделанная из отрезка ствола большого дерева; бондарная лошадь; пару устричных граблей и несколько удочек можно назвать таковыми. В двух углах стояли связки ветвей гикори, а на полу валялись ветки лозы, предназначенные, по-видимому, для плетения корзин. Эти предметы имели, вероятно, какую-то связь с занятиями арендатора избы . На стенах на крючках висело несколько корзин разного размера, одни готовые, другие незаконченные. Отшельник, покинув своего гостя, направился к западной стороне маленького острова и бросил во все стороны испытующие взгляды, чтобы убедиться, что кто-нибудь есть в поле зрения. Лодки не было видно, и он тут же вернулся назад. Бесшумно он прокрался обратно к ложу своего гостя, которого застал, по-видимому, спящим, хотя, по правде говоря, сон был притворен из уважения к тревогам старика. Несколько раз он ходил взад и вперед от комнаты к двери, прежде чем имел удовлетворение найти предмет своих поисков. Наконец, вверх по реке была обнаружена каноэ с двумя людьми, которые при ближайшем приближении оказались индейцами, мужчиной и женщиной, принадлежащими к остаткам племени, бродившим по своим древним охотничьим угодьям вдоль реки . берега реки. И действительно, дичь, некогда изобиловавшая лесами, исчезла, и голубой ручей, и вздымающиеся холмы, и зеленые равнины, и назойливая промышленность, и растущие деревни белых, но напомнили им о теперешней слабости и былом могуществе. Но чувствительность к деградации была притуплена. Они постепенно приспособились к своему состоянию; река изобиловала ракушками и другой рыбой; они могли поддерживать существование, каким бы скудным и бедным оно ни было, и предпочитали эту уверенность более благородной, но более ненадежной жизни западных племен. Когда каноэ приблизилось, Затворник поманил его рукой, и нос повернулся к островку . "Добро пожаловать, Эстер," сказал он, "ты идешь в город?" Молчаливый кивок головы был ответом."
Индеец, который до сих пор молчал, обратился к ней на своем
языке.
«Может ли куропатка, — сказал он, — использовать свои крылья только для того, чтобы
летать по поручению своего белого хозяина?»
«Окуамехуд, — сказал скво, — мудрый воин, и глаза у него зоркие
, но они не видят сердца женщины. Если солнечный свет и
дождь падут на землю, не принесет ли это плодов?»
"Это хорошо," сказал индеец, в саркастическом тоне; «Пена хорошо
названа, и куропатка, хоть и дочь сахема, порхает
по воздуху, выполняя приказы белого человека».
Глаза Пены, или Куропатки, сверкнули, и она уже собиралась
ответить гневно, как ей помешал человек, которого она называла
отцом Холденом.
"Спешите!" — сказал он на том же языке, забываясь в
волнении момента и бессознательно используя ту же фигуральную
дикцию, — иначе источник красного ручья может высохнуть прежде, чем
придет знахарь. Спешите! Это благородно. делать добро, и Великий
Дух благословит это дело».
Велико было изумление индейцев, когда они обнаружили, что их поняли
, и услышали, как к ним обращаются на их родном языке.
Но только выразительное объятие! и непроизвольный взмах весла,
от которого каноэ закружилось по воде, выдал их удивление.
Холден на мгновение постоял, глядя им вслед, затем, повернувшись, направился
к хижине. Мы не будем следовать за ним, а будем преследовать
уходящих индейцев.
Минут пять, может быть, они плыли молча, каждый явно
не желая выдавать никакого любопытства по поводу обстоятельства, занимавшего
мысли обоих. Наконец женщина заговорила. «Великий Дух научил длиннобородого
человека словам вигвама ». Пожимание плечами и еще одно объятие! были единственным замечанием, сделанным ее компаньоном наблюдения. Снова последовало молчание, которое на этот раз нарушил мужчина. Словно выражая свое несогласие с догадкой скво, он сказал: «Длиннобородый напился из ручьев, бегущих к заходящему солнцу, и там выучил речь воинов. Очаровал ли он уши Пены? с их звуками, когда он учил ее выполнять его поручения?" Кровь еще сильнее залила щеки женщины, но она с усилием подавила поднявшееся чувство обиды, а сама ответила: «Пусть Оквамехуд послушает, и тьма сойдет с его пути. Солнце съело снега пятнадцати зим». и пятнадцать раз смолкла песня летних птиц с тех пор, как Длиннобородый пришел к реке пекотов, И бледные лица желали его общества, но он отвернулся от них и построил свой вигвам на Лососевом острове. , ибо сердце Длинной Бороды было одиноко.Там он говорит с Великим Духом в утренних облаках.Молодой детеныш,вышедший из чресл Хуттамоидена, уже надел свои мокасины для земли духов и слез Пе; Когда Длинная Борода подошел к ее вигваму, он простер руки над мальчиком и попросил Великого Духа, чтобы тот остался, чтобы вести свою мать за руку, когда она состарится и ослепнет, и выщипывать шипы от ее ног.И Великий Дух послушался, ибо он любит Длиннобородого, и развязал мокасины с ног мальчика, и огонь в его дыхании погас, и он заснул, и был здоров. Поэтому Пена — птица, летающая с посланиями Длинной Бороды. Но она впервые слышит из белых уст речь краснокожего мужчины». Теперь индеец мог понять поведение женщины. Было естественно, что она должна быть благодарна спасителю жизни своего ребенка и готова показать Чувство малости в ее власти. Если бы он заглянул в ее сердце, он бы увидел, что там было больше , чем просто благодарность. Поведение Холдена, столь отличное от поведения других белых людей, бескорыстная себя в добрых делах ко всем; его уединение; его серьезность, которая редко допускала улыбку; его внушительная внешность и его таинственное общение с какой-то невидимой силой - ибо она часто видела его, когда он стоял, наблюдая за восходом солнца. , и слышал его дикие порывы преданности - произвел глубокое впечатление на скво и наделил его атрибутами высшего существа, чувство, которое разделялось многими индейцами. , это только усугубило бы подозрения, которые он начал питать в отношении Длиннобородого, как он и женщина звали Холден. Будучи индейцем, он с подозрением относился даже к доброте белого человека, опасаясь, что за ним может скрываться какой-то злой умысел. Что удивительного, когда мы рассматриваем отношение одного к другому? Сколько в нашей истории истории волка, который обвинил ягненка, который пил ниже него, в том, что он замутил ручей? Окуамехуд, пекот по происхождению, был чужаком, который всего несколько дней назад прибыл из западного племени, в которое он был принят, то ли для того, чтобы посетить могилы своих отцов, то ли по каким-то из этих тысяч родственных связей. или дружба, или политика, которая заставит североамериканского индейца проехать сотни миль и впервые увидеть отшельника в то утро. Если благодарность скво была объяснена, что, как он не сомневался, было незаслуженно, то знание Длиннобородым индейского языка — нет. Как случилось, что он был так хорошо знаком и говорил на нем с изяществом и беглостью, недоступными для нескольких разрозненных членов племени по соседству, большинство из которых почти потеряли всякую память о нем, было для него интересным. тайна. Он молча размышлял над своими мыслями, изредка останавливая весло и проводя рукой по лбу, как бы вспоминая какое-то обстоятельство или идею, которые постоянно ускользали от него. Так они шли до тех пор, пока, повернув на возвышенность, не показались в поле зрения деревушку Хиллсдейл. Те, кто сейчас впервые увидят этот красивый город, могут иметь очень слабое представление о его тогдашнем виде. Но, хотя больших кирпичных магазинов, выстроившихся вдоль его причалов, и дорогих современных особняков , теснящихся один над другим на склонах холмов, и его прекрасных церквей из гранита и портлендского камня не было видно, тем не менее, уже тогда было местом, которое не могло не привлечь внимания. Ситуация необыкновенной красоты. Два светлых ручья — Вутэпокут, название которого указывает на его характер, означающий «чистая вода», и Яупээ, или «край реки», который, почему его следует так называть, не такой легко объяснить, объединить свои воды, чтобы сформировать благородный Северн. Жаль, что хороший вкус, сохранивший первоначальные названия двух первых, не сохранил также названия последнего — сакимау, или сахем, или вождь, под которым он был известен индейцам. Возможно, первые поселенцы в стране думали, что позволение двум рекам сохранить свои аборигенные названия было достаточной данью хорошему вкусу, в то время как изменение названия третьей они сделали подношением любви, многие из них нарисовали свои первые реки. дыхание на приятных берегах английской реки Северн. Именно на мысе, или мысе, образованном слиянием двух рек, образующих Северн, располагалась основная часть города. На мысе, обращенном к югу и смело возвышающемся над водой, выкрашенная в белый цвет деревня возвышалась наполовину по своим сторонам, две ее главные улицы уходили извилистыми линиями вокруг основания вверх к участку ровной земли, в которую плавно спускалась северная сторона холма . В самой северной части этого уровня две улицы соединялись на расстоянии мили от причалов в одну, которая оттуда петляла окольными путями на две или три мили дальше вдоль Яупеи. Над самыми высокими крышами и шпилями возвышалась зеленая вершина холма, чьи густые вечнозеленые растения во все времена года представляли собой корону зелени. Тот, кто стоял на вершине, мог видеть , как с востока, через узкое горло и между берегами, которые поднимались в высоту по мере приближения к городу, мчалась стремительная река Вутпокут, которая вскоре потеряла и свою спешку, и свое имя в более глубокий и спокойный Северн, главным притоком которого он является, а на западе он видел, как серебряная змея скользит по зеленым лугам, нежный Яупэ, медлящий, как будто любящий поля, по которым бродил, до тех пор, пока вдруг ускорив шаг, с ревом, словно от гневной досады, он бросился в водовороты кипящей пены, туман которой поднимался высоко в воздух, вниз по глубокому ущелью, между нависающими скалами, через которые он пробрался. Отсюда ручей, внезапно успокоившись, расширился в бухту, усеянную двумя или тремя островками, и, огибая подножие холма, который постепенно спускался к западу, соединился с Вутпокутом. Далеко под ногами он увидел крыши домов, шпили церквей, мачты шлюпов, занятых каботажным плаванием, и бригов, участвовавших в торговле с Вест-Индией, и заметил переброшенное частично мостовое и частично насыпное сообщение. над устьем Яупаи и соединяющим противоположные берега; ибо на западной стороне вдоль края и вверх по холму были густо разбросаны дома. Вскоре каноэ скользнуло вдоль одной из пристаней, и индейцы исчезли на улицах. ГЛАВА II. С нами был доктор медицины: Во всем этом мире не было никого подобного ему, Говоря о физике и хирургии. * * * * * Он знал причину каждой болезни, Будь она холодна или горяча, влажна или суха, И где порождалась, и какого настроения: Он был очень совершенным практиком. Причину ты знаешь, и вреда его корень, Тут же он отдал больному свой сапог. ЧОСЕР. Первой заботой верной Пены или Есфири было найти врача . Она застала его дома и сразу же была допущена к нему . «Царица Есфирь, — воскликнул он, как только увидел ее, — это ты? Добро пожаловать, потомок царской династии. Хочешь сидра?» Он произносил слово «сидр», как индейцы, с восходящей интонацией последнего слога. Это было предложение, от которого не мог отказаться ни один индеец, и скво ответила просто утвердительно. Из кувшина с благодарным напитком, который незадолго до этого был внесен в комнату и который, действительно, предполагал предложение, доктор наполнил пенящийся стакан, и скво не замедлила осушить его содержимое, после чего и освободилась. ее поручения. «Эсфирь, — воскликнул доктор, вставая и спеша собрать свои инструменты и аптечку, — ты обошла меня. Почему ты не сказала мне раньше? выньте пулю из какой-нибудь плебейской туши. Можете ли вы сказать мне имя раненого? Скво покачала головой и только сказала: «Эстер не знает». К этому времени его приготовления были закончены, и он не позволил прервать разговор, и, следуя за женщиной, поспешил к пристани. Здесь, присмотревшись к мухам, трепещущим на мачтах некоторых судов, и заметив, что ветер попутный, он отверг ее предложение взять его в каноэ и, прыгнув в маленькую парусную лодку, вскоре принялся за дело. в развязывании парусов. В то время как это было занято, голос приветствовал его уши: "Почему, доктор, что сейчас на ветру?" Человек, обратившийся к нему таким образом, был молодым человеком, вероятно, не старше двадцати пяти лет. Его одежда указывала на то, что он принадлежал к более состоятельному классу горожан, и в его манерах и обращении было что-то приятное. "Рад видеть вас, Уильям," сказал доктор. «Мне нужна команда; пойдем, отправимся в круиз». "Но куда же, доктор?" «На остров Холдена, чтобы навестить раненого. Прыгайте на борт и ухаживайте за стаксёрами». К этому времени паруса были подняты, и, поскольку молодой человек подчинился приглашению, маленькое судно вскоре оказалось под нагрузкой и быстро двинулось вниз по реке. Расстояние составляло всего три-четыре мили и быстро преодолели. На берегу их встретил Холден, которому оба джентльмена были известны, но он не смог сообщить им имя раненого. Однако, как только доктор увидел его, он воскликнул: «Это мистер Паунэл. Не дай Бог, чтобы рана была серьезной». Выражение лица спутника доктора и те немногие слова, которые он произнес, свидетельствовали также о том, что он узнал незнакомца. «Итак, мой бедняга, — сказал доктор, когда страдалец протянул руку и в нескольких словах выразил свое удовольствие по поводу их прихода , — довольно, я претендую на монопольное право говорить». Он сразу же приступил к осмотру раны, что он сделал с большой тщательностью и молчанием. Он обнаружил, как и сказал Холден, что заряд только задел поверхность, разорвав плоть сбоку до плеча, правда, довольно глубоко, но оставив скорее уродливую, чем опасную рану. После того, как дело было выполнено, а ворс и свежие бинты были наложены, доктор со вздохом, как бы с облегчением, опустился на стул и заверил молодого человека, что ему нужен отдых только пока , а через день или два он может вернуться к своим друзьям. «Я скорее потеряю шестерых обычных пациентов, чем тебя, Том Паунэл, — сказал он. «Почему ты мой прекрасный идеал купца, Ионическая столица столпа торговли. Теперь пусть твой ум не будет «Бросаться в океане; Там, где твои аргозии с большими парусами, Как синьоры и богатые горожане в потоке Или , как морские спектакли, Одолеть мелких торговцев». Тишина, мой дорогой мальчик, и душа , и тело — вот что вам необходимо. Я хочу, чтобы вы поняли: «Я говорю тебе вот что, Антонио — люблю тебя, и говорит моя любовь». послушный, в связи с чем доктор гарантировал, что он получит большое удовлетворение от своей раны. «Вы сами увидите, — сказал он, — как прекрасно это заживет. С научной точки зрения, и под моим руководством вы получите один, есть что-то восхитительное в наблюдении за грануляциями . Уоттс поет о медоносной пчеле: «Как искусно она строит свою ячейку, Как аккуратно хранит воск!» Я считаю вас счастливчиком». Молодые люди были вынуждены улыбаться тому, как доктор смотрит на предмет; но он мало обращал внимания на их веселье. -- А пока я останусь с вами, -- сказал Уильям Бернар, так звали сопровождавшего врача джентльмена, обращаясь к Паунэлу, -- если наш добрый друг, -- и тут он взглянул на Холдена... - "не возражает". Затворник выразил свое согласие; и Pownal, поблагодарив своего друга, доктор дал свое разрешение на договоренность. «Тебе не повредит, Уильям, — сказал он, — потерпеть ночь или две, и тем самым ты докажешь, что отличаешься от друзей Тимона». И тут доктор, любивший цитировать стихи, особенно Шекспира, лучше, чем принимать лекарства, снова предался своей излюбленной привычке: «Как мы поворачиваемся спиной От товарища, брошенного в могилу , удачи, Ускользните все прочь, оставьте свои ложные клятвы с ним, Как пустые кошельки, взятые, и его бедное я Преданным нищим на воздух. Но, мистер Холден, одолжите мне на минутку ваши уши и, если хотите, также и свой язык , потому что вы должны рассказать мне, как это произошло. Я не хочу беспокоить Паунала своим расследованием. Сказав это, он вышел из комнаты, сопровождаемый Затворником. -- Скажи мне сначала, -- сказал Холден, когда они стояли на открытом воздухе, -- что ты думаешь о ране? "Ха!" — воскликнул доктор. — Он не так глубок, как колодец, и не так широк, как церковная дверь, но этого достаточно — он годится. "Что!" -- воскликнул Затворник. -- Неужели ты обманывал мальчика? Но нет, ты на это не способен, и, кроме того, я видел слишком много ран, чтобы опасаться от этого опасности. "Я вижу, друг, вы читали Шекспира для какой-то цели," воскликнул доктор ; -- Но знайте, что я говорил не в том смысле, в каком Меркуцио говорит о ране, нанесенной ему Тибальтом. Моя радость не так серьезна, как у бедняги Меркуцио. Послушайте, я сказал вам только простую правду, и то, что ваши собственные глаза Рана не такая глубокая, как колодец, и не такая широкая, как церковная дверь. И этого тоже достаточно. Большего вам и не надо . Кроме того, он годится, то есть продержит его день или два в вашей каюте. И в этом состоит одно из бесчисленных достоинств Шекспира. Каждая фраза Они полны материи, как мои седельные сумки с лекарствами. Я постараюсь выделить в каждой из них столько значений, сколько слив в пудинге. Но, друг, я уверен, что у вас должна быть копия . Дайте мне взглянуть на нее. ." "Я мало знаю об этом тщеславии," ответил Холден. -- В юности моей головокружительной я такие безумства пил, как осёл сосет восточный ветер. Но Господу угодно было открыть мне глаза. В мыслях от ночных видений, -- продолжал он, -- и глаза его засияли ярче. , и его рост, казалось, увеличился - "когда крепкий сон падает на людей, страх и трепет объял меня, от которого содрогались все кости мои. еще, но я не мог различить вида его: образ был пред глазами моими, и наступила тишина, и тогда я услышал голос, говорящий: «Се, гряду скоро; бодрствуй и молись, ибо ты не знаешь ни дня, ни времени». час!' Я не ослушался небесного предостережения, и с тех пор пышность и суета мира были прахом под моими ногами». Это был не первый раз, когда доктор слышал, как Затворник говорил о своих странных мнениях; но, хотя он всегда был готов признаться в них и распространяться о них, когда другие были готовы его слушать, он неизменно проявлял нежелание упоминать о себе или о случаях из своей жизни. Всякий раз, когда до сих пор, как иногда случалось, любопытство его слушателей вело разговор в этом направлении, он неизменно уклонялся от всех намеков и отклонял все вопросы. Но его настроение сегодня казалось другим. Элмер был другом, которого Холден высоко ценил, и поэтому он мог более свободно говорить в его присутствии; но этого недостаточно, чтобы объяснить падение его резерва. Мы не знаем другого объяснения, кроме того, что бывают времена, когда сердце каждого открывается и жаждет излить себя, и это было одно из таких объяснений , разомкнувших уста Одинокого. — Давно ли прошло это откровение? — спросил доктор. «Слишком долго, — сказал Холден, — я блуждал по путям греха и в забвении моего Бога, и моя юность прошла впустую в том, что не удовлетворяет и не приносит пользы . возмутился против Господа. Тогда благоугодно было Ему (да будет святое имя Его) извергнуть меня в ступе страданий и раздавить меня между верхним и нижним жерновом. Но я не внял, и, как Навуходоносор, мой ум постоянно ожесточался от гордыни, тогда как царь Вавилонский был изгнан от сынов человеческих, и сердце его уподобилось звериному, и жил он с дикими ослами, и они кормили его травою, как волов, и тело его было мокро от небесной росы, так и гнал меня Дух в шатры диких людей лесных и степных, и я жил с ними много дней, но Он не всегда упрекает, и не хранит гнева Своего вовеки: в свое время Он вырвал меня из огненной печи и повелел мне здесь ожидать Его спасения; и вот, годы, долгие годы я искал Его обетования. О, Господи, как долго!" Вопрос доктора остался без ответа, то ли потому, что Холден забыл его в своем волнении, то ли потому, что он был неспособен дать сколько-нибудь точный отчет о течении времени. Известно, что в какой-то период своей жизни он перенес большое бедствие, поразившее его разум, В таком состоянии он, вероятно, присоединился к индейцам и провел среди них несколько лет, а затем, по частичному восстановлению разума, воспринял дикие представления, которые он исповедовал. То, что произошло в эти годы, было тайной, известной только ему самому, если, конечно, события не исчезли из его памяти. «Вы горько страдали, — сказал доктор. не от страданий, — воскликнул Холден. — Я считаю, что все, что может вынести человек, не идет ни в какое сравнение с венцом славы, ожидающим того, кто войдет в Царство. Что это за пятнышко, которое мы называем жизнью? Марк, — продолжал он, беря камешек и бросая его в воду , — это подобно пузырю, который поднимается, чтобы лопнуть, или звуку моего голоса, который замирает, как только он уходит. На это я не трачу ни одной мысли, кроме как подготовить себя к пришествию моего Господа. — Значит, вы думаете, что эта уединенная жизнь — лучшая подготовка, которую вы можете сделать для следующей? — Да, — сказал Холден, — я не работаю. моя собственная воля. Может ли глина сказать горшечнику : что ты делаешь? Вот, я в руке Того, кто мудрее и могущественнее меня. И он не оставил меня без обязанностей. Я вопиющий в пустыне, и хотя люди не внимают, но верный свидетель должен взывать. Мне нужно выполнить работу, и как стеснена моя душа, пока она не будет выполнена? Разве ты сам не видишь в сегодняшнем происшествии причину, по которой одиночка находится на своем одиноком острове? Если бы он любил многолюдные притоны людей, возможно, погиб бы кто-то из его ближних». Намек на происшествие утра привлек внимание доктора к той цели, ради которой он вышел из комнаты и о которой он забыл в слушая разговор энтузиаста. Теперь он перевел разговор на тему раны и услышал рассказ Холдена . о ружье, которое Холден поднял и только что выстрелил, что ранение было случайным и вызвано охотничьим ружьем молодого человека Убедившись в этом, доктор со своим спутником снова вошли в Это было только для того, чтобы дать несколько прощальных указаний Бернару, повелеть своему пациенту успокоиться и проститься с ним, что он и сделал, говоря словами своего фаворита: «Прощай! Стихии будут добры к тебе и сделают твой дух полным утешения». ГЛАВА III. Ici il fallut que j'en divinasse plus qu'on ne m'en disoit. MEMOIRES DE SULLY. Через неделю после событий, рассказанных в предыдущем отделений, в гостиной одного из домов Хиллсдейла собралась небольшая компания , состоящая из джентльмена лет пятидесяти, его жены, красивой матроны, на несколько лет моложе его, и их дочери, яркой голубоглазая светловолосая девушка, обретающая изящнейшую женственность , и молодой человек, который нам не совсем чужой . оказался прав, и на второй день после ранения он вернулся в деревню со своим другом Уильямом Бернардом, в доме отца которого он в настоящее время проживал . Паунэл, не испытывая никакого отвращения , принял приглашение покинуть на время свой пансион ради гостеприимства своего друга. Быть может, на его решение несколько повлияло воспоминание о голубых глазах мисс Бернар и о приятном впечатлении, которое они произвели на него с первого знакомства. Как бы то ни было, несомненно, что, хотя он и был несколько бледнее обыкновенного, он казался вполне довольным своим состоянием. Был вечер, и были зажжены свечи, а мистер Бернар, или, как его чаще звали, или, по правде говоря, почти повсеместно называли его, судья Бернар, будучи одним из судей Верховного суда, сидел в подлокотнике -кресло, чтение газеты; Миссис Бернар была занята своим вязанием; молодая леди занималась одним из тех предметов рукоделия, которые в те дни редко выходили из-под женских рук, и Паунэл смотрел на нее изо всех сил и слушал случайные заметки, прочитанные судьей из его газеты. — Вы произвели настоящий фурор в нашем маленьком сообществе, Томас, — сказал судья, одновременно откладывая очки и газету. «Мистер Петерс и сплетники должны быть бесконечно признательны вам за то, что вы нанесли себе рану и предоставили ему возможность проявить свой изобретательный гений и блеск своего воображения и дали им тему для разговора. Вот, Анна, прочтите статью вслух для нашего назидания. Барышня торопливо пробежала глазами по колонке и не смогла удержаться от смеха. - Извините, папа, - сказала она, - это слишком для моих бедных нервов. Только подумайте об этом; Мистер Питерс заряжает ружье мистера Паунала шестнадцатью картечьми, сбрасывает его с пропасти двадцати футов высотой, ломает ему три ребра и делает значительный разрез в черепе. Никогда еще не было такого чудесного побега. Это слишком ужасно».
"Как газеты отдаются большим историям!" сказала миссис Бернард.
-- Осмелюсь предположить, -- воскликнула Энн, -- что редактор имеет авторитет в том, что он
говорит, потому что теперь, когда мое внимание привлечено к этому, я думаю, что
в надрезе должно быть что-то. Разве вы не заметили, мама, что мистер
Паунэл временами кружится голова?»
"Энн!" воскликнула ее мать, улыбаясь, "Мне стыдно слышать, что молодая
девушка трещит на такой."
«Я не знаю, чтобы быть более легкомысленным, чем обычно, — сказал Паунэл, —
но я уверен, что никто не может быть в обществе мисс Бернард и не быть
беззаботным».
«Очень красиво сказано! Мистер Томас Паунэл тренирует свое остроумие на
деревенской девушке, чтобы тренироваться, когда он вернется, чтобы открыть кампанию
среди нью-йоркских дам».
-- Я слишком счастлив здесь, -- сказал Паунал тихим голосом, -- чтобы хотеть вернуться
в город.
Почти незаметный румянец залил щеки мисс Бернар. Она
оторвалась от газеты, но ее взгляд, встретив взгляд молодого
человека, мгновенно упал.
"Какие красивые речи вы говорите друг другу?" вмешался
судья. «Дорогая, не держи голову. Кровь бросает
тебе в лицо».
-- Папа, -- воскликнула его дочь, желая отвлечь внимание от себя,
-- неужели ты не нашел в газете ничего поучительного, чтобы прочитать нам? Нет ли каких-либо
сообщений о какой-либо речи?
-- Действительно, речи! Слава богу, в этой газете нет речи.
Сессия Конгресса еще не началась, а значит, словесный поток, по
сравнению с которым Ноев потоп был летним ливнем, еще
не начался. доченька, ты напоминаешь мне о
народном бедствии?»
— Чтобы искупить обиду, папа, позвольте мне сказать вам, что мистер Армстронг
и Фейт обещали прийти к нам сегодня вечером, и, судя по звуку
открывающихся ворот, я подозреваю, что они совсем рядом.
Предположение Анны подтвердилось, так как вскоре после того, как
были объявлены ожидаемые посетители и прошли обычные приветствия, все они
вскоре расселись.
Но прежде чем двигаться дальше, не лишним будет дать некоторое
описание лиц, которым суждено сыграть немаловажную роль в нашей
истории.
Мистер Армстронг был среднего возраста, обычного роста и с лицом,
которое все еще обладало большой красотой. Благородный лоб, изначально
черные волосы, но преждевременно поседевшие, большие темные глаза, прямой нос и
хорошо очерченный рот, над которым играло выражение доброжелательности,
придавали внешности исключительную привлекательность, и это доставляло бы
чистое удовольствие. смотреть на его милостивое присутствие, но для воздуха
уныния, равного страданию, которое в последнее время увеличивалось
на нем. Он редко улыбался, а когда улыбался, часто
сменялась темной тенью, как будто он чувствовал угрызения совести за то, что вторгся
в пределы веселья.
Вера сильно походила на своего отца, как по внешности, так и по
складу ума. Фигура ее была стройна, близка даже к
нежности, но без малейшего вида болезненности. Лицо ее, обыкновенно бледное
и задумчивое, иногда озарялось энтузиазмом
скорее ангельским, чем человеческим. Ее мать умерла, когда она была слишком молода,
чтобы оценить потерю, и она сосредоточила на своем отце всю ту
любовь, которая обычно разделяется между двумя родителями. И не с
чувством любви только смотрела она на него. К этому примешивалось чувство
благоговения, доходящее почти до идолопоклонства. Ни мнение, ни мысль,
ни слово, ни взгляд его не имели для нее значения. И любовь ребенка была щедро
возвращена отцом, и он гордился ею
, несмотря на свою борьбу с этим чувством как с чем-то
греховным. Мистер Армстронг или его дочь видели его
впервые после аварии на Паунале , и разговор, естественно, зашел об опасности, которой он подвергся. «Это был провиденциальный побег, — сказал мистер Армстронг. «Удивительно, как много опасностей мы встречаем, и наши побеги можно рассматривать как множество ежедневных чудес, доказывающих вмешательство контролирующего Провидения. Немногие люди не могут оглянуться назад на несколько таких в течение своей жизни». "Вы правы, мой друг," сказал судья. «Я могу вспомнить полдюжины по своему собственному опыту, и если у кого-то было меньше, то у кого-то, несомненно, больше». «Я подозреваю, что эти несчастные случаи в девяти случаях из десяти являются следствием нашей собственной небрежности», — сказал Паунал. "Во всяком случае, я уверен, что это была моя небрежность, которая вызвала мою." -- Вы говорите так, как будто этого можно было избежать, -- сказал мистер Армстронг. "Конечно. Вы так не думаете?" -- Я в этом не уверен, -- сказал мистер Армстронг. «Кажется, существует цепь, которая связывает события в неизбежный союз. Сама небрежность, в которой вы себя обвиняете, может быть средством, преднамеренно используемым для достижения важных событий». «Это принесло мне очень приятные события», - сказал Паунал. «Я только боюсь, что из-за расточительной заботы у меня возникнет искушение слишком много думать о себе». "Значит, это разбросало вокруг удовольствие," ласково сказала миссис Бернар. "Да," сказал судья; «любое внимание, которое мы можем оказать, с лихвой окупается удовольствием, которое доставляет присутствие мистера Паунала. Если он когда-нибудь будет думать о себе выше, чем мы, он будет очень тщеславным человеком». Молодой человек мог только поклониться и с довольной физиономией отблагодарить их за доброту. «Ваше приключение было также способом, — сказал мистер Армстронг, — познакомить вас с нашим отшельником. Разве вы не нашли в нем интересного человека?» "Более чем интересно," ответил Pownal. «С того момента, как он взял меня на руки, как будто я была ребенком, и со всей нежностью матери, я почувствовала к нему странное влечение. Я всегда буду с удовольствием вспоминать два дня, которые я провела в его каюте, и намерен развивать его знакомство, если он позволит мне ". «Это явно утонченный и образованный человек, — сказал Армстронг, — который по своим собственным причинам принял свой своеобразный образ жизни . чем больше я его узнаю, тем больше он мне нравится. Он и Фейт большие друзья». — Я высоко ценю его дружбу и рада, что он произвел на вас столь благоприятное впечатление, мистер Паунэл, — сказала Фейт. «Я верю, — воскликнула Анна, — вера не могла бы почитать его больше, если бы он был одним из древних пророков». -- Если не пророк, -- сказала Фейт, -- то, по крайней мере, благородный и хороший человек, а это -- высшее звание, заслуживающее уважения . видеть тебя." "Мой хранитель был здесь несколько раз, чтобы навести справки о моем здоровье," ответил Pownal. — Он был здесь сегодня утром. «И проповедовать о королевстве», — сказал судья Бернард. «Какое странное увлечение каждый день искать конец света». «Он ошибается в толковании пророчеств, — сказал мистер Армстронг, — когда находит в них предсказания скорого уничтожения мира , но ошибается ли он в личном применении? Кто знает, когда его вызовут к судье ? «Молодость, здоровье и сила не дают иммунитета против смерти». «Но какой мрак навевает на жизнь это ежедневное ожидание события, которое самые мудрые и самые стойкие сердцем не могут созерцать без трепета », — сказал судья. "Не в его случае," ответил Армстронг. «Наоборот, я доволен, что он приветствовал бы это песней благодарения, и я думаю, что заметил, что он иногда не терпит задержки». — Хорошо, что его представления — всего лишь безумные фантазии, такие же абсурдные, как и его борода. У него очень языческий вид, — сказала миссис Бернард. «Попробуйте, моя дорогая, — воскликнул судья, — весь вкус. Я сам очень хочу носить бороду. Было бы невероятным утешением отказаться от бритвы холодным зимним утром, не говоря уже об украшениях» . ... И теперь, когда я думаю об этом, сезон только начинается». «Вы бы выглядели как медведь, мистер Бернард», — сказала его жена. "Это было бы слишком похоже на подражание старым пуританам для вас, судья," сказала Фейт. -- Вы, по крайней мере, мой маленький пуританин, -- воскликнул судья, -- не станете возражать. Но не воображайте, что, избегая Сциллы, я _должен_ наткнуться на Харибду. Будьте уверены, я не буду подражать аккуратным усам и остроконечным подбородкам этих старых франтов. , Уинтроп и Эндикотт. Я предпочитаю плавный стиль Уиклифа и Кранмера». «Тогда у нас будет два Холдена, — воскликнула миссис Бернард, — а это будет больше, чем может выдержать наша маленькая деревня». «Фантастический папаша с оппозиционной бородой против мистера Холдена!» сказала Энн. Идея была достаточно смехотворной, чтобы вызвать всеобщий смех, и даже Армстронг улыбнулся. "Я счастливый человек," сказал судья; «Я не только веселый, но и причина веселья в других. Какой луч света — улыбка, какая слава, как восход солнца, — смех!» "Это будет делать, судья Бернар, это будет делать," сказала его жена; «Не пытайтесь снова, потому что вы не можете прыгнуть так высоко дважды». «Тут, тет, Мэри, что ты знаешь о высшей поэтике? Я бросаю тебе вызов, чтобы ты нашла такую возвышенность ни у Мильтона, ни у Данте». "Я могу легко поверить в это," сказала миссис Бернар. В этот момент в комнату вошли еще несколько посетителей, разговор принял другой оборот; а мистер Армстронг и его дочь, пробыв еще немного времени, простились и вернулись домой. Проследим за уходящим посетителем. По возвращении мистер Армстронг устало опустился на сиденье . «Подойди, Вера, — сказал он, — сядь рядом со мной и возьми меня за руку. В этот вечер я думал о бесчувственности мира к их состоянию. Как немногие видят пропасть, на краю которой они стоят!» Дочь его, привыкшая к этим мрачным размышлениям, наклонилась и, поднеся его руку к своим губам, поцеловала ее, ничего не сказав , зная, что он скоро объяснится яснее. -- Что мудрее, -- продолжал Армстронг, -- бездумное легкомыслие судьи Бернара или печальная настороженность Холдена? «Я не вправе судить, дорогой отец, но если они оба действуют в соответствии со своими убеждениями о справедливости, разве они не выполняют свой долг?» — Вы задаете трудный вопрос. Конечно, люди должны поступать в соответствии со своими представлениями о справедливости, но пусть они остерегаются того, как они их получают и что они из себя представляют. И все же, можно ли выбирать свои идеи? Эти вещи озадачивают меня? «Что еще мы можем сделать, — спросила его дочь, — кроме как жить тем светом, который у нас есть? Конечно, я не могу нести ответственность за свое невольное невежество». «В какой мере мы можем быть причиной того невежества, которое называем невольным, определить невозможно. суд. Мы страшно сделаны ". «Зачем утруждать себя, дражайший отец, размышлениями на эту тему? Наш Создатель знает нашу слабость и простит наши немощи». «Я являюсь иллюстрацией предмета нашего разговора», — продолжал Армстронг после паузы в несколько минут, в течение которых он продолжал размышлять, положив голову на руку. «Я знаю , что не стал бы по своей воле осуждать другого — ибо кто уполномочил меня выносить приговор? Но эти мысли вторглись бы в мой разум; и как я говорил о нашем добром и прекрасном соседе ! который я должен изо всех сил исправить». Мы сообщаем лишь часть разговора, чтобы дать представление о состоянии ума мистера Армстронга в то время. В тот вечер на обычных семейных молитвах он горячо молился о прощении своей ошибки, неоднократно упрекая себя в самонадеянности и немилосердии и умоляя не быть предоставленным его собственным тщетным мечтам. ГЛАВА IV. О! Я мог бы шептать тебе сказку, Это, несомненно, тронуло бы твою жалость, Но что толку в праздных словах, Если бы сердце не могло говорить свою любовь? Рассказать эту сказку мое перо было слабо, Мой язык свою должность тоже отрицает, Тогда отметьте ее на моей переменчивой щеке И прочтите ее в моих томных глазах. АНОНИМНЫЙ. По прошествии двух недель Паунэл не мог найти предлога, чтобы удовлетворить даже самого себя и остаться подольше у судьи Бернарда. Визит действительно доставил большое удовольствие, и он с радостью воспользовался бы настойчивым приглашением хозяина продлить его, если бы нашел для этого какую-либо причину. Легко бы он оценил и радостно приветствовал еще одну рану, подобную той, от которой он выздоравливал, если бы удовольствие было куплено таким образом. Правда в том, что через несколько дней он ощутил чувство , о котором никогда раньше не подозревал, и именно это чувство заставило его так неохотно уходить. И все же, когда в тишине своей комнаты, вдали от голубых глаз Анны Бернар, он размышлял о своем положении, он был вынужден со вздохом сознаться, что благоразумие требует, чтобы он покинул общество столь опасное, как оно . было мило. Быть с ней в одном доме, дышать одним воздухом, читать одни книги, слышать ее голос было роскошью, отказаться от которой было трудно, но по мере трудности была и необходимость. Кроме того, он не мог отделаться от мысли, что молодой Бернар, хотя и не холодный, вряд ли стал таким сердечным, как прежде, и что он с удовлетворением воспримет разлуку с сестрой. У него также не было оснований предполагать, что она смотрела на него с иными чувствами, чем те, которые она питала к любому другому знакомому, стоящему с ней в таком же отношении, как и он сам. Кроме обычных комплиментов и небольших знаков внимания, допускаемых нравами того времени, между ними не было ничего, и хотя он был уверен, что не вызывает отвращения, он также знал, что она никогда не выказывала к нему никакого пристрастия. Между тем его собственные чувства становились заинтересованными, неподвластными, может быть, власти, и поэтому, чем скорее он отвыкнет от восхитительного очарования, тем лучше для его душевного спокойствия. Томас Паунэл был сравнительно чужим в этом районе, всего два или три месяца прошло с тех пор, как коммерческая фирма Бладгуд, Паунал и Ко из Нью-Йорка послала его возглавить филиал их бизнеса в Хиллсдейле. . Даже за этот короткий промежуток времени благодаря своим приветливым манерам и вниманию к делу он завоевал уважение и почтение добрых горожан и считался человеком, способным преуспеть в жизненной лотерее. Никто не был так желан, благодаря его дружелюбному характеру, для сверстников, в то время как его постоянство рекомендовало его старшим. Но его семья была неизвестна, хотя он, как предполагалось, был дальним родственником второго члена фирмы, и у него не было никаких видимых средств к существованию, кроме очень приличного жалованья, которое он, как конфиденциальный клерк, получал от своих работодателей. от которых зависели его шансы на успех. Таким образом, пропасть между единственной дочерью богатого мистера Бернара и им самим была широка — достаточно широка, чтобы сдерживать даже самонадеянное доверие. Но чувствовать такое было не в характере Паунала. Он чувствовал всю силу трудностей, с которыми ему пришлось столкнуться; его скромности они казались непреодолимыми, и он решил изгнать из своего сердца чувство , которому он в унынии своем укорял себя за то, что позволил найти себе там место. На составление резолюции у него ушло несколько дней, и после того, как она была составлена, было нелегко привести ее в действие. Не раз он был готов отблагодарить за оказанную ему милость и заявить о своем намерении уйти, но, казалось, достаточно было самого пустяка, чтобы отвлечь его от цели. Если бы мистер Бернар говорил об удовольствии, которое он получил от своего общества, если бы миссис Бернар заявила, что будет скучать по нему, когда он уйдет; или если на сияющем лице Анны появилось выражение благодарности за то, что он читал вслух, все это было столько просьб отсрочить его отъезд. Вероломное сердце охотно слушалось обольщения, как бы суд ни осуждал его. Но, как мы видели, наступило время, когда голос благоразумия уже нельзя было заглушить, и ему, как бы противно это ни было, нужно было повиноваться. Поэтому однажды утром за завтраком он воспользовался случаем объявить о своем намерении уйти. «Если бы я был сыном, — сказал он в заключение, — вы не могли бы проявить ко мне большей доброты, и я никогда этого не забуду». "Что-что!" — воскликнул судья. — Я не уверен, что самострел является правонарушением, подлежащим освобождению под залог, и мне придется обратиться к властям , прежде чем я отпущу вас из-под стражи, мастер Томас. — Подумать только, — сказала миссис Бернард, — что не прошло и недели, как вы приехали, а мы все были так счастливы. Я заявляю, мистер Паунэл, что не смогу обойтись без вас. "Самые дорогие друзья должны расстаться - но мы всегда будем рады видеть вас, Том," сказал Уильям Бернард. "Я не вижу необходимости в вашем уходе," сказал судья. «Наш дом достаточно велик для всех; ваши атаки за столом еще не очень грозны, и я не научил вас в совершенстве играть на висте. Не лучше ли заменить решение curia vult avisare ? Вам нечего сказать? Это ваша благодарность за все мученичества Фомы за чтение не знаю какой невообразимой чепухи, за хранение мотков шелка, размотать которые труднее, чем за лабиринт, по которому нить Ариадны вел женская беспечность предпочла упасть на ковер, и стойкость ко всем легионам неприятностей, которыми юные леди с удовольствием докучают молодым джентльменам? Разве вы не поддерживаете свою мать и меня? Одно ваше слово должно стоить тысячи наших старых близкие." - Мистер Паунэл тоже должен мне немного поблагодарить, отец, - сказала Энн, - за терпение и достижения, которым я его научила. Но он наверняка знает, какое удовольствие доставляет всем в этом доме его присутствие. Нам будет его очень не хватать. а не так ли, Бо?" - обращаясь к маленькому спаниелю , который, когда с ним заговорили, сел на задние лапы, чтобы просить завтрак. - Я уже несколько раз пытался сказать это раньше, - сказал Паунэл, несколько задетый и чувствуя сильное желание вышвырнуть невинную дворняжку из комнаты, - но так и не смог набраться достаточного мужества. А теперь, если моя благодарность кажутся холодными, как я боюсь, что они делают с мисс Бернард, я уверяю ее, что это не вина моего сердца, а мой язык. "Сердца и языки!" — воскликнул судья. — Первые относятся к женскому отделу, вторые — к моему. Однако мне кажется, что я знаю кое-что и о сердцах, и ваше, Томас, я уверен, достаточное подтверждение ваших слов. «Вы очень добры, сэр, — сказал Паунэл, — и я могу только пожелать, чтобы все разделили ваше незаслуженное пристрастие». Анне было досадно на себя за то, что она говорила так пустяково. Холодная вежливость речи ее брата тоже не ускользнула от ее внимания. Теперь ей казалось, что она была беспричинно груба. Поэтому она поспешила исправить ошибку. -- Мистер Паунел ошибается, -- сказала она, -- если он думает, что я не обращаю внимания на те приятные часы, которые его доставил нам несчастный случай . , в тот самый пустяк, который она осудила, «если бы я не вспомнила с живым волнением его умение держать шелк и пряжу». «Ну, когда вам понадобится катушка, пошлите за мной, — сказал Паунэл, — и я буду только рад прийти». -- Смотри, милый мой, -- сказал судья, -- она и тебя не заводит. "Я должен быть слишком счастлив--" начал Pownal. "Как стыдно, отец," воскликнула Энн, смеясь, и вставая из-за стола. — Молодые люди совсем избаловали вас в последнее время. Прощайте, вы допили последнюю чашку кофе и больше не нуждаетесь во мне. Сказав так , она поспешила из комнаты. Расставание произошло с обоюдным сожалением, и не без многих требовавшихся от молодого человека обещаний, что он будет часто навещать семью. Его квартирная хозяйка, миссис Браун, как обычно, улыбалась, приветствовала и поздравляла его с возвращением; несмотря ни на что, с чувством одиночества, доходящим почти до безысходности, ее жилец снова поселился в своих покоях. Казалось , что он уходит из золотого солнца в мрачную пещеру. Возможно ли , чтобы две короткие недели произвели в нем такую большую перемену? Когда он задумался о причине, сознательный румянец раскрыл ее природу. -- Нет, -- сказал он вслух, расхаживая взад и вперед по комнате, -- это глупость и безумие. Для меня, скромного приказчика, связывать себя, хотя бы в воображении, с ней! Что я могу ей предложить ? "Или что еще в перспективе? Я плыл в облаках, и мой рваный шар упал на землю - я видел сон. Как сладок был сон! Но теперь я проснулся и никогда не подставлю себя перед унижение ----. Я был глуп. Нет, не так; ибо, кто мог бы войти в диапазон таких чар и не быть очарованным? Но что, в конце концов, они для меня? Я буду сопротивляться этой слабости , и научитесь относиться к ней только как к любой другой ценной знакомой, ибо, увы! она никогда не может быть больше ". В таких бессвязных выражениях бедняга Паунал дал волю взволновавшим его эмоциям . Это было бы некоторым утешением, если бы он знал, что говорили у Бернаров, когда семья собиралась вечером за столом. Миссис Бернард не раз намекала на брешь, которую его отсутствие произвело в их узком кругу; и судья, в своей шутливой манере, пожелал, чтобы кто-нибудь снова застрелил его, если это может быть средством вернуть его. Даже Энн выразила сожаление по поводу его утраты, поскольку его общество доставляло такое удовольствие ее родителям. ГЛАВА V. «Рощи посвежели, когда он взглянул, и цветы Ярко блестели на скалистом берегу, И фонтаны били под беседками, Где пили олени и фазаны; Он видел сверкающие ручьи, он слышал шелест ветвей и щебетание птиц». БРАЙАНТ. Разум Оквамехуда сосредоточился на его встрече с Холденом. Во сне или наяву образ последнего преследовал его. Но видение появлялось не всегда в образе Отшельника. Чаще он принимал форму молодого человека в одежде западного охотника с ружьем в руке. Затем встали, в связи с ним, бескрайние леса, через которые бесшумно крадется олень, и был слышен визг катамаунта. А потом он снова поохотился, и когда он подошел к подстреленной дичи, подошел Холден и объявил ее своей ; или он был на тропе войны, наткнулся на бревно и упал; и когда он попытался подняться, бревно превратилось в Холдена, который схватил его в смертельной схватке, - где бы он ни был и куда бы ни обращал свой взор, там был молодой человек, который казался существующим, но в то же время его не было. Холдена, и преследует его, как тень. По мере того как эти фантазии все больше и больше овладевали умом индейца, он начал воображать себя жертвой какого-то заклинания, причиной которого он, естественно, считал Отшельника; и, наконец, из-за постоянных размышлений об этом предмете его покинули и аппетит, и сон. Его капризность наконец привлекла внимание Пены. Окуамехуд лежал на полу ее хижины, подперев голову рукой, и некоторое время смотрел в огонь. Простая полуденная еда была едва отведана, и то в тишине. «Неужели руки Пены, — сказала она, — забыли, как приготовить ему еду, что глаза моего брата с неудовольствием отворачиваются от нее?» «Руки моей сестры не потеряли своего мастерства, но Оквамехуд не голоден». «Окуамехуд — воин, а Пена — всего лишь слабая женщина, и он не рассердится», — нерешительно добавила она. Индеец с достоинством махнул рукой, словно приглашая ее продолжить . «Окуамехуд видит сердце своей сестры, и он знает, что оно любит его, ибо он брат Хуттамоидена. Почему он закрывает от нее лицо свое и скрывает свое горе ? руку ему на плечо и ласково глядя ему в лицо, "послушать его голос?" Он повернулся к ней и помолчал, прежде чем сказать: «Камень на пути Оквамехуда очень мал, и не повредит его ногам». «Тогда Пена попытается убрать его. У нее есть сила, чтобы двигать маленькие камни». Она умолкла и продолжала смотреть на него, не прибавляя ни слова, как будто сказала достаточно и ждала ответа. «Почему Окуамехуд должен говорить?» сказал он, наконец; " дыхание Длиннобородого сдует его слова. На лице скво отразилось безучастное выражение, как будто она не смогла понять , что он имеет в виду. «Слова моего брата темны, — сказала она. Длиннобородый вернул дух детеныша Хуттамоидена из счастливых охотничьих угодий, и поэтому лицо Пены не поворачивается к нему, как подсолнух к солнцу ? , а Длинная Борода любит своих рыжих собратьев». « Что! Yenghese любит индийца? Да, как дикая кошка любит оленя, когда тот сосет его кровь, как вода любит огонь, который она гасит. Губы Пены говорят глупости». «Если Пена благодарна Длинной Бороде, почему это должно злить ее брата? Если бы он заглянул ей в сердце, то увидел бы свое лицо, как в ясном ручье».
взгляды женщины. Мгновенная ярость исчезла с
лица индейца, его место заняло более мягкое выражение, и
он мягко сказал:
«Пена услышит. Она подобна камню, который, когда к нему обращаются, не повторяет
ничего . что говорится, а не как ручей, который поет праздную песню. Мои
слова дойдут до ее ушей, но они не сойдут на ее язык.
Послушайте! Маниту смутил мои мысли и послал птицу, чтобы сказать
мне, что руки Длиннобородого покраснели от крови моих
братьев».
"Это была лживая птица," яростно воскликнула она; "Это была сова, которая
кричала неправду из темноты. Когда Длиннобородый поднял топор
против моего племени?"
«Голос был подобен голосу водопада», — продолжил он. «Он говорил
невнятно, и я понял только половину».
«Почему бы Окуамехуду не поговорить с Длиннобородым? Слова каждого
будут приятны для другого, и они научатся иметь одно сердце».
«Хорошо, — сказал индеец, — Пена — мудрая женщина, и Окуамехуд
будет говорить с белым человеком».
Достаточно было только предложения скво, чтобы привести в действие
резолюцию, уже принятую более чем наполовину.
Индеец поднялся и, подойдя к реке, которая находилась всего в дюжине
удочек от хижины, отвязал лодку и, направив ее
вверх по течению, через несколько мгновений скрылся из ее поля зрения.
Появление Оквамехуда не выказывало враждебности, когда он предстал
перед отшельником, которого он застал плетущим корзины перед
своей хижиной, и его визит, похоже, не удивил последнего. На
мгновение индеец взглянул с презрением на работу, которой его
дикое образование научило его, которая подходит только для женщин; но подавив
выражение чувства, которое могло бы помешать его
цели, с тихим достоинством, и, как будто в ответ на мановение
руки Холдена, он сел на большой камень рядом с ним. Некоторое
время он молчал, то ли из уважения к старости
другого, то ли потому, что хотел собраться с мыслями,
прежде чем начать разговор. Однако, обнаружив, что он не может получить
от Одинокого больше признаков признания, он заговорил на своем
языке.
«У моего брата большое сердце. Он делает подарки для красивых
женщин своей страны».
— Индеец, — ответил Холден, — не думай меня обмануть. В данный момент
ты считаешь это занятие неподходящим для мужчины.
«У моего брата очень длинные глаза. Они видят дятла на
гнилом дереве за рекой, но не доходят сюда», — кладя
руку ему на грудь. «Хозяин Неба не любит видеть
вещи одинаковыми. Поэтому Он сделал лист дуба отличным от
листа гикори, и сосну от того и другого, а также белую расу
от красной. И по той же причине он научил белого человека
строить большие хижины из дерева, кирпича и камня и плавать по воде
в больших каноэ с крыльями; а краснокожему человеку он дал леса
и прерии, с оленями, медведями и буйвола, и заставил
его жить в очень маленьких шалашах, сделанных из коры. Так же он
научил моего белого брата плести красивые корзины, но отказал в этом
искусстве сыну моего отца».
Индеец, должно быть, решил, что серьезно оскорбил своего нового
знакомого, раз убедил его столь искусно попытаться отвести
свои подозрения. Как бы то ни было, Одиночка возобновил
разговор, словно не чувствуя обиды.
«В твоей речи есть мудрость. Великий Дух любит разнообразие, и
именно он делает людей разными. Но было время, много лун
назад, когда твои предки строили большие дома, жили в городах и
плавали по морям. на крылатых каноэ».
Индеец бросил быстрый, острый взгляд на Одинокого, как будто желая
прочесть его душу. На мгновение он выглядел так, как будто сомневался в
показаниях своих чувств. Но, обретя самообладание, он сказал:
«Мысли моего брата очень высоки, и голос его подобен шуму
сильного ветра».
«Ты не понимаешь меня. Знай же, индеец, что бесчисленное количество лет
назад жили далеко к восходящему солнцу двенадцать племен, называемых
«Детьми Израиля», которых очень любил Хозяин Жизни. И у них
были мудрые и храбрые сахемы. , который вел их на битву, и их ноги
были красны от крови их врагов.Но они стали нечестивыми и
не слушали слов Великого Духа, и Он отвратил
свое лицо от них.И напали враги их на их, и
ограбили их, и изгнали их из земли. Два колена все еще
остаются возле восходящего солнца, но десять ушли далеко в далекие
страны, и они твои отцы ».
Индеец слушал с большим вниманием, а когда тот сделал паузу,
сказал:
«Рассказывал ли маниту обо всем этом моему брату?» -- Нет ,
индеец, Великий Дух говорит со своим народом не так, как когда
мир был молод. меня к этой истине, и твои ноги устанут идти по ней». «Мой брат мудр и не может лгать, а я ребенок. Мои уши впитывают его слова. У моего брата длинные ноги, и он был великим путешественником. красный человек?" — Индеец, я никогда не был ближе к восходящему солнцу, чем ты. Но расскажи мне о цели своего визита. Почему ты ищешь меня сейчас, когда всего несколько дней с тех пор, как ты упрекнул скво за ее готовность услужить мне? «Уста Оквамехуда говорили глупость. Он не знал тогда, что этот брат разговаривал с Хозяином Жизни, даровавшим ему жизнь ребенка Хуттамейдена. В этих венах течет кровь Хуттамейдена». Объяснение было совершенно естественным, и любое подозрение, возникшее в голове Холдена, исчезло. Казалось неудивительным, что индеец, который также, произнеся свое имя, провозгласил себя пекотом , пожелал завязать знакомство с тем, кто оказался другом своего племени и, вероятно, вложил в свое воображение качества «великого лекарства». Но, хотя в пылкой фантазии Холдена выздоровление мальчика казалось чудом, и он не мог не связывать с этим свои молитвы, тем не менее он боялся прямо заявить о такой великой силе, которую приписывал ему индеец . «Вопросы жизни и смерти находятся в ведении Великого Духа», — сказал он. «По своей воле он дышит нам в ноздри, и мы живем; или он отворачивает лицо свое, и мы умираем. Пусть мой брат не слишком доверяет червю». Хитрый индеец, по изменившемуся тону и манере собеседника, понял свое преимущество и не замедлил им воспользоваться. «Поскольку мой белый брат любил своих красных собратьев, он искал их в их хижинах, и там они научили его своему языку. Поэтому, когда мальчик уходил в счастливые охотничьи угодья, мой брат вспомнил их доброту и взял ребенка за руку. , и не отпустил бы его ». Лицо Одиночки выражало эмоции, пока другой говорил. "Если бы я мог объяснить," сказал он. «Но ты не в состоянии понять. Как ты можешь знать христианское сердце?» «Сердце Оквамехуда принадлежит мужчине». «Да, но дикарь не знает и презирает прощение. Я был величавой сосной, чьи ветви смешались с облаками, и птицы прилетели и устроились в ней . его гордость и слава рухнули на землю. И он сгорел, все, кроме этого проклятого ствола ». Он произнес это с диким исступлением и как бы едва замечая присутствие другого . «Разве молния падает с ясного неба?» сказал индеец, после паузы. «Прошло много времени с тех пор, как черная туча нависла над древними охотничьими угодьями пекотов». «Там, где ручьи бегут к заходящему солнцу, ударила молния. Почему это был не я вместо тех, кто мне дороже жизни?» «Птица воспела Оквамехуду, что земля прекрасна, и охотник только протягивает руку, чтобы найти что-нибудь, чтобы отведать бульон и прикрыть свои ноги». «Это земля ручьев, гор и лесов, и оленей и медведей все еще много. Когда Творец создал ее, он улыбнулся и сказал, что это хорошо; и там, как в ваших легендарных охотничьих угодьях, могут люди блаженны, но за свои страсти». «Красный человек любит своего друга и ненавидит своего врага». «Ненавидеть — это дьявольское чувство. Оно исходит не от Доброго Духа». Окуамехуд встал и встал перед Холденом. Его дерзкому и свирепому нраву казалось , что он не может без трусости выслушать оскорбления и не оправдать принцип, внушенный ему с юности и составлявший священную часть его веры. Когда он встал, одеяло изящными складками упало с его плеч на его тело, и он протянул руку, чтобы привлечь внимание. "Слушай," сказал он; "Язык Оквамехуда один: он будет говорить правду . Потому что Великий Дух любил своих детей, он заставил их любить и ненавидеть, и и то, и другое приятно. Южный ветер сладок, когда приходит весной, чтобы рассказать о той зиме прошло, и голодному индейцу больше не нужно дрожать у костра; и сладки поцелуи Вуллоганы с Оквамехудом, и дороги голоса его малышей, когда они встречают его с охоты, но слаще вздохов ветра весны, или ласки Вуллогана, или смех его детей, это для того, чтобы поразить врага. Его плоть хороша, ибо она укрепляет красное сердце. Волк никогда не станет ягненком, а волк - тотем моего клан. Оквамехуд сказал». Невозможно описать противоречивые эмоции Холдена во время этой дикой речи. Каковы бы ни были дикие происшествия его юности, каковы бы ни были его обиды и страдания, время давно миновало , и он полагал, что все бурные страсти побеждены, а сердце его приговорено к покорности и покорности. Сначала он с нескрываемым ужасом слушал заявление индейца, но по мере того, как дикарь продолжал, слова становились все более и более неясными, пока не теряли всякий смысл или превращались в другие звуки и, как во сне, заставляли его мысли. Весь разговор и сам язык, на котором они говорили, способствовали возникновению такого состояния ума. Потерянный для всех вокруг, его душа была далеко. Он увидел хижину у горного потока, затененную огромными деревьями. Было лето, и птицы пели на ветвях. Дверь каюты открылась, и вышла молодая и красивая белая женщина, держащая за руку ребенка. Внезапно наступила ночь, и хижина загорелась, и он услышал крики дикарей и увидел их, похожих на множество демонов, танцующих вокруг пламени ; затем тишина, все снова стихло, и тьма нависла над местом, освещенным лишь мерцающей головней. Грудь Холдена конвульсивно вздымалась, и его мозг закружился. Индеец жадно следил за его изменяющимся выражением лица, словно наслаждаясь своей агонией. Ни один вздох, ни одно выражение лица не ускользнуло от его внимания. Он видел, как глаза Одинокого вспыхнули, потом остановились в мечтательном взгляде, как будто глядя в смутную, непостижимую даль, потом закрылись, как будто он пытался исключить какое-то ужасное зрелище. Внезапно, содрогнувшись, Холден вскочил на ноги. «Проклятые шауни, — воскликнул он. «Они совершили это дело. Но за каждую каплю крови, которую они прольют, потечет река. Собака!» и он схватил индейца с силой, которой безумие придало дополнительную силу, и повалил его на землю: «Ты впервые предан в мою руку». Он пошатнулся к упавшему, остановился, посмотрел на него и с диким криком бросился в избу. Индеец, который сразу же поднялся после падения и стоял, скрестив руки на груди, наблюдая за его движениями, медленно укрылся своим беспорядочным одеялом и направился к каноэ. Отблеск свирепости пролился на его лице, когда он снова взялся за весло и, тихо выдохнув единственное слово «Ононтио», оттолкнулся от берега. ГЛАВА VI. Я буду преследовать до смерти этого злобного рыцаря: Ни земной низ, ни морская глубина, Ни небо, ни ад не защитят его от моей мощи: Я настигну его, возьму его, разобью его сердце. FAIRFAX' TASSO. Подозрения индейца подтвердились вне всяких сомнений. Возможно , именно голос и акцент Одинокого на его родном языке сначала привлекли его внимание и побудили его провести эксперимент, который, как мы видели, закончился. Должно быть, он имел или воображал , что у него есть причина смертельной ненависти к Холдену. Иначе объяснить его поведение невозможно. Но никакое время не может стереть воспоминание о травме из памяти североамериканского индейца. Он дорожит этим как чем-то, с чем никогда не расстается, и по его собственной оценке он почувствовал бы себя униженным, если бы простил. Месть — это центральное солнце, вокруг которого вращается его дух; и для удовлетворения этого чувства никакие трудности не являются слишком серьезными. Для этой цели он с безошибочным чутьем будет пересекать бездорожные леса на сотни миль, переплывать широкие реки, взбираться на высокие горы, спать безропотно на голой земле, подвергаясь всем превратностям жары и холода, поддерживая себя за охоты и рыбной ловли, и поддерживается во всем его мстительной страстью и славой, которую он связывает с ее удовлетворением. Можно было ожидать , что доброта, проявленная Холденом к своей сестре и ее сыну, и почтение, с которым она относилась к нему, должны были повлиять на Окуамехуда; но они не имели такого эффекта. Доброте он приписывал зловещий мотив; и, конечно же, благодарность Пены была неуместна. Поэтому с дьявольской радостью, не смешанной с опасениями, он размышлял о средствах для достижения своей цели. Он не осмелился сообщить об этом Пене. Он слишком хорошо понимал ее мягкую натуру, чтобы предположить, что она при любых обстоятельствах могла бы сочувствовать ему, хотя и не чувствовала себя чем-то обязанной Холдену; кроме того, он не доверял ей, как отрекшейся от веры своих отцов. Ибо, хотя он и не был христианином в собственном значении этого слова, сладостное и очищающее влияние христианства не было полностью отброшено на Пену. У нее было много друзей в соседней деревне, которых привлекала ее мягкий нрав и скромность, среди которых выделялась Фейт Армстронг. Поэтому, когда она приезжала в деревню, что нередко случалось, для того, чтобы продать ягоды, которые она собрала в поле, или красивые корзины, окрашенные в такие живые цвета, которые простые искусные индейцы умели извлекать из корней и кора деревьев, редко случалось, чтобы она возвращалась, не навестив Веру. В таких случаях восторженная девушка стремилась сообщить ей о вопросах религии, которые, по ее собственному мнению, имели первостепенное значение. Пена слушала и никогда не возражала, хотя, вероятно, она мало что понимала из того, что для Фейт было ясно. Однако нельзя было не извлечь пользу из таких встреч. Никто не мог находиться в присутствии Веры, не находясь под влиянием атмосферы добра, в которой она витала. И действительно, то, что она сама получала удовольствие от присутствия Пены, доказывало благородство последней. Неудивительно, что Оквамехуд решил скрыть свое грешное намерение в собственном сердце. Поэтому, когда тихой походкой, свойственной его расе, он скользнул в ее хижину, как раз перед заходом солнца, он смахнул следы страсти со своего лба и встретил ее со спокойным и довольным видом. Притворство было настолько совершенным, что даже менее бесхитростный, чем женщина, был бы обманут. В данном случае ее забота о Холдене облегчила задачу . «Мой брат, — сказала она с довольным выражением лица, увидев его изменившийся вид, — подобен небу летом, когда не видно ни облачка». «Облако покинуло небо Оквамехуда». Это было сказано с естественным и непринужденным видом, как будто все подозрения были изгнаны из его ума; и эта тема больше не обсуждалась. Время, когда дети природы уходят отдыхать, не то, что наблюдает искусственно культивируемый человек. Для них часы света и тьмы отмечают периоды действия и отдыха. Был тогда еще ранний вечер, когда тяжелое дыхание в хижине Пены указывало на сон ее обитателей. Окуамехуд прислушался и, дождавшись, пока дыхание станет глубоким и полным, чтобы убедиться в глубине сна, сел на кушетке и осторожно огляделся. Клейма тлели в пепле тусклым мерцающим светом, но достаточным, чтобы направлять и придавать уверенность его движениям. Шагом таким бесшумным, что даже самое острое ухо не уловило бы его, он прошел через этаж, взял винтовку из угла, где она стояла, с такой же осторожностью отворил дверь и остановился на свежем воздухе. Стояла ясная, звездная ночь, и на безмятежном лоне воды сияла одна звезда крупнее и ярче остальных, словно освещая ему дорогу. Но все это было незаметно для индейца. У него не было ни глаз, ни ушей, ни чувств, кроме преступления, которое он собирался совершить. Для него не преступление, а подвиг. Медленно, взвешивая каждый шаг, словно его слушала тысяча ушей, он направился к каноэ, отвязал его и тихонько толкнул в реку. Когда он сел на свое место, его весло качнуло бесшумно, и, таким образом, суровый, как железная статуя, и почти такой же неподвижный, он поплыл дальше. И вот Окуамехуд приблизился к острову. Он остановил весло, затаил дыхание и прислушался. Не было слышно ни живого звука, ни даже крика ночной птицы; ничего, кроме мягкого течения воды у берега. Подобно орлу, кружащемуся по кругу перед тем, как наброситься на свою добычу, индеец осторожно обогнул остров . Из одного из окон, до того скрытого, он увидел свет. Держась на расстоянии, чтобы лучи не падали на него, он крался вокруг, пока не вставил хижину между собой и ее лучами. Затем, по-видимому, убедившись, что опасаться нечего, он направил каноэ к острову и медленно продвигался вперед, пока его днище не коснулось песка, после чего сел и снова прислушался. Ничего не услышав , он оставил каноэ и, пригнувшись, пополз к хижине. Дойдя до него, он приложил ухо сбоку и прислушался, и снова двинулся вперед. Продолжая так медленно, прошло некоторое время, прежде чем он оказался у окна, из которого струился свет. Не решаясь прикоснуться к деревянным доскам, словно опасаясь, что они могут сообщить о его присутствии, он почти незаметно приподнялся на краю окна, пока не увидел внутреннюю часть дома. Холден сидел на расстоянии не более шести футов, возле небольшого столика, на котором горела единственная свеча, а на коленях у него лежала большая раскрытая книга, на которую опирались его сложенные руки . Он, казалось, погрузился в размышления, глядя в огонь перед собой, к которому были вытянуты во всю длину его скрещенные ноги. Индеец скользнул рукой к замку пистолета и нажал курок. Как бы осторожно это ни было сделано, он не смог предотвратить легкий щелкающий звук, который, возможно, ударил в ухо Одинокого, потому что он повернул голову и пошевелился в кресле. Индеец подкрался к краю окна, чтобы скрыть свое лицо от всех в комнате, и остался неподвижным. В настоящее время он выдвинул голову, и принял другой вид. Одинокий занял прежнее место и погрузился в глубокие размышления. Индеец отступил на пару шагов, чтобы оставить необходимое расстояние между собой и окном, и поднял винтовку к плечу. В это мгновение и как раз когда он собирался разрядить смертоносное оружие, большая гремучая змея, привлеченная теплом или по какой-то другой причине, скользнула с противоположной стороны хижины к вытянутым конечностям Холдена, по которым она ползла, и, положив на них свое тело, он с поднятой головой, казалось, устремил свои глаза, сверкающие в свете костра, на лицо испуганного индейца. Эффект был мгновенным. Ружье чуть не выпало из его поднятых рук, холодный пот выступил из каждой поры, колени тряслись, а глаза, устремленные на змею очарованием, контролировавшим его волю, чуть не вырвались из орбит. Сохранив позу на короткое время, змея, словно взяв Холдена под свою защиту, обвилась вокруг его ног и легла, положив голову на его ботинок, глядя в огонь. Когда змея отвела свои блестящие глаза, чары, сковывающие индейца, рассеялись. Выражение глубочайшего благоговения отразилось на его лице, губы его шевелились, но не издавали ни звука, и осторожно, продвигаясь вперед, он возвращался в каноэ и вскоре был поглощен тьмой. Абстракция Холдена, должно быть, была глубокой и долгой, потому что, когда он пришел в себя, рептилия исчезла. Без его сознания оно пришло и без его сознания ушло; и когда он положил Библию, которую читал, на стол, он не знал ни опасности, которой он избежал, ни средств, которыми она была предотвращена. И пусть поведение Оквамехуда не вызывает удивления. Американский индеец, он был подвержен влиянию легенд и традиций своей расы. Среди них есть и такие, которые внушают суеверное почтение определенным животным. Медведь, например, считается некоторыми племенами своего рода родственником, и когда необходимость голода заставляет их убить его, они извиняются и умоляют его не сердиться. Гремучая змея снова является объектом большого уважения. Снабженный смертельным ядом, который делает его самым грозным из врагов, он никогда не атакует, если сначала не будет ранен, а затем, если он сможет добраться до своего врага, его месть неизбежна. На своем пути он пренебрегает укрытием, но с помощью погремушек, которые природа предоставила, чтобы объявить о его приближении, оповещает всех, чтобы они могли убраться с его пути. Действительно, он постигает в себе те качества, которые наиболее ценятся индейцами, и является типом храброго воина. Поэтому, когда в такой-то час и в таком-то месте явилась рептилия и, бросив сначала свои огненные взгляды на пекота, тихо и, как бы презирая и игнорируя опасность , ласково легла на конечности Холдена, она Изумленному индейцу показалось , что змея знала его цель, и сердито приказала ему воздержаться. Напрасно, подумал он, нападать на столь защищенного, и он не хотел навлекать на себя таинственную враждебность змеи . В чем может проявиться его сила, будь то в том, чтобы сразить его на месте, или покалечить его конечности, или лишить его успеха в охоте, или каким-либо другим ужасным образом, он не знал, но был убежден, что за неповиновением последует какое-то ужасное наказание. Поэтому он счел более благоразумным уступить на данный момент и дождаться, пока он умилостивит змею или она откажется от своей защиты. Пока это продолжалось, Ононтио был выше его сил. Не то чтобы от мести отказались; только отложили. Таковы были мысли, пронесшиеся в уме пекота, когда он испугался и потерял свою цель, и за меньшее время, чем потребовалось, чтобы записать их, когда он с поникшей головой продолжал свой одинокий путь. Даже то, что он считал вмешательством сверхъестественной силы, не поколебало решимости его духа. Желание отомстить слишком долго лелеялось, чтобы от него можно было отказаться по одному предупреждению, каким бы ужасным оно ни было и как бы сильно оно ни призывало к глубочайшим укоренившимся суевериям. ГЛАВА VII. «Arma, virumque cano qui Primus». Вирджил Сезон уже приближался к тому радостному периоду года, когда губернаторы нескольких штатов Новой Англии имели обыкновение призывать народ к публичному признанию милостей Божественного Провидения. Во времена, о которых мы пишем, их превосходительства требовали от граждан быть благодарными «по закону», и «всякий рабский труд и суетное развлечение» в означенный день были «по закону запрещены», а не, как ныне, пригласил их собраться в соответствующих церквях, чтобы объединиться в выражении благодарности своему Небесному Благодетелю. Сопровождается ли переход от приказа к приглашению или разрешению заниматься видами спорта, которые раньше были запрещены, какими-либо дурными последствиями, мы оставляем на личное суждение наших читателей. Но люди, приказанные или приглашенные, всегда встречали время праздника проповедью и молитвой, а также беспорядочным закланием всех жирных индюков и кур, которых они могли достать . Желто-малиновый кленовый лист поблек на деревьях, приняв более мрачные тона, или, упав на землю, закрученный ветром среди кучи других листьев, где его великолепие уже не привлекало внимания. От осеннего веселья остались только красные гроздья сумаха в качестве прощального подарка, чтобы встретить зиму. Давно уже слышался ворчливый крик перепела, зовущего свою прогуливающую подругу: и упрекая ее в том, что она ушла от его ревнивой стороны; малиновки либо искали более мягкий климат, либо собирались в савиновых кустах, в вечнозеленых ветвях которых они нашли приют и ягодами которых любят питаться; и маленькие школьники бродили вокруг, собирая бочонки для костров на День Благодарения. Это было прекрасное ясное утро на неделе благодарения, когда
The Lost Hunter
A Tale of Early Times
Author: John Turvill Adams
Release Date: March 11, 2005 [EBook #15328]
Language: English
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Produced by Robert Shimmin, S.R.Ellison and the Online Distributed
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THE LOST HUNTER.
A Tale of Early Times.
"And still her grey rocks tower above the sea
That murmurs at their feet, a conquered wave;
'Tis a rough land of earth, and stone, and tree,
Where breathes no castled lord or cabined slave;
Where thoughts, and tongues, and hands, are bold and free,
And friends will find a welcome, foes a grave;
And where none kneel, save when to heaven they pray,
Nor even then, unless in their own way."
HALLECK
NEW YORK:
DERBY & JACKSON, 119 NASSAU STREET.
CINCINNATI:--H.W. DERBY.
1856.
ENTERED according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by
J.C. DERBY,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for
the Southern District of New York.
W.H. TINSON, Stereotyper.
PUDNEY & RUSSELL Printers.
APOLOGY
As one might justly be considered a clown, or, at least, not well
bred, who, without tapping at the door, or making a bow, or saying "By
your leave," or some other token of respect, should burst in upon
a company of persons unknown to him, and instead of a welcome would
deserve an unceremonious invitation to betake himself elsewhere
forthwith; so, I suppose, in presenting myself before you, my
honored Public, it is no more than civil to say something by way of
introduction. At least, I have observed from my obscure retreat in the
quiet village of Addlebrains, that the fashion in this respect, which
has prevailed, certainly, since the time of St. Luke, who commences
his Gospel with a preface to Theophilus, has come down to the present
day, differing therein from other fashions, which, for the most part,
are as transitory as the flowers of the field, and commending itself
thereby to the thoughtful consideration of the judicious; for it
cannot be deemed there is no value in that which has received the
sanction of centuries. Influenced by reflections of this description
and the like, I sat down one day in the little retreat, which the
indulgent partiality of my friends is accustomed to dignify with the
title of my "study," to endeavor to write a preface, and introduce
myself in a becoming manner to my readers. I was the more anxious
to do this properly, because, although a mere countryman, a sort of
cowhide shoe, as I may say, and therefore lacking that gloss, which,
like the polish on a well-brushed boot, distinguishes and illustrates
the denizens of our metropolis in an eminent degree, as I know from
personal experience, having been twice in New York, and, as I am told,
also, the citizens of Boston and Philadelphia, and other provincial
towns, with a milder lustre, I would not like to be supposed entirely
destitute of refinement. It would be strange if I were, inasmuch as I
enjoyed in my youth, the privilege of two terms and a half instruction
in the dancing school of that incomparable professor of the
Terpsichorean science, the accomplished Monsieur St. Leger Pied. It
is in consequence of this early training, perhaps, that I am always
pained when there is any deflection or turning aside from, or neglect
of, the graceful, the becoming, and the proper.
It will be observed that my last quarter was cut short in the middle;
which untoward event arose from no arrogance or supercilious conceit
on my part, as though I had perfected myself in the mysteries of
pigeon-wing and balancez, but from the abrupt departure of
the professor himself, who, true to the name indicative of his
constitutional levity, found it convenient to disappear betwixt two
days, with the advance pay of my whole term in his pocket, and
without stopping to make even one of his uncommonly genteel bows. The
circumstance was peculiarly disagreeable to me, in consequence of the
school being assembled when our loss was discovered, and of my having
succeeded in engaging, for the greater part of the evening, the hand
of a young lady, whose charms had made a deep (though, as subsequent
events proved, not a durable) impression on my susceptible heart.
Monsieur was our only musician, and, of course, with his violin
went the dancing. The cause of his evasion or flight was variously
accounted for, some ascribing it to a debt he had contracted for
kid gloves and pumps, and others to dread of the wrath of a young
gentleman, whose sister he had been so imprudent as to kiss in the
presence of another girl, not remarkable for personal attractions, to
whom he had never paid the same compliment. As was to be expected, she
was scandalized at the impropriety and want of taste, and immediately
made it known, in spite of the entreaties of the blushing beauty and
the "pardons" of Monsieur. As Virgilius has it,
"Manet alt; mente i ep;stum,
Judicium Paridis spret;que injuria form;."
In my opinion, it was the kiss that cost poor Monsieur Pied his
school, and me a dollar and a half, three dollars being the price
for a term's instruction. Not, I beg to be understood, that I care
anything about the money, but in relating an event I like to be
circumstantial and strictly accurate. But I find that, wiled away by
the painfully pleasing reminiscences of my youth, I am wandering
from my undertaking, which is, not to narrate the misadventures of a
dancing-master, but to compose a preface.
I had seated myself, as I was saying, in my little den or confugium,
where, as in a haven of rest, I love to hide myself from the
distractions of the world, and concentrate my thoughts, and which has
been to me the scene of many sad as well as pleasant hours, and dipped
my goose quill (anathema maranatha on steel pens, which I cannot help
fancying, impart a portion of their own rigidity to style, for if the
stylus be made of steel is it not natural that the style by derivation
and propinquity should be hard?) into the ink-stand, after first
casting my eyes on the busts of Shakespeare and Milton, which, cast
in plaster, adorn my retirement, half imploring them to assist in so
important an enterprise, when the door opened, and who should enter
but my dear friend, the Rev. Increase Grace? But here let me remark
parenthetically, the habit of dealing in parentheses being one I
especially dislike, only necessity compelling me thereto, and before I
proceed further, that the word "confugium," which, both on account of
its terse expressiveness, as well as its _curiosa felicitas_ in the
present application, I have chosen in order to define my den, has not,
I hope, escaped the notice of the discriminating scholar. Moreover,
I trust that I shall not incur the imputation of vanity if I take to
myself some little credit for the selection. It will be observed that
it is a compound term, the latter part, "fugium" (from fuga, flight),
characterizing the purpose to which my secluded nook is applied as
a refuge, whither I fly from the unmeaning noise and vanity of the
world; and the prefix, "con" (equivalent to cum, with), conveying
the idea of its social designation. For I should be loth to have it
thought that, like Charles Lamb's rat, who, by good luck, happening to
find a Cheshire cheese, kept the discovery a profound secret from
the rest of the rats, in order to monopolize the delicious dainty,
pretending all the while that his long and frequent absences at a
certain hole were purely for purposes of heavenly contemplation, his
mind having of late become seriously impressed, and, therefore, he
could not bear interruption, I am in the habit of ensconcing myself
with a selfish exclusion therein. Far from it: the door is never
barred against admission, and my confugium rather means (though the
dictionaries with their usual vagueness so much to be lamented, have
not succeeded in eviscerating its full signification) a common place
of retirement for myself and intimate friends. Hence it was not as an
intrusion, but, on the contrary, as an acceptable call, that I greeted
the arrival of Increase. There must have been an unusual degree of
gravity in my countenance corresponding with the importance of the
work I was about to undertake, for the reverend gentleman had hardly
taken a seat before he observed it, and inquired into its cause. We
are upon that footing of intimacy, that there was no impropriety in
the question, and I unhesitatingly acquainted him with my purpose.
"I should as soon think," said the Rev. Increase, "of building a
verandah before a wood-house, or putting mahogany doors into my old
toppling down church."
The remark was not very complimentary, but great freedom of speech
prevails between us, and I took no offence; especially as I knew that
the Rev. gentleman was smarting under a disappointment in the sale
of a volume of sermons, whence he had expected great things, from
the publication of which I had vainly endeavored to dissuade him, and
whose meagre proceeds fully justified my forebodings. The mention of
my work naturally recalled this afflictive dispensation, and _hinc
ill; lacrim;_. Reading his mind, I answered, therefore, as gently as
a slight tremor in my voice would allow, that there was no accounting
for tastes, and that as trifling a thing as a song had been known to
outlive a sermon.
I declare I meant no harm, but his reverence (one of the best men in
the world, but who, in every sense of the word, belongs to the "church
militant,") instantly blazed up--
"I dare say," he said, bitterly, "that you understand the frippery
taste of this trivial age better than I. A capability to appreciate
solid reading, reading that cultivates the understanding while it
amends the heart, seems to be with the forgotten learning before the
flood. They who pander to this diseased appetite have much to answer
for; not," he was pleased to add--his indignation cooling off like a
steam-boiler which has found vent, "that the trifle on which for the
last few months you have been wasting your time has not a certain kind
of merit, but it seems a pity, that one, capable of better things,
should so miserably misapply his powers."
These sentiments were not entirely new to me, else I might have become
a little excited; for, during the whole time while I was engaged in
the composition of the work, my friend, who is, also, in the habit
of communicating his literary enterprises to me, would insist upon my
reading him the chapters, as fast as they came along, manifesting no
little curiosity in the manner in which I should disengage myself from
difficulties in which he supposed me from time to time involved,
and exuberant delight at the ingenious contrivances, as, in a
complimentary mood, he once said, by which I eluded them. It is true,
all this betrayal of interest was accompanied by various pishes and
pshaws, and lamentations over the trifling character of my pursuits;
but, like too many others, both in his cloth and out of it, his
conduct contradicted his language, and I was encouraged by the former,
while I only smiled at the latter.
"If such be your opinion," said I, suddenly seizing the manuscript,
which lay before me, and making a motion to throw it into the fire;
"if such be your candid opinion, I had better destroy the nonsense at
once."
"Hold!" cried the Rev. Increase, arresting my hand, "you are
shockingly touchy and precipitate; how often have I cautioned you
against this trait of your character. Because your workling does not
deserve to be mentioned in the same category with works of solid and
acknowledged merit, like, for instance, Rollin's Ancient History
or Prideaux' Connexion, and can, at best, enjoy but an ephemeral
existence, does it deserve to have no existence at all? On your
principle, we should have no butterflies, because their careless lives
last but a day."
"Well, Increase," said I, "if, like the butterfly, whose short and
erratic presence imparts another beauty to green fields and blue
skies, and blossoms, and songs of birds, my little book shall be able
to seduce a smile to the lips, or cheat away a pain from the bosom
of one of those whom you are so fond of calling 'pilgrims through a
dreary wilderness,' I shall feel amply compensated for the waste of my
time."
"If your expectations are so moderate, I see no harm in your indulging
them," said my friend; "but I cannot help wishing you had oftener
taken my advice in its composition."
"I have great respect for your opinion," I answered, "but I find it
impossible to pass the ideas of another through the crucible of my
mind and do them justice. Somehow or other, when I am expecting a
stream of gold, it turns out a _caput mortuum_ of lead. No, my better
course is to coin my copper in my own way. But, tell me frankly, what
offends you."
My Rev. friend had, by this time, forgotten his unfortunate volume of
sermons, and resumed his good nature.
"Offends me? my dear friend, and half-parishoner (for I notice a bad
habit you have got into, of late, of attending church only in the
morning--pray reform it), you use a very harsh term. There is nothing
in the book that offends me; although," he added, cautiously, "I
do not mean to say that I sanction entirely either your religious,
philosophical, or political speculations. I am no flatterer, and claim
the privilege of a friend to speak my mind."
"My dear Increase," said I, pressing his hand, "I love you all the
more for your sincerity; but why do you call them my speculations? I
have expressed no opinions. They are the opinions of the characters,
and not mine. I wish you and all the world distinctly to understand
that."
"And yet the world will hold you to account for them. If a man fires
a gun into a crowd, is he not responsible for any mischief that may be
the consequence?"
"I do not expect to make so loud a report," said I, smiling; "but I
protest against your doctrine. Why, according to that, an author is
accountable for all the opinions of his dramatis person;, however
absurd and contradictory they may be."
"I do not go so far as that. I hold that the author is only
responsible for the effect produced: if that effect be favorable to
virtue, he deserves praise; if the contrary, censure."
"I admit the justice of the view you take, with that limitation; and I
trust it is with a sense of such accountability I have written," said
I. "May I, then, flatter myself with the hope that you will grant me
your imprimatur?"
"You have it," said he; "and may no critic regard your book with less
indulgent eyes than mine. But what name do you give the bantling?"
"Oh," said I, "I have not concluded, I fancy that one name is nearly
as good as another."
"I don't know about that," said the Rev. Increase. "A couple who
brought their child lately to me to be baptized did not think so,
at any rate. I inquired what was the name chosen, when, to my
astonishment, I heard sounds which resembled very much one of the
titles bestowed upon the arch enemy of mankind. Supposing that my ears
deceived me, I inquired again, when the same word, to my horror, was
more distinctly repeated. 'Lucifer!' said I, to myself, 'impossible!
I cannot baptize a child by such a name.' I bent over once more, and
a third time asked the question. The answer was the same, and repeated
louder and with an emphasis, as if the parents were determined to have
that name or none. By this time my situation had become embarrassing,
for there was I, in the presence of the whole waiting congregation,
standing up with the baby in my arms, which, to add to my
consternation, set up a squall as if to convince me that he was
entitled to the name. My bachelor modesty could stand the scene no
longer; so, hastily dipping my fingers in the font, and resolving he
should have a good name, as opposite as possible to the diabolical
one so strangely selected, I baptized the infant George Washington.
I thought the parents looked queerly at the time, but the rite was
performed, the baby had got an excellent name, and I was relieved. But
conceive, if you can, my confusion, when, after service, the father
and mother came into the vestry, and the latter bursting into tears,
exclaimed: 'Oh, thir, what have you done? Ith a girl, ith a girl! and
you've called her George Wathington! My poor little Luthy, my dear
little Luthy!' Alas! the mother lisped, and when I asked for the
name, meaning to be very polite, and to say, Lucy, sir, in reply to
my question, she had said, 'Luthy, thir,' which I mistook for Lucifer.
What was to be done? I consoled the afflicted parents as well as I was
able, and promised to enter the name in the parish registry and town
records as Lucy, which I did; but for all that, the girl's genuine,
orthodox name is George Washington!"
"I see," said I, paying him for his joke with the expected laugh,
"there is something in a name, and we must be cautious in its choice."
The result was, that I followed my friend's advice in adopting the one
which was finally selected. Soon after the Rev. gentleman took his hat
and left me to my meditations. Thereupon I resumed my pen, and vainly
endeavored to write a preface. At last, in despair, I could hit
upon no better expedient than to explain to you, my dear Public, the
circumstances which prevent my doing it now. You will sympathize with
my mortification, and forgive my failure for the sake of the honest
effort, and no more think of condemning me, than you would the
aforesaid rustic, alluded to in the beginning of this my apology,
should he, instead of boisterously rushing in upon the company,
endeavor (his sense of the becoming overcoming his bashfulness) to
twist his body into the likeness of a bow, thereby only illustrating
and confirming the profound wisdom of the maxim, _non omnia possumus
omnes_. Should our awkward attempts be classed together, I shall
nevertheless indulge the hope, that better acquaintance with you will
increase my facility of saying nothing with grace, and improve my
manners, even as I doubt not that under the tuition of Monsieur Pied,
the aforesaid countryman might, in time, be taught to make a passable
bow.
For ever, _vive_, my dear Public, and, until we meet again (which,
whether we ever do, will depend upon how we are pleased with each
other), _vale_.
THE AUTHOR.
CHAPTER I.
At last the golden orientall gate
Of greatest heaven gan to open fayre,
And Phoebus fresh as brydegrome to his mate,
Came dauncing forth, shaking his deawie hayre,
And hurld his glistening beams through gloomy ayre.
SPENSER'S FAERY QUEENE.
It was a lovely morning in the autumn of the year of grace 18--. The
beams of the sun had not yet fallen upon the light veil of mist that
hovered over the tranquil bosom of the river Severn, and rose and
gathered itself into folds, as if preparing for departure at the
approach of an enemy it were in vain to resist. With a murmur, so soft
it was almost imperceptible, glided the stream, blue as the heaven it
mirrored, between banks now green and gently shelving away, crowned
with a growth of oak, hickory, pine, hemlock and savin, now rising
into irregular masses of grey rocks, overgrown with moss, with here
and there a stunted bush struggling out of a fissure, and seeming to
derive a starved existence from the rock itself; and now, in strong
contrast, presenting almost perpendicular elevations of barren sand.
Occasionally the sharp cry of a king-fisher, from a withered bough
near the margin, or the fluttering of the wings of a wild duck,
skimming over the surface, might be heard, but besides these there
were no sounds, and _they_ served only to make the silence deeper.
It is at this hour, and upon an island in the river that our story
commences.
The island itself is of an irregular shape and very small, being
hardly an acre in extent, and its shore covered with pebbles and
boulders of granite. Near the centre, and fronting the east, stands an
unpainted wood cabin of the humblest appearance, the shape and size
of which is an oblong of some thirty by fifteen feet. One rude door
furnishes the only means of entrance, and light is admitted through
two small windows, one on the east and the other on the west side.
Straggling patches of grass, a few neglected currant-bushes behind
the hut, and a tall holly-hock or two by the door are all the signs of
vegetation that meet the eye.
At the door of this cabin, and at the time we are describing, stood
a solitary figure. He was a gaunt, thin man, whose stature rather
exceeded than fell below six feet. The object about his person which
first arrested attention was a dark grizzled beard, that fell half-way
down his breast, in strong contrast with a high white forehead,
beneath which glowed large dreamy eyes. The hair of his head, like his
beard, was long, and fell loosely over his shoulders. His dress was of
the coarsest description, consisting of a cloth of a dusky grey color,
the upper garment being a loose sort of surtout, falling almost to the
knees, and secured round the waist by a dark woollen sash. His age
it was difficult to determine. It might have been anywhere between
forty-five and fifty-five years.
The attitude and appearance of the man, were that of devotion and
expectancy. His body was bent forward, his hands clasped, and his
eyes intently fastened on the eastern sky, along the horizon of which
layers of clouds, a moment before of a leaden hue were now assuming
deeper and deeper crimson tints. As the clouds flushed up into
brighter colors his countenance kindled with excitement. His form
seemed to dilate, his eyes to flash, his hands unclasped themselves,
and he stretched out his arms, as if to welcome a long expected
friend. But presently the rays of the sun began to stream over the
swelling upland and light up the surface of the river, and fainter and
fainter shone the clouds, until they gradually melted into the blue
depth away. It was then a shade of disappointment, as it seemed,
passed over the face of the man. Its rapt expression faded, he cast
a look almost of reproach to heaven, and his feelings found vent in
words.
"Hast Thou not said, 'Behold, I come quickly?' Why then delay the
wheels of Thy chariot? O, Lord, I have waited for Thy salvation. In
the night-watches, at midnight, at cock-crowing, and in the morning,
have I been mindful of Thee. But chiefly at the dawn hath my soul gone
forth to meet Thee, for then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man
in Heaven, and they shall see him coming in the clouds of Heaven, with
power and great glory. And he shall send His angels with a great sound
of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from one end of
Heaven to the other."
His eyes glared wildly round, then fell and fastened on the ground,
and for a few moments he remained immovable as a statue, after which,
with an air of dejection, he turned as if about to enter the hut. At
that moment the report of a gun from the shore close by was heard, and
looking, up he saw a man fall from the sloping bank upon the beach.
If there had been any appearance of weakness or infirmity before in
the Recluse, it now vanished. Nothing could exceed the promptitude and
energy of his movements. To rush to the water, to throw himself into
a boat, to unfasten it from the stake to which it was tied, and with a
vigorous push to send it half-way across the channel, was the work of
but an instant. A few dextrous and strong strokes of the paddle soon
sent it grating on the pebbled shore, and with a bound he was by the
side of the prostrate man. He lay with his face to the ground, with
one arm stretched out, and the other cramped up beneath his body. Near
him the leaves and grass were stained with drops of blood, and at a
short distance a gun was lying.
The old man passed his arm around the stranger, to raise him from his
recumbent position. The motion must have occasioned pain, for a low
groan was heard. But it, at least, attested the presence of life,
and there was consolation in even those sad sounds. With all the
tenderness of a mother he raised the wounded man in his arms, and
endeavored to discover the place and character of the wound, in order
to staunch, if possible, the bleeding. But it was soon apparent that
all such attempts would be useless, and only tend to aggravate the
pain without leading to any desirable result, so long as the clothing
was allowed to remain on. The better course seemed to be to remove him
immediately to the hut. As gently, therefore, as possible, the old man
bore him to the boat, and deposited him upon its bottom. A few strokes
of the paddle sent it back again to the island, and soon the wounded
stranger was lying on a rude, but welcome bed. Here the first thing to
be done was to divest him of his coat and such other clothing as hid
the wound. Having performed this duty, which was done by cutting off
the coat and tearing the under garments, the next care of the old man
was, in the best manner in his power, to apply bandages to stop the
blood, which trickled from the right side and shoulder. This was done
with no little skill, as by one who did not then see a gun-shot wound
for the first time. The process was accompanied by an occasional
groan, when the bandages pressed the wounded parts too closely, which
the sufferer seemed to try to suppress, appearing, at the same time,
to endeavor to express his thanks, by a smile and the soft glances of
his eyes. Any attempt at exertion was instantly repressed by his kind
nurse, who never failed, when it occurred, to enjoin quiet.
"Thou art weak from loss of blood, young man," he said, "but I am
mistaken if there is much danger. Yet, a narrow escape hast thou had.
Be thankful to that Providence, by whom the hairs of thy head are all
numbered, and who permitteth not a sparrow to fall without notice to
the ground, for so directing the shot that they only tore the outer
flesh, without reaching a vital part. And so, hereafter, when the
evils of life shall assail thee, may they penetrate no deeper than the
surface, nor affect thy immortal soul."
Here the young man made a motion, as if about to speak, but he was
interrupted by the other.
"Nay," said the Recluse, "thou must obey me for thy own good, and I
have forbid all speech. It will start the blood, and weaken thee still
more. Compose thyself, now, while I leave thee but for an instant, to
discover, if I can, a boat going to Hillsdale."
We will avail ourselves of the absence of the Recluse to describe the
interior of the hut and its occupant. And to begin with the latter--he
was a dark-haired youth, of twenty-one or two years of age, the
natural paleness of whose complexion was enhanced as well by the raven
color of his hair as by the loss of blood. His features were quite
regular, and surmounted by a brow rather high than broad. The eyes
were the most remarkable, and commanded instant attention. They were
large, black and flashing, and, in spite of the injunctions of the old
man, wide open and roving round the apartment. By the manner in which
he had been addressed, it was evident he was unknown.
The chamber itself was a square of about fifteen feet, or one-half
of the hut, with a fire-place made of large stones and bricks, and
lighted by one window, and was lathed and plastered. Its furniture
consisted of the bed above mentioned, lying on a low pine frame,
originally painted red, but now somewhat defaced and worn; of a couple
of basket-bottomed chairs; a stone jar, to contain water; a rifle
and powder-horn, supported by two nails driven into the wall; a pine
table, and a set of shelves filled with books. This was the back-room,
and opened into another of the same size, differing from the former
in having no fire-place and being not lathed. This latter room was
destitute of furniture, unless a work-bench, on which were a few
tools; a chopping-block, made of the segment of the body of a
large tree; a cooper's horse; a couple of oyster rakes and some
fishing-rods, could be called such. In two of the corners stood
bundles of hickory poles, and on the floor were scattered a quantity
of withes, designed, apparently, for basket-making. These articles
had, probably, some connection with the pursuits of the tenant of the
hut. On the walls, on pegs, hung a number of baskets, of different
sizes--some finished, and some in an unfinished condition.
The Recluse, upon leaving his guest, proceeded to the west side of
the little island, and cast a searching glance in every direction,
to ascertain if any one were in sight. No boat was visible, and he
immediately retraced his steps.
Noiselessly he stole back to the couch of his guest, whom he found
apparently asleep, though, in truth, the slumber was simulated out
of deference to the anxieties of the old man. Several times he passed
backwards and forwards from the chamber to the door before he had the
satisfaction to find the object of his search. At length, a canoe was
discovered coming up the river, containing two persons, who, on nearer
approach, were seen to be Indians, a man and a woman, belonging to
the remnant of a tribe, lingering about their ancient hunting-grounds
along the banks of the river. The game, indeed, that once abounded in
the woods, had disappeared, and the blue stream and swelling hills,
and green plains, and intrusive industry and increasing villages of
the whites, but reminded them of present weakness and former power.
But, the sensibility to degradation was blunted. They had, gradually,
become assimilated to their condition; the river abounded in shell and
other fish; they could maintain existence, scanty and mean though
it was, and they preferred this certainty to the nobler, but more
precarious life of the Western tribes. As the canoe approached, the
Recluse beckoned with his hand, and the bow was turned towards the
islet.
"Welcome, Esther," he said, "goest thou to the town?"
A silent nod of the head was the reply.
"Wilt thou carry me a message?"
A nod of acquiescence answered as before.
"Go, then, quickly, and tell John Elmer, that a man, wounded by a gun,
is lying in my hut, and I desire him to come instantly."
The squaw again nodded, and, without making an inquiry, with the
natural apathy of her race, she said--
"What Father Holden say, I do."
The Indian, who, until now, had been silent, here addressed her in his
own tongue.
"Can the Partridge," he said, "use her wings to no better purpose than
to fly upon the errands of her white master?"
"Ohquamehud," said the squaw, "is a wise warrior, and his eyes are
sharp, but they see not into the heart of a woman. If the sunshine and
the rain fall upon the ground, shall it bring forth no fruit?"
"It is well," said the Indian, in a sarcastic tone; "Pe;na is well
named; and the Partridge, though the daughter of a Sachem, shall
flutter through the air to do the bidding of the white man."
The eyes of Pe;na, or the Partridge, flashed, and she was about to
return an angry reply, when she was prevented by the man whom she had
called Father Holden.
"Hasten!" he said, in the same language, forgetting himself, in the
excitement of the moment, and unconsciously using the same figurative
diction, "or the fountain of the red stream may be dried up before
the medicine-man comes. Hasten! It is noble to do good, and the Great
Spirit shall bless the deed."
Great was the astonishment of the Indians at discovering they had been
understood, and hearing themselves addressed in their own tongue.
But only an expressive hugh! and an involuntary stroke of the paddle,
which sent the canoe dancing over the water, betrayed their surprise.
Holden stood for a moment gazing after them, then turning, directed
his steps towards the hut. We will not follow him, but pursue the
departing Indians.
For five minutes, perhaps, they paddled on in silence, each apparently
unwilling to betray any curiosity about a circumstance that engrossed
the thoughts of both. At last the woman spoke.
"The Great Spirit has taught the words of the wigwam to the man with
the Long Beard."
A shrug of the shoulders and another hugh! were the only notice taken
by her companion of the observation. Again a silence followed, which
was broken this time by the man. As if to express his dissent from the
conjecture of the squaw, he said,
"The Long Beard has drunk of the streams that run towards the setting
sun, and there he learned the speech of warriors. Did he charm
the ears of Pe;na with their sounds when he taught her to run his
errands?"
The blood crimsoned deeper into the cheeks of the woman, but with
an effort she subdued the rising feeling of resentment, while she
answered,
"Let Ohquamehud listen, and the darkness shall depart from his path.
The sun has eaten the snows of fifteen winters, and fifteen times the
song of the summer birds have been silent since the Long Beard came
to the river of the Pequots. And the pale faces desired his
companionship, but he turned away his steps from theirs, and built his
wigwam on the Salmon Isle, for the heart of the Long Beard was lonely.
There he speaks to the Great Spirit in the morning clouds. The young
cub that sprung from the loins of Huttamoiden had already put on his
moccasins for the Spirit land, and the tears of Pe;na were falling
fast when the Long Beard came to her wigwam. And he stretched his arms
over the boy and asked of the Great Spirit that he might stay to lead
his mother by the hand when she should be old and blind, and to pluck
the thorns from her feet. And the Great Spirit listened, for he loves
the Long Beard, and unloosed the moccasins from the feet of the boy,
and the fire in his breath went out, and he slept, and was well.
Therefore is Pe;na a bird to fly with the messages of the Long Beard.
But this is the first time she has heard from white lips the language
of the red man."
The Indian could now comprehend the conduct of the woman. It was
natural she should be grateful to the savior of her child's life, and
ready to show the feeling by the little means in her power. Could he
have looked into her heart, he would have seen that there was more
than mere gratitude there. Holden's conduct, so different from that
of other white men; the disinterested nature of his character showing
itself in acts of kindness to all; his seclusion; his gravity,
which seldom admitted of a smile; his imposing appearance, and his
mysterious communings with some unseen power--for she had often seen
him as he stood to watch for the rising sun, and heard his wild bursts
of devotion--had made a deep impression on the squaw, and invested
him with the attributes of a superior being; a feeling which was
participated in by many of the Indians.
But if Ohquamehud could have seen all this, it would have served
only to aggravate the suspicions he begun to entertain about the
Long Beard, as he and the woman called Holden. As an Indian, he was
suspicious of even the kindness of the white man, lest some evil
design might lurk beneath. What wonder, when we consider the relation
of one to the other? How much of our history is that of the wolf, who
charged the lamb, who drank below him, with muddying the stream?
Ohquamehud, a Pequot by birth, was a stranger who, but a few days
before, had come from a Western tribe, into which he had been adopted,
either to visit the graves of his fathers, or for some of those
thousand causes of relationship, or friendship, or policy, which will
induce the North American Indian to journey hundreds of miles, and saw
the Recluse, for the first time, that morning. If the gratitude of the
squaw was explained, which, he doubted not, was undeserved, the Long
Beard's knowledge of the Indian tongue was not. How it was that he
should be thus familiar with and speak it with a grace and fluency
beyond the power of the few scattered members of the tribe in the
neighborhood, the most of whom had almost lost all remembrance of
it, was to him an interesting mystery. He mused in silence over his
thoughts, occasionally stopping the paddle and passing his hand over
his brow, as if to recall some circumstance or idea that constantly
eluded his grasp. In this manner they proceeded until, on turning a
high point of land, the little village of Hillsdale appeared in sight.
Those who see now that handsome town, for the first time, can have but
little idea of its appearance then. But, though the large brick
stores that line its wharves, and the costly mansions of modern
times, clustering one above the other on the hill-sides, and its fine
churches of granite and Portland stone, were not to be seen, yet, it
was even then a place that could not fail to attract attention.
The situation is one of exceeding beauty. Two bright streams--the
Woot;ppocut, whose name indicates its character, its meaning being
"clear water," and the Yaup;ae, or "margin of a river," which, why it
should be so called it is not as easy to explain, unite their waters
to form the noble Severn. It is a pity that the good taste which
preserved the original names of the two first, had not also retained
the title of the last--the Sakimau, or Sachem, or chief, by which it
was known to the Indians. It is possible the first settlers in the
country thought, that allowing two rivers to retain their aboriginal
appellations was a sufficient tribute to good taste, while they made
the change of name of the third an offering to affection, many of them
having drawn their first breath on the pleasant banks of the English
river Severn. It was on the tongue of land, or promontory, formed by
the confluence of the two rivers that composed the Severn, that the
principal part of the town was situated.
On the promontory facing the south, and rising boldly from the water,
the white-painted village ascended half-way up its sides, its two
principal streets sweeping away, in curving lines, round the base,
upward to a piece of level land, into which the north side of the
hill gently declined. At the most northern part of this level, the
two streets united, at a distance of a mile from the wharves, into one
which thence winded a devious course two or three miles further along
the Yaup;ae. Above the highest roofs and steeples, towered the green
summit of the hill, whose thick-growing evergreens presented, at all
seasons, a coronal of verdure. One who stood on the top could see come
rushing in from the east, through a narrow throat, and between
banks that rose in height as they approached the town, the swift
Woot;ppocut, soon to lose both its hurry and its name in the deeper
and more tranquil Severn, of which it is the principal tributary,
while on the west he beheld, gliding like a silver snake through green
meadows, the gentle Yaup;ae, lingering, as if it loved the fields
through which it wandered, until suddenly quickening its pace, with a
roar as of angry vexation, it precipitated itself in eddies of boiling
foam, whose mist rose high into the air, down a deep gorge, between
overhanging rocks, through which it had forced a passage. Thence
the stream, subsiding into sudden tranquillity, expanded into a cove
dotted with two or three little islands, and flowing round the base of
the hill which declined gradually towards the west, united itself with
the Woot;ppocut. Far beneath his feet he saw the roofs of the houses,
and steeples of churches, and masts of sloops, employed in the
coasting business, and of brigs engaged in the West India trade, and
noticed a communication, partly bridge and partly causey, thrown over
the mouth of the Yaup;ae and uniting the opposite banks; for, on the
western side, along the margin and up the hill, houses were thickly
scattered.
The canoe soon glided alongside of one of the wharves, and the Indians
disappeared in the streets.
CHAPTER II.
With us there was a Doctor of Physic:
In all this world ne was there none him like,
To speak of physic and of surgery.
* * * * *
He knew the cause of every malady,
Were it of cold, or hot, or moist, or dry,
And where engendered, and of what humor:
He was a very perfect practiser.
The cause y know, and of his harm the root,
Anon he gave to the sick man his boot.
CHAUCER.
The first care of the faithful Pe;na or Esther, was to seek the
doctor. She found him at home, and was instantly admitted to his
presence.
"Queen Esther," he exclaimed, the moment he saw her, "is it thou?
Welcome, descendant of a line of kings. Would'st like some cider?" He
spoke the word "cider" like the Indians, with a rising inflection on
the last syllable. It was an offer no Indian could resist, and the
squaw answered simply in the affirmative. From a pitcher of the
grateful beverage, which shortly before had been brought into the
room, and which, indeed, suggested the offer, the doctor filled a
foaming glass, and the squaw was not long in draining its contents,
after which she delivered herself of her errand.
"Esther," exclaimed the doctor, rising and hastening to collect his
instruments and medicine pouch, "thou hast circumvented me. Why did
you not tell me before? Here have I been pouring cider into your
royal gullet, when I should have hastened to take a bullet out of some
plebeian carcass. Can you tell me the name of the wounded man?"
The squaw shook her head, and only said, "Esther not know."
By this time his preparations were completed, which he had not allowed
the conversation to interrupt, and closely followed by the woman, he
hastened to the wharf. Here casting an eye to the flys that waved from
the masts of some of the vessels, and observing the wind was fair, he
rejected her offer to take him in the canoe, and throwing himself
into a little sail-boat, was soon busily engaged in untying the sails.
While thus employed a voice saluted his ears:
"Why, doctor, what is in the wind now?"
The person who thus addressed him was a young man of probably not more
than twenty-five years of age. His dress indicated that he belonged to
the wealthier class of citizens, and there was something pleasing in
his manners and address.
"Glad to see you, William," said the doctor. "I want a crew; come,
ship for a cruise."
"But where away, doctor?"
"To Holden's island, to visit a wounded man. Jump aboard, and tend
jib-sheets."
By this time the sails were hoisted, and, the young man complying with
the invitation, the little craft was soon under weigh, and rapidly
proceeding down the river. The distance was only three or four miles,
and quickly passed over. They were met on the beach by Holden, to whom
the gentlemen were both known, but he was unable to inform them of the
name of the wounded man. As soon as the doctor beheld him, however, he
exclaimed:
"It is Mr. Pownal. God forbid the hurt should be serious."
The countenance of the doctor's companion, and the few words he
uttered, denoted also recognition of the stranger.
"So, my poor fellow," said the doctor, as the sufferer extended a
hand, and expressed in a few words his pleasure at the coming of the
two, "that is enough, I claim a monopoly of the talking."
He proceeded at once to examine the wound, which he did with great
care and in silence. He found, as Holden had said, that the charge
had only grazed the surface, tearing the flesh from the side up to
the shoulder, pretty deeply, indeed, but making an ugly, rather than
a dangerous wound. After the task was completed, and lint and fresh
bandages were applied, the doctor sunk with a sigh, as of relief, upon
a chair, and assured the young man that he only needed rest for the
present, and in a day or two might return to his friends.
"I would rather lose six ordinary patients than you, Tom Pownal," he
said. "Why you are my beau ideal of a merchant, the Ionic capital of
the pillar of trade. Now, let not your mind be
'Tossing on the ocean;
There, where your argosies with portly sail,
Like signiors and rich burghers on the flood;
Or, as it were the pageants of the sea,
Do overpower the petty traffickers.'
Quiet, my dear boy, both of mind and body, are your indispensables. I
want you to understand that:
'I tell thee what, Antonio--
love thee, and It is my love that speaks.'"
Pownal promised to be very obedient, in consideration whereof the
doctor guaranteed he should receive great satisfaction from his wound.
"You shall see for yourself," he said, "how beautifully it will heal.
To a scientific eye, and under my instruction you shall get one, there
is something delightful in witnessing the granulations. We may say of
Nature, as Dr. Watts sings of the honey-bee:
'How skillfully she builds her cell,
How neat she stores the wax!'
I consider you a fortunate fellow."
The young men were obliged to smile at the doctor's way of viewing the
subject; but he paid little attention to their mirth.
"And I will remain, meanwhile, with you," said William Bernard, which
was the name of the gentleman who had accompanied the physician,
addressing himself to Pownal, "if our good friend,"--and here he
looked at Holden--"has no objection."
The Recluse signified his assent; and Pownal, thanking his friend, the
doctor gave his sanction to the arrangement.
"It will do you no harm, William," he said, "to rough it for a night
or two, and you will prove yourself thereby of a different stamp from
Timon's friends." And here the doctor, who loved to quote poetry,
especially Shakspeare's, better than to administer medicine, indulged
again in his favorite habit:
"'As we do turn our backs
From our companion thrown into his grave,
So his familiars, to his buried fortunes,
Slink all away; leave their false vows with him,
Like empty purses picked, and his poor self
A dedicated beggar to the air.'
But, Mr. Holden, lend me thy ears a moment, and thy tongue, too, if
you please, for you must tell me how this happened. I do not care to
disturb Pownal with the inquiry."
So saying, he walked out of the chamber, followed by the Recluse.
"Tell me first," said Holden, as they stood in the open air, "what
thou thinkest of the wound."
"Ha!" cried the doctor, "'tis not so deep as a well nor so wide as a
church door; but 'tis enough--'twill serve."
"What!" exclaimed the Recluse, "hast thou been deceiving the boy! But
no, thou art incapable of that; and, besides, I have seen too many
wounds to apprehend danger from this."
"I see, friend, you have read Shakspeare to some purpose," cried the
doctor; "but know that I spoke not in the sense in which Mercutio
speaks of the wound that Tybalt gave him. My mirth is not so grave as
poor Mercutio's. Look you, now, I told you but the simple truth, and
what your own eyes have seen. The wound _is not_ so deep as a well,
nor so wide as a church door. If it were--admitting the physical
possibility--Pownal would be a monster to look at, and no dressings of
mine would be of any use. And it is enough, too. You would not have it
more. Besides, 'twill serve; that is, to keep him a day or two in
your cabin. And herein consists one of the innumerable excellences of
Shakspeare. Every sentence is as full of matter as my saddle-bags of
medicine. Why, I will engage to pick out as many meanings in each as
there are plums in a pudding. But, friend, I am sure you must have a
copy. Let me see it."
"I know little of these vanities," replied Holden. "In my giddy youth,
I drank such follies, even as the ass sucketh up the east wind. But
it pleased the Lord to open mine eyes. In thoughts from the visions of
the night," he continued--and his eyes shone brighter, and his stature
seemed to increase--"when deep sleep falleth on men, fear came upon me
and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. Then a vision passed
before me, and the hair of my flesh stood up. It stood still, but
I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine
eyes--there was silence, and then I heard a voice saying, 'Behold,
I come quickly; watch and pray, for thou knowest not the day nor the
hour!' I was not disobedient to the heavenly warning, and thenceforth
the pomps and vanities of the world have been as the dust beneath my
feet."
This was not the first time that the doctor heard the Recluse speak of
his peculiar opinions; but, although always ready to avow and dilate
upon them when others were willing to listen, he had uniformly
manifested an unwillingness to allude to himself or the incidents of
his life. Whenever, heretofore, as sometimes happened, the curiosity
of his auditors led the conversation in that direction, he had
invariably evaded all hints and repulsed every inquiry. But his mood
seemed different to-day. Elmer was a friend whom Holden highly prized,
and he could therefore speak the more freely in his presence; but this
is not sufficient to account for the dropping of his reserve. We know
no other explanation than that there are times when the heart of every
one is opened, and longs to unburden itself, and this was one of them
that unsealed the lips of the Solitary.
"Is it long since the revelation?" inquired the doctor.
"Too long," said Holden, "did I wander in the paths of sin, and
in forgetfulness of my God, and my youth was wasted in that which
satisfieth not, neither doth it profit. My heart was very hard, and it
rose up in rebellion against the Lord. Then it pleased Him (blessed be
His holy name) to bray me in the mortar of affliction, and to crush
me between the upper and the nether millstone. Yet I heeded not; and,
like Nebuchadnezzar, my mind was hardened in pride, continually. Then,
as the King of Babylon was driven forth from the sons of men, and his
heart made like the beasts', and his dwelling was with the wild asses,
and they fed him with grass, like oxen, and his body was wet with
the dew of heaven, even so did the Spirit drive me forth into the
tabernacles of the wild men of the forest and the prairie, and I
sojourned with them many days. But He doth not always chide, neither
keepeth He His anger for ever. In His own good time, He snatched me
from the fiery furnace, and bade me here wait for His salvation; and
here, years, long years, have I looked for His promise. O, Lord, how
long!"
The doctor's question was unanswered, either because Holden forgot
it, in his excitement, or that he was incapable of giving any accurate
account of the passage of time. But thus much the doctor could gather
from his incoherent account, that, at some period of his life, he
had suffered a great calamity, which had affected his reason. In this
condition, he had probably joined the Indians, and passed several
years among them, and afterwards, upon a partial restoration of
intellect, adopted the wild notions he professed. What had passed
during those years, was a secret known only to himself, if, indeed,
the events had not disappeared from his memory.
"You have suffered bitterly," said the doctor.
"Talk not of suffering," exclaimed Holden. "I reckon all that man can
endure as not to be compared with the crown of glory that awaits him
who shall gain entrance into the Kingdom. What is this speck we call
life? Mark," he continued, taking up a pebble and dropping it into the
water, "it is like the bubble that rises to burst, or the sound of my
voice that dies as soon away. Thereon waste I not a thought, except to
prepare me for the coming of my Lord."
"You think, then, this solitary life the best preparation you can make
for the next?"
"Yes," said Holden; "I work not my own will. Can the clay say to the
potter, what doest thou? Behold, I am in the hand of One wiser and
mightier than I. Nor hath he left me without duties to perform. I am
one crying in the wilderness, and though the people heed not, yet must
the faithful witness cry. I have a work to perform, and how is my soul
straitened until it be done? Canst thou not thyself see, by what
hath happened to-day, some reason why the solitary is upon his lonely
island? Had he loved the crowded haunts of men, a fellow-being had,
perhaps, perished."
The allusion to the occurrence of the morning recalled the doctor's
attention to the purpose for which he had left the chamber, and which
he had forgotten, in listening to the talk of the enthusiast. He
now directed the conversation to the subject of the wound, and heard
Holden's account. He became convinced, both from his statement, and
from a few words Pownal himself had dropped, as well as from the sight
of the gun which Holden had picked up, and found just discharged, that
the wounding was accidental, and occasioned by the young man's own
fowling-piece. Having satisfied himself on this point, the doctor,
with his companion, re-entered the hut. It was only to give a few
parting directions to Bernard, to enjoin quiet upon his patient, and
to take leave of him, which he did, in the words of his favorite--
"Fare thee well!
The elements be kind to thee, and make
Thy spirits all of comfort."
CHAPTER III.
Ici il fallut que j'en divinasse plus qu'on ne m'en disoit.
MEMOIRES DE SULLY.
A week after the events narrated in the preceding chapters, a small
company was collected in a parlor of one of the houses of Hillsdale.
It consisted of a gentleman, of some fifty years of age; his wife, a
fine-looking matron, some years his junior; their daughter, a bright
blue-eyed flaxen-haired girl, rounding into the most graceful form of
womanhood, and a young man, who is not entirely a stranger to us.
The judgment of the doctor, respecting the wound of Pownal--for it is
he--had proved to be correct, and, on the second day after the hurt,
he had returned to the village, with his friend William Bernard, in
the house of whose father he was, for the present, domiciliated. The
young men had been acquainted before, and the accident seemed to have
established a sort of intimacy between them. It was, therefore, with
no feeling of reluctance, that Pownal accepted an invitation to desert
his boarding-house for a while, for the hospitality of his friend.
Perhaps, his decision was a little influenced by the remembrance of
the blue eyes of Miss Bernard, and of the pleasant effect which, from
their first acquaintance, they had exerted upon him. However that
may be, it is certain, that, although somewhat paler than usual, he
appeared to be quite contented with his condition.
It was evening, and candles were lighted, and Mr. Bernard, or as
he was more commonly, or, indeed, almost universally, called, Judge
Bernard, from having been one of the judges of the Superior Court, was
sitting in an arm-chair, reading a newspaper; Mrs. Bernard was busy
with her knitting; the young lady employed upon one of those pieces
of needle-work, which, in those days, were seldom out of female hands,
and Pownal looking at her all he dared, and listening to an occasional
paragraph read by the Judge from his newspaper.
"You are the cause of quite a sensation in our little community,
Thomas," said the Judge, laying down his spectacles and newspaper
at the same time. "Mr. Editor Peters and the gossips ought to be
infinitely obliged to you for wounding yourself, and affording him an
opportunity to display his inventive genius and the brilliancy of his
imagination, and giving them something to talk about. Here, Anne, read
the article aloud for our edification."
The young lady ran her eye hastily down the column, and could not
restrain her laughter.
"Excuse me, papa," she said, "it is too much for my poor nerves. Only
think of it; Mr. Peters loads Mr. Pownal's gun with sixteen buck-shot,
topples him off a precipice twenty feet high, breaks three of his
ribs, and makes a considerable incision in his skull. Never was there
such a wonderful escape. It is too horrible."
"How the newspapers are given to big stories!" said Mrs. Bernard.
"I dare say," cried Anne, "the editor has authority for what he
says, for now that my attention is drawn to it, I think there must
be something in the incision. Have you not remarked, mamma, that Mr.
Pownal is at times light-headed?"
"Anne!" exclaimed her mother, smiling, "I am ashamed to hear a young
girl rattle on so."
"I am not aware of being more light-headed than usual," said Pownal,
"but I am certain no one can be in Miss Bernard's company, and not be
light-hearted."
"Very prettily spoken! Mr. Thomas Pownal is practising his wit upon a
country maiden, in order to be in training when he returns to open the
campaign among the New York ladies."
"I am too happy here," said Pownal, in a low tone, "to wish to return
to the city."
An almost imperceptible blush suffused the cheeks of Miss Bernard. She
looked up from the newspaper, but her eyes encountering those of the
young man, instantly fell.
"What fine speeches are you making to one another?" broke in the
Judge. "My dear, do not hold down your head. It throws the blood into
your face."
"Papa," cried his daughter, desirous to divert attention from herself,
"can you find nothing instructing in the paper to read to us? Is there
no report of any speech?"
"Speeches, indeed! Thank Heaven, there is no speech in this paper.
The session of Congress has not commenced, and the deluge of words, in
comparison with which Noah's flood was a summer's shower, therefore,
not begun. Why, my dear little daughter, do you remind me of the
national calamity?"
"To atone for the offence, papa, let me tell you that Mr. Armstrong
and Faith promised to come to see us this evening, and from the sound
of the opening of the front gate, I suspect they are close at hand."
Anne's conjecture proved true, for shortly after the expected visitors
were announced, and the usual greetings having passed, they were all
soon seated.
But before proceeding further, it may not be amiss to give some
description of persons destined to play a not unimportant part in our
story.
Mr. Armstrong was of middle age, of the ordinary stature, and with a
face which still possessed great beauty. A noble brow, hair originally
black, but prematurely grey, large dark eyes, a straight nose, and
a well-formed mouth, over which played an expression of benevolence,
made an exterior of exceeding attractiveness, and it would have been
an unmixed pleasure to gaze upon his gracious presence, but for an air
of dejection amounting to suffering, which had of late been increasing
upon him. He seldom smiled, and when he did the smile was often
succeeded by a dark shadow, as if he felt compunction for trespassing
on the precints of gaiety.
Faith strongly resembled her father, as well in externals as in the
character of her mind. Her figure was slender, approaching even to
delicacy, though without any appearance of sickliness. Her face, pale
and thoughtful usually, was sometimes lighted up with an enthusiasm
more angelic than human. Her mother having died when she was too young
to appreciate the loss, she had concentrated upon her father all that
love which is generally divided between two parents. Nor was it with
a feeling of love only she regarded him. With it was mixed a sentiment
of reverence amounting almost to idolatry. No opinion, no thought,
no word, no look of his but had for her a value. And richly was the
affection of the child returned by the father, and proud was he of
her, notwithstanding his struggles against the feeling as something
sinful.
It was the first time since the accident to Pownal that Mr. Armstrong
or his daughter had seen him, and the conversation naturally turned
upon the danger he had incurred.
"It was a providential escape," said Mr. Armstrong. "It is astonishing
how many dangers we run into, and our escapes may be considered as
so many daily miracles to prove the interposition of a controlling
Providence. There are few persons who cannot look back upon several
such in the course of their lives."
"You are right, my friend," said the Judge. "I can recall half a dozen
in my own experience; and if some have had fewer, some, doubtless,
have had more."
"These accidents are, I suspect, the consequences of our own
carelessness in nine cases out of ten," said Pownal. "At any rate, I
am sure it was my carelessness that occasioned mine."
"You speak as if it could have been avoided," said Mr. Armstrong.
"Certainly. Do you not think so?"
"I am not sure of it," said Mr. Armstrong. "There appears to be a
chain which links events together in an inevitable union. The very
carelessness of which you accuse yourself may be the means purposely
used to bring about important events."
"It has brought about very agreeable events for me," said Pownal. "I
am only afraid, from the care lavished upon me, I shall be tempted to
think too much of myself."
"It has scattered pleasure all around, then," said Mrs. Bernard,
kindly.
"Yes," said the Judge; "any attention we can render is more than
repaid by the pleasure Mr. Pownal's presence imparts. If he should
ever think more highly of himself than we do, he will be a very vain
person."
The young man could only bow, and with a gratified countenance return
his thanks for their kindness.
"Your adventure was also the means," said Mr. Armstrong, "of making
you acquainted with our anchorite. Did you not find him an interesting
person?"
"More than interesting," replied Pownal. "From the moment he took me
into his arms as if I had been a child, and with all the tenderness of
a mother, I felt strangely attracted to him. I shall always remember
with pleasure the two days I spent in his cabin, and mean to cultivate
his acquaintance if he will permit me."
"He is evidently a man of refinement and education," said Armstrong,
"who, for reasons of his own, has adopted his peculiar mode of life.
It was a long time before I could be said to be acquainted with him,
but the more I know him, the better I like him. He and Faith are great
friends."
"I value his friendship highly and am glad he made so favorable an
impression on you, Mr. Pownal," said Faith.
"I do believe," cried Anne, "Faith could not reverence him more if he
were one of the old prophets."
"If not a prophet," said Faith, "he is at least a noble and good man,
and that is the highest title to respect. He takes an interest in you,
too, Mr. Pownal, for Anne tells me he has been to see you."
"My preserver has been here several times to make inquiries after my
health," answered Pownal. "He was here this morning."
"And preaching about the kingdom," said Judge Bernard. "What a strange
infatuation to look for the end of the world each day."
"He errs in the interpretation of the prophecies," said Mr. Armstrong,
"when he finds in them prognostics of the speedy destruction of the
world, but does he mistake the personal application? Who knows when
he may be called to face his judge? Youth, and health, and strength,
furnish no immunity against death."
"But what a gloom this daily expectation of an event which the wisest
and stoutest hearted are unable to contemplate without trepidation,
casts over life," said the Judge.
"Not in his case," replied Armstrong. "On the contrary, I am satisfied
he would hail it with a song of thanksgiving, and I think I have
observed he is sometimes impatient of the delay."
"It is well his notions are only crazy fancies as absurd as his beard.
His appearance is very heathenish," said Mrs. Bernard.
"Taste, my dear," exclaimed the Judge, "all taste. Why, I have a
great mind to wear a beard myself. It would be a prodigious comfort to
dispense with the razor in cold winter mornings, to say nothing of the
ornament. And now that I think of it, it is just the season to begin."
"You would look like a bear, Mr. Bernard," said his wife.
"It would be too near an imitation of the old Puritans for you,
Judge," said Faith.
"You, at least, my little Puritan," cried the Judge, "would not
object. But do not fancy that in avoiding Scylla I _must_ run upon
Charybdis. Be sure I would not imitate the trim moustaches and peaked
chins of those old dandies, Winthrop and Endicott. I prefer the full
flowing style of Wykliffe and Cranmer."
"We should then have two Holdens," exclaimed Mrs. Bernard, "and that
would be more than our little village could live through."
"Fancy papa running an opposition beard against Mr. Holden!" said
Anne.
The idea was sufficiently ludicrous to occasion a general laugh, and
even Armstrong smiled.
"I am a happy man," said the Judge; "not only mirthful, myself, but
the cause of mirth in others. What a beam of light is a smile, what a
glory like a sunrise is a laugh!"
"That will do, Judge Bernard, that will do," said his wife; "do not
try again, for you cannot jump so high twice."
"Tut, tut, Mary; what do you know about the higher poetics? I defy you
to find such sublimities either in Milton or Dante."
"I can easily believe it," said Mrs. Bernard.
At this moment some other visitors entering the room, the conversation
took another turn; and Mr. Armstrong and his daughter having remained
a short time longer, took leave and returned home. Let us follow the
departing visitors.
Upon his return, Mr. Armstrong sank upon a seat with an air of
weariness.
"Come, Faith," he said, "and sit by me and hold my hand. I have been
thinking this evening of the insensibility of the world to their
condition. How few perceive the precipice on the edge of which they
stand!"
His daughter, who was accustomed to these sombre reflections, bent
over, and bringing his hand to her lips, kissed it without saying
anything, knowing that he would soon explain himself more perfectly.
"Which," continued Armstrong, "is wiser, the thoughtless frivolity of
Judge Bernard, or the sad watchfulness of Holden?"
"I am not competent to judge, dear father; but if they both act
according to their convictions of right, are they not doing their
duty?"
"You ask a difficult question. To be sure men must act according to
their ideas of right, but let them beware how they get them, and what
they are. Yet, can one choose his ideas? These things puzzle me?"
"What else can we do," inquired his daughter, "than live by the light
we have? Surely I cannot be responsible for my involuntary ignorance."
"How far we may be the cause of the ignorance we call involuntary,
it is impossible to determine. A wrong act, an improper thought,
belonging to years ago and even repented of since, may project
its dark shadow into the present, and pervert the judgment. We are
fearfully made."
"Why pain yourself, dearest father, with speculations of this
character? Our Maker knows our weakness and will pardon our
infirmities."
"I am an illustration of the subject of our conversation," continued
Armstrong, after a pause of a few minutes, during which he had
remained meditating, with his head resting on his hand. "I know I
would not, willingly, harshly judge another--for who authorized me to
pass sentence? Yet these ideas would force themselves into my mind;
and how have I spoken of our kind and excellent neighbor! There is
something wrong in myself which I must struggle to correct."
We communicate only enough of the conversation to give an idea of
the state of Mr. Armstrong's mind at the time. At the usual family
devotions that night he prayed fervently for forgiveness of his error,
repeatedly upbraiding himself with presumption and uncharitableness,
and entreating that he might not be left to his own vain imaginations.
CHAPTER IV.
O! I could whisper thee a tale,
That surely would thy pity move,
But what would idle words avail,
Unless the heart might speak its love?
To tell that tale my pen were weak,
My tongue its office, too, denies,
Then mark it on my varying cheek,
And read it in my languid eyes.
ANONYMOUS.
After the expiration of a fortnight, Pownal could find no excuses to
satisfy even himself with remaining longer at Judge Bernard's. The
visit had been, indeed, one of great enjoyment, and gladly would he
have availed himself of the pressing invitation of his host to prolong
it, could he have conjured up any reason for doing so. Lightly would
he have esteemed and cheerfully welcomed another wound like that from
which he was recovering, could the pleasure have been thus purchased.
The truth is that within a few days he had been conscious of a feeling
of which he had never before suspected himself, and it was this
feeling that made him so reluctant to depart. And yet, when, in the
silence of his chamber, and away from the blue eyes of Anne Bernard,
he reflected upon his position, he was obliged to confess, with a
sigh, that prudence required he should leave a society as dangerous
as it was sweet. To be in the same house with her, to breathe the same
air, to read the same books, to hear her voice was a luxury it was
hard to forego, but in proportion to the difficulty was the necessity.
Besides he could not avoid fancying that young Bernard, though not
cold, was hardly as cordial as formerly, and that he would regard
with satisfaction a separation from his sister. Nor had he reason to
suppose that she looked upon him with feelings other than those which
she entertained for any other acquaintance standing to her in the
same relation as himself. Beyond the ordinary compliments and little
attentions which the manners of the day permitted, nothing had passed
between them, and though satisfied he was not an object of aversion,
he knew as well that she had never betrayed any partiality for him.
Meanwhile, his own feelings were becoming interested, beyond, perhaps,
the power of control, the sooner, therefore, he weaned himself from
the delightful fascination, the better for his peace of mind.
Thomas Pownal was comparatively a stranger in the neighborhood, only
two or three months having elapsed since he had been sent by the
mercantile firm of Bloodgood, Pownal, & Co., of New York, to take
charge of a branch of their business at Hillsdale. Even in that short
space of time, by his affable manners and attention to business he had
won his way to the respect and esteem of the good people of the town,
and was looked upon as one likely to succeed in the lottery of life.
No one was more welcome, by reason of his amiable character, to those
of his own age, while his steadiness recommended him to his elders.
But his family was unknown, though he was supposed to be a distant
relation of the second member of the firm, nor had he any visible
means of subsistence except the very respectable salary, which, as
a confidential clerk, he received from his employers, on whom his
prospects of success depended. The chasm, therefore, betwixt the only
daughter of the wealthy Mr. Bernard and himself, was wide--wide enough
to check even an overweening confidence. But such it was not in the
nature of Pownal to feel. He was sensible of the full force of
the difficulties he had to encounter; to his modesty they seemed
insuperable, and he determined to drive from his heart a sentiment
that, in his despondency, he blamed himself for allowing to find a
place there.
It took him some days to form the resolution, and after it was formed,
it was not easy to carry it into effect. More than once he had been
on the point of returning thanks for the kindness he had received,
and avowing his intention to depart, but it seemed as if the veriest
trifle were sufficient to divert him from his purpose. If Mr. Bernard
spoke of the satisfaction he derived from his company, if Mrs. Bernard
declared she should miss him when he left; or if Anne's radiant
face looked thanks for his reading aloud, they were all so many
solicitations to delay his departure. The treacherous heart readily
listened to the seduction, however much the judgment might disapprove.
But, as we have seen, a time had come when the voice of prudence could
no longer be silenced, and, however unwillingly, must be obeyed. He,
therefore, took occasion, one morning, at the breakfast table, to
announce his intended departure.
"Had I been a son," he said, in conclusion, "you could not have
lavished more kindness upon me, and I shall never forget it."
"What! what!" cried the Judge, "I am not sure that the shooting one's
self is a bailable offence, and I shall be obliged to examine the
authorities, before I discharge you from custody, Master Thomas."
"To think," said Mrs. Bernard, "it does not seem a week since you
came, and we have all been so happy. I declare, Mr. Pownal, I shall
not know how to do without you."
"The dearest friends must part--but we shall always be glad to see
you, Tom," said William Bernard.
"I do not see the necessity for your going," said the Judge. "Our
house is large enough for all; your attacks at table are not yet very
formidable; and I have not taught you whist perfectly. Would it not
be better to substitute a _curia vult avisare_ in place of a decision?
But, Anne, have you nothing to say? Is this your gratitude for all
Thomas's martyrdoms of readings of I know not what unimaginable
nonsense; and holdings of skeins of silk, more difficult to unwind
than the labyrinth through which Ariadne's thread conducted Theseus;
and pickings up of whatever your feminine carelessness chose to drop
on the carpet; and endurance of all the legions of annoyances with
which young ladies delight to harass young gentlemen? Have you no
backing for your mother and me? One word from you ought to be worth a
thousand from us old folks."
"Mr. Pownal owes me some gratitude, too, father," said Anne, "for the
patience and accomplishments I have taught him. But he surely knows
how much pleasure his presence confers on all in this house. We shall
miss him very much, shall we not, Beau?"--addressing a little spaniel
that, upon being spoken to, sat up on his hind legs to beg for
breakfast.
"I have several times endeavored to say this before," said Pownal,
somewhat piqued, and feeling a strong desire to kick the innocent
cur out of the room, "but have never been able to muster sufficient
courage. And now, if my thanks appear cold, as I am afraid they do to
Miss Bernard, I assure her it is not the fault of my heart, but of my
tongue."
"Hearts and tongues!" exclaimed the Judge. "The former belong to the
ladies' department; the latter to mine. Yet, I fancy I know something
about hearts, too; and yours, Thomas, I am sure, is adequate security
for your words."
"You are very good, sir," said Pownal, "and I can only wish that all
participated in your undeserved partiality."
Anne was vexed with herself for having spoken in so trifling a manner.
The frigid politeness of her brother's speech, too, had not escaped
her notice. It seemed to her now, that she had been wantonly rude. She
hastened, therefore, to repair the fault.
"Mr. Pownal mistakes," she said, "if he thinks me unmindful of the
pleasant hours his unfortunate accident procured us. And I am sure I
should be a monster of ingratitude," she added smiling, and relapsing,
in spite of herself, into the very trifling she had condemned, "if I
did not remember, with lively emotions, his skill at holding silk and
yarn."
"Well, whenever you want a reel, send for me," said Pownal, "and I
shall only be too happy to come."
"Take care, my good fellow," said the Judge, "she does not wind you
up, too."
"I should be too happy--" began Pownal.
"For shame, father," cried Anne, laughing, and rising from the table.
"The young men have quite spoiled you, of late. Good-bye; you have
finished your last cup of coffee, and have no longer need of me." So
saying, she hastened out of the room.
It was with mutual regret that the parting took place, and not without
many promises required of the young man that he would frequently visit
the family. His landlady, Mrs. Brown, was, as usual, all smiles, and
welcomes, and congratulations on his return; notwithstanding which, it
was with a sense of loneliness, amounting almost to desolation, that
her lodger found himself installed again in his apartments. It seemed
like passing out of the golden sunshine into a gloomy cavern. Was it
possible that two short weeks could have produced so great a change in
him? When he thought upon the cause, the conscious blush revealed its
nature. "No," said he, aloud, as he paced backwards and forwards
in the room, "this is folly and madness. For me, a humble clerk, to
connect myself, even in imagination, with _her_! What have I to offer
her? Or what even in prospect? I have been sailing in the clouds,
and my tattered balloon is precipitated to the earth--I have been
dreaming. How delicious was the dream! But I am now awake, and will
never expose myself to the mortification of ----. I have been foolish.
No, not so; for, who could come within the range of such fascinations,
and not be charmed? But what, after all, are they to me? I will
resist this weakness, and learn to regard her as only any other valued
acquaintance; for, alas! she can never be more."
In such incoherent expressions, poor Pownal gave vent to the emotions
that agitated him. It would have been some consolation, could he have
known what was said at the Bernards', when the family gathered around
the table in the evening. Mrs. Bernard alluded more than once to the
gap his absence made in their little circle; and the Judge, in his
jesting way, wished that somebody would shoot him again, if it might
be the means to bring him back. Even Anne expressed regret at his
loss, since his company had been such a pleasure to her parents.
CHAPTER V.
"Groves freshened, as he looked, and flowers
Showed bright on rocky bank,
And fountains welled beneath the bowers,
Where deer and pheasant drank;
He saw the glittering streams, he heard
The rustling bough and twittering bird."
BRYANT.
The mind of Ohquamehud dwelt upon his meeting with Holden. Sleeping or
waking, the image of the latter pursued him. But it was not always
in the shape of the Recluse that the vision appeared. More often it
assumed the form of a young man, in the garb of a western hunter, with
a rifle in his hand. Then rose up, in connection with him, boundless
forests, through which the deer stole noiselessly, and the screech
of the catamount was heard. And then again he hunted, and as he
approached the game he had shot, Holden approached and claimed it as
his; or he was on a war-path, and stumbled against a log, and fell;
and as he strove to rise, the log was changed into Holden, who
grappled him in a death-struggle--wherever he was, and whithersoever
he turned his eyes, there was the young man, seeming to be, and
yet not to be Holden, and haunting him like a shadow. As these
imaginations possessed themselves more and more of the Indian's mind,
he began to fancy himself the victim of some incantation, with which
he naturally connected the Recluse as the cause; and, finally,
by continual brooding on the subject, both his appetite and sleep
deserted him. His moodiness at length attracted the attention of
Pe;na. Ohquamehud was lying on the floor of her hut, his head resting
on his hand, and he had been for some time gazing in the fire. The
simple noon-day meal had barely been tasted, and that in silence.
"Have the hands of Pe;na," she said, "forgot how to prepare his food,
that the eyes of my brother turn away from it with displeasure?"
"The hands of my sister have not lost their skill, but Ohquamehud is
not hungry."
"Ohquamehud is a warrior, and Pe;na is but a weak woman, and he will
not be angry," she added, hesitatingly.
The Indian waved his hand, with dignity, as if inviting her to
proceed.
"Ohquamehud sees the heart of his sister, and he knows that it loves
him, for he is the brother of Huttamoiden. Why does he cover up his
face from her, and hide his grief? Is she unworthy," she added, laying
her hand on his shoulder, and looking affectionately in his face, "to
listen to his voice?"
He turned towards her, and paused before he said--
"The stone in the path of Ohquamehud is very small, and will not hurt
his feet."
"Pe;na, then, will try to remove it. She has strength to move small
stones."
She ceased, and continued looking at him, without adding a word, as if
she had said enough, and awaited a reply.
"Why should Ohquamehud speak?" he said, at last; "the breath of the
Long Beard will blow away his words."
A look of vacancy overspread the face of the squaw, as if she failed
to apprehend his meaning.
"My brother's words are dark," she said.
"Has not the powawing of the Long Beard brought back the spirit
of Huttamoiden's cub from the happy hunting-grounds, and does not,
therefore, the face of Pe;na turn to him as the sun-flower to the
sun?"
"The Great Spirit loves the Long Beard, and the Long Beard loves his
red brethren."
"What! a Yenghese love an Indian? Yes, as a wild-cat loves the deer
when he sucks his blood, as the water loves the fire it extinguishes.
The lips of Pe;na speak foolishness."
"If Pe;na feel grateful to the Long Beard, why should that anger her
brother? Could he look into her heart, he would see his face as in a
clear stream."
It was not in human nature to withstand the soft voice and pleading
looks of the woman. The momentary fierceness passed away from the
countenance of the Indian, a milder expression assumed its place, and,
in a gentle tone, he said--
"Pe;na shall hear. She is like a stone which, when spoken to, repeats
not what is said, and not like a brook that sings an idle song. My
words shall enter her ears, but they will not descend to her tongue.
Listen! the Manitou has troubled my thoughts, and sent a bird to tell
me, that the hands of the Long Beard are red with the blood of my
brothers."
"It was a lying bird," she exclaimed vehemently; "it was an owl that
hooted untruth from the dark. When lifted the Long Beard a hatchet
against my tribe?"
"The voice was as the voice of the waterfall," he continued. "It spoke
indistinctly, and I understood but half."
"Why should not Ohquamehud talk with the Long Beard? The words of each
shall be sweet to the other, and they will learn to have one heart."
"It is well," said the Indian, "Pe;na is a wise woman, and Ohquamehud
will speak with the white man."
It needed only the suggestion of the squaw to carry into effect a
resolution already more than half adopted.
The Indian rose, and proceeding to the river, which was but a dozen
rods distant from the hut, unloosed a canoe, and directing its course
up the stream, was lost, in a few moments, from her view.
The appearance of Ohquamehud indicated no hostility when he presented
himself before the Recluse, whom he found weaving baskets in front
of his cabin, nor did his visit seem to surprise the latter. For an
instant the Indian looked with disdain upon an employment which his
wild education had taught him was fit only for women; but suppressing
the expression of a sentiment that might have interfered with his
purpose, with a quiet dignity, and, as if in answer to a wave of
Holden's hand, he seated himself on a large stone by his side. For
a time he was silent, as if either out of deference to the superior
years of the other, or because he wished to collect his thoughts
before he began the conversation. Finding, however, he could obtain
from the Solitary no further sign of recognition, he spoke in his own
language.
"My brother has a big heart. He is making gifts for the beautiful
women of his nation."
"Indian," replied Holden, "think not to deceive me. At this moment
thou considerest this an occupation unfit for a man."
"My brother has very long eyes. They can see the woodpecker on the
rotten tree across the river, but they reach not here," laying his
hand upon his breast. "The Holder of the Heavens loves not to see
things alike. He therefore made the leaf of the oak to differ from
that of the hickory, and the pine from both, and also the white race
from the red. And, for the same reason, he taught the white man to
make big lodges of wood, and brick and stone, and to swim over the
waters in large canoes with wings: while to the red man he gave the
forests and prairies, with the deer, and bear, and buffalo, and caused
him to dwell in very small wigwams made of bark. And so, also, he
taught my white brother to weave beautiful baskets, but denied the
skill to my father's son."
The Indian must have supposed he had seriously offended his new
acquaintance, to induce him thus elaborately to attempt to avert
his suspicions. However that might be, the Solitary resumed the
conversation as though he felt no resentment.
"There is wisdom in thy speech. The Great Spirit loves variety, and it
is he that maketh men to differ. But there was once a time many moons
ago, when thy ancestors builded great houses and dwelt in cities, and
sailed over the seas in winged-canoes."
The Indian cast a quick, sharp glance at the Solitary, as if he wished
to read his very soul. For a moment he looked as though he doubted the
evidence of his senses. But recovering his composure, he said:
"The thoughts of my brother are very high, and his voice like the
sound of a great wind."
"Thou comprehendest me not. Know then, Indian, that innumerable years
ago, there lived far towards the rising sun, twelve tribes, called the
'Children of Israel,' whom the Master of Life greatly loved. And they
had wise and brave Sachems, who led them to battle, and their feet
were red with the blood of their enemies. But they became wicked, and
would not hearken unto the words of the Great Spirit, and He turned
his face away from them. So their enemies came upon them, and
despoiled them, and drove them from the land. Two of the tribes still
linger near the rising sun, but ten wandered far away into distant
countries, and they are thy fathers."
The Indian listened with great attention, and upon the other pausing,
said:
"Has the Manitou told all these things to my brother?"
"No, Indian; the Great Spirit speaks not now to his people as he did
when the world was young. But," he added, as if struck with the folly
of continuing a conversation of this character, "the path is long that
led me to this truth, and it would weary thy feet to travel it."
"My brother is wise, and cannot lie, and I am a child. My ears drink
in his words. The legs of my brother are long, and he has been a great
traveller. Was it near the rising sun he learned the language of the
red man?"
"Indian, I have never been nearer the rising sun than thou. But tell
me the object of thy visit. Why dost thou seek me now, when but a few
days since thou didst chide the squaw for her willingness to oblige
me?"
"The lips of Ohquamehud spoke folly. He did not then know that this
brother had talked to the Master of Life, who granted to him the life
of Huttamoiden's child. The blood of Huttamoiden runs in these veins."
The explanation was perfectly natural, and whatever suspicion had
arisen in Holden's mind vanished. It seemed not surprising that the
Indian, who also, by uttering his name, had proclaimed himself a
Pequot, should be willing to form the acquaintance of one who had
proved himself a friend to his tribe, and probably was invested in his
imagination with the qualities of a "great medicine." But, though
to Holden's high-wrought fancies, the recovery of the boy had seemed
miraculous, and he could not avoid connecting his prayers with it,
yet he shrank from directly claiming so great a power as the Indian
ascribed to him.
"The issues of life and death are with the Great Spirit," he said. "At
his pleasure he breathes into our nostrils, and we live; or he turns
away his face, and we die. Let not my brother give too much credit to
a worm."
The wily Indian, from the other's altered tone and manner, perceived
his advantage, and was not slow to use it.
"Because my white brother loved his red brethren, he sought them in
their lodges, and there they taught him their language. So when the
boy was departing for the happy hunting grounds, my brother remembered
their kindness, and held the child by the hand, and would not let him
go."
The face of the Solitary worked with emotion while the other was
speaking.
"Would that I could explain," he said. "But thou art unable to
understand. How canst thou know a Christian heart?"
"The heart of Ohquamehud is a man's."
"Aye; but a savage knows not, and despises forgiveness. I was a
stately pine, whose branches mingled with the clouds, and the birds
came and lodged therein. And a storm arose, and thunders rolled,
and the lightning struck it, and its pride and glory tumbled to the
ground. And it was burnt up, all save this blasted trunk." He uttered
this with a wild frenzy, and as if hardly conscious of the presence of
another.
"Doth the lightning fall from a clear sky?" said the Indian, after
a pause. "It is long since a black cloud burst over the ancient
hunting-grounds of the Pequots."
"Where the streams run toward the setting sun, the thunderbolt struck.
Why was it not me instead of those dearer to me than life?"
"A bird hath sung to Ohquamehud that the land is pleasant, and the
hunter only extends his hand to find something to savor his broth and
to cover his feet."
"It is a land of streams, and mountains, and forests, and the deer
and the bear still are plenty. When the Creator made it, he smiled
and pronounced it good; and there, as in your fabled hunting-grounds,
might men be blessed but for their passions."
"The red man loves his friend, and hates his enemy."
"To hate is a devilish feeling. It comes not from the Good Spirit."
Ohquamehud rose and stood before Holden. It seemed to his bold and
ferocious temper, that he could not, without cowardice, hear assailed
and not vindicate, a principle that had been inculcated upon him from
youth, and formed a sacred portion of his creed. As he stood up, the
blanket fell in graceful folds from his shoulders, around his person,
and he stretched out a hand to solicit attention.
"Listen," he said; "the tongue of Ohquamehud is one: it will speak the
truth. Because the Great Spirit loved his children, he made them to
love and to hate, and both are pleasant. The south wind is sweet when
it comes in spring to tell that winter is past and the starved Indian
need no longer shiver over the fire; and sweet are the kisses of
Wullogana to Ohquamehud, and dear are the voices of his little ones
when they meet him from the chase, but sweeter than the sighs of the
wind of spring, or the caresses of Wullogana, or the laughter of
his children, is it to strike an enemy. His flesh is good, for it
strengthens a red heart. The wolf will never become a lamb, and the
wolf is the totem of my clan. Ohquamehud has said."
It would be impossible to describe the conflicting emotions of Holden
during this savage speech. Whatever might have been the wild incidents
of his youth, or whatever his wrongs and sufferings, the time was long
past, and he had supposed all stormy passion subdued, and his heart
chastised to resignation and submission. He listened at first with
unmixed horror to the Indian's declaration, but as the savage went on,
the words became more and more indistinct, till they lost all meaning
or were converted into other sounds, and, as in a dream, made the
aliment of his thoughts. The whole conversation, and the very language
in which they spoke, contributed to produce this state of mind. Lost
to all around, his soul was far away. He saw a cabin beside a mountain
torrent, overshadowed by immense trees. It was summer, and the birds
were singing among the branches. The door of the cabin opened, and a
young and beautiful white woman stepped out, holding a child by the
hand. Suddenly it was night, and the cabin on fire, and he heard the
yells of savages, and saw them like so many demons dancing round the
flames; then hush, all again was still, and darkness brooded over the
spot, lighted only by a flickering brand.
The bosom of Holden heaved convulsively, and his brain reeled.
The Indian watched his changing countenance with an eager look as
if he revelled in his agony. Not a hard drawn breath, not a single
expression escaped his notice. He saw the eyes of the Solitary flash,
then settle into a dreamy gaze as if looking into a dim, unfathomable
distance, then shut, as if he tried to exclude some horrid sight.
Suddenly, with a shudder, Holden sprang to his feet.
"Accursed Shawnees," he cried; "they have done this deed. But for
every drop of blood they shed a river shall flow. Dog!" and he seized
the Indian with a strength to which madness lent additional force, and
dashed him to the ground, "thou art first delivered into my hand."
He staggered toward the fallen man--stopped--glared at him a moment
and with a wild cry rushed into the hut.
The Indian, who had immediately risen from the fall, and stood with
folded arms regarding his motions, slowly gathered up his disordered
blanket about him and stalked towards the canoe. A gleam of ferocity
shot over his face as he resumed the paddle, and softly breathing the
single word "Onontio," pushed from the shore.
CHAPTER VI.
I will pursue to death this spiteful knight:
Not earth's low centre, nor sea's deepest part,
Nor heaven, nor hell, can shield him from my might:
I will o'ertake him, take him, cleave his heart.
FAIRFAX' TASSO.
The suspicions of the Indian were confirmed beyond a doubt. It was,
perhaps, the voice and accent of the Solitary in his native tongue
that at first attracted his attention and induced him to try the
experiment which resulted as we have seen. He must have had or fancied
that he had a cause of deadly hatred of long standing against Holden.
It is impossible otherwise to explain his conduct. But no length of
time can erase the recollection of an injury from the mind of a North
American Indian. He cherishes it as something never to be parted with,
and would feel degraded in his own estimation were he to forgive.
Revenge is the central sun round which his spirit revolves; and to
gratify the feeling no hardships are too severe. For such a purpose
he will traverse, with an unerring instinct, pathless forests for
hundreds of miles, swim wide rivers, climb lofty mountains, sleep,
unrepining, on the bare ground, exposed to all vicissitudes of heat
and cold, supporting himself by the chase and fishing, and sustained
throughout by his vindictive passion and the glory he connects with
its gratification. The kindness shown by Holden to his sister and
her son, and the reverence with which she regarded him, it might
be expected would have influenced Ohquamehud; but they had no such
effect. To the kindness he ascribed a sinister motive; and of course,
Pe;na's gratitude was misplaced. It was therefore with a fiendish joy
unalloyed by misgivings, that he brooded over the means to accomplish
his purpose.
He dared not communicate it to Pe;na. He understood her gentle
nature too well to suppose that, under any circumstances, she could
sympathize with him, even though she felt no sense of obligation to
Holden; and, besides, he distrusted her as one who had abandoned the
faith of her fathers. For, although no Christian in the proper import
of the word, the sweet and purifying influences of Christianity had
not been wholly thrown away upon Pe;na. She had many friends in the
neighboring village who had been attracted by her gentle temper and
modesty, conspicuous among whom was Faith Armstrong. Hence, when she
came to the village, as not unfrequently was the case, in order to
sell the berries she had gathered in the fields, or pretty baskets
stained with such lively colors as the simple skill of the Indians
knew how to extract from roots and the bark of trees, it seldom
happened that she returned without having made Faith a visit. On such
occasions the enthusiastic girl would strive to inform her on points
of religion which, to her own mind, were of the highest importance.
Pe;na would listen, and never contradict, though, it is probable, she
understood but little of what to Faith's apprehension was clear.
It was impossible, however, not to derive benefit from such meetings.
None could be in the presence of Faith without being influenced by
the atmosphere of goodness in which she moved. And, indeed, that she
herself derived pleasure from the presence of Pe;na, was evidence of
the gentle worth of the latter.
No wonder then that Ohquamehud determined to conceal his fell purpose
in his own heart. When, therefore, with the quiet step peculiar to his
race, he glided into her hut, just before the setting of the sun, he
had chased the traces of passion from his brow, and met her with a
calm and satisfied mien. So perfect was the dissimulation that even
one less guileless than the woman would have been deceived. In the
present case, the preoccupation of her mind in Holden's favor made it
easier.
"My brother," she said, with a pleased expression, as she caught sight
of his altered appearance, "is like the sky in summer when not a cloud
is to be seen."
"The cloud has left the sky of Ohquamehud."
This was said with a natural and easy air, as if all suspicion were
banished from his mind; nor was the subject further adverted to.
The time at which the children of nature retire to rest, is not that
observed by the artificially-cultivated man. For them, the hours of
light and darkness mark out the periods for action and repose. It was
then still early in the evening, when a heavy breathing in the hut of
Pe;na indicated the sleep of its inmates. Ohquamehud had listened
for it, and having waited until the breathing became deep and full to
assure him of the profoundness of the slumber, he sat up on his couch
and looked cautiously around. The brands were smouldering in the
ashes with a dim flickering light, but sufficient to direct and give
certainty to his movements. With a step so noiseless that the acutest
ear would not have detected it, he crossed the floor, took his rifle
from the corner where it had been placed, with equal caution opened
the door, and stood in the open air.
It was a clear star-lit night, and on the placid bosom of the water
shone one star larger and brighter than the rest, as if to light him
on his way. But it was all unobserved by the Indian. He had no eyes,
no ears, no senses, except for the crime he was about to commit. To
him, no crime, but a heroic act. Slowly, and measuring each step as
though a thousand ears were listening, he proceeded in the direction
of the canoe, untied it, and softly pushed it into the stream. As he
took his seat the dip of his paddle made no sound, and thus, stern as
an iron statue, and almost as still, he paddled on.
And now Ohquamehud approached the island. He stopped his paddle and
held his breath, and listened. Not a living sound was to be heard,
not even the cry of a night bird; nothing save the soft flowing of the
water against the shore. Like an eagle circling round and round before
he pounces on his quarry, the Indian cautiously paddled around the
island. From one of the windows, before concealed, he saw a light.
Keeping at a distance, so that the rays should not fall upon him, he
stole around until he had interposed the hut between himself and its
beams. Then, apparently satisfied there was nothing to be feared, he
directed the canoe towards the island, and slowly advanced until its
bottom touched the sand, when he sat still and listened again. Hearing
nothing, he left the canoe, and crouching down, crept towards the
cabin. Having reached it, he applied his ear to the side and listened,
and again advanced. Thus slowly proceeding, some little time elapsed
before he found himself at the window whence streamed the light.
Without venturing to touch the wooden boards, as if fearful they might
communicate a knowledge of his presence, he raised himself almost
imperceptibly at the edge of the window, until he obtained a view of
the interior. Holden was sitting at a distance of not more than six
feet, near a small table, on which a single candle was burning, and
in his lap lay a large opened book, on which his folded hands were
resting. He seemed lost in meditation, gazing into the wood-fire
before him, towards which his crossed legs were extended at full
length.
The Indian slid his hand down to the lock of the gun, and drew back
the trigger. Cautiously as it was done, he could not prevent a slight
clicking sound, which, perhaps, struck the ear of the Solitary, for he
turned his head and moved in the chair. The Indian slunk to the edge
of the window, so as to conceal his person from any one within the
room, and remained motionless. Presently he advanced his head, and
took another view. The Solitary had resumed his former position, and
was buried in profound thought. The Indian stepped back a couple of
steps, so as to allow the necessary distance between himself and the
window, and raised the rifle to his shoulder.
At that instant and just as he was about to discharge the deadly
weapon, a large rattlesnake, attracted by the warmth, or for some
other reason, glided from the opposite side of the hut towards the
outstretched limbs of Holden, over which it crawled, and resting
its body upon them, with upraised head seemed to fasten its eyes,
glittering in the fire-light, full upon the face of the startled
Indian. The effect was instantaneous. The rifle nearly dropped from
his uplifted hands, a cold sweat burst from every pore, his knees
shook, and his eyes, fixed on the snake by a fascination that
controlled his will, felt bursting from their sockets. After
preserving its attitude for a short time, the snake, as if taking
Holden under its protection, coiled itself around his feet, and lay
with its head resting on his shoe, looking into the fire. As the
snake turned away its bright eyes the spell that bound the Indian
was dissolved. An expression of the deepest awe overspread his
countenance, his lips moved, but emitted no sound, and cautiously as
he had advanced be returned to the canoe, and was soon swallowed up in
the darkness.
The abstraction of Holden must have been deep and long, for upon
recovering from his reverie, the reptile was gone. Without his
consciousness it had come, and without his consciousness departed; and
when he laid the Bible, in which he had been reading, upon the table,
he knew not either the danger he had escaped, or the means by which it
had been averted.
Nor let the conduct of Ohquamehud excite surprise. An American Indian,
he was susceptible to the influence of the legends and traditions of
his race. Among them are some inculcating a superstitious reverence
for certain animals. The bear, for instance, is regarded by some
tribes as a sort of relation, and when the necessity of hunger compels
them to kill him, they apologize, and beg him not to be angry. The
rattlesnake again is an object of great respect. Supplied with a
deadly venom that makes him the most formidable of enemies, he never
attacks unless first injured, and then, if he can reach his foe, his
vengeance is sure. On his trail he disdains concealment, but with the
rattles nature has provided to announce his approach, apprises all,
that they may remove themselves out of his way. Indeed, he comprehends
within himself those qualities most valued by the Indians, and is the
type of a brave warrior. When, therefore, at such an hour and such a
place, the reptile made its appearance, and first darting its fiery
glances at the Pequot, quietly and, as if scorning and defying the
danger, laid itself caressingly on the limbs of Holden, it seemed to
the astonished Indian that the snake knew his purpose, and angrily
ordered him to desist. Vain, he thought, would it be to assail one so
protected, nor was he willing to incur the mysterious enmity of the
snake. How its power might be displayed, whether in striking him
dead on the spot, or in laming his limbs, or defeating his success
in hunting, or what other dreadful manner, he knew not, but he was
convinced that some awful punishment would follow disobedience. He
thought it, therefore, more prudent to yield for the present, and wait
till he had propitiated the snake, or it had withdrawn its protection.
As long as that lasted Onontio was beyond his power. Not that
vengeance was forborne; it was only postponed.
Of such a character were the thoughts that darted through the mind of
the Pequot when frightened from his purpose, and in less time than it
has taken to record them, as with drooping head he pursued his lonely
way. Even what he considered the interposition of a supernatural
power, had not shaken the determination of his spirit. The desire
for revenge had been too long cherished to be given up at a single
warning, however awful, or however strongly appealing to the deepest
implanted superstitions.
CHAPTER VII.
"Arma, virumque cano qui Primus."
VIRGIL
The season had now advanced to within a few days of that joyous period
of the year, when the Governors of the several New England States are
wont to call the people to a public acknowledgment of the favors of
Divine Providence. At the time of which we write, their Excellencies
required the citizens to be thankful "according to law," and "all
servile labor and vain recreation," on said day, were "by law
forbidden," and not, as at present, invited them to assemble in their
respective churches, to unite in an expression of gratitude to
their Heavenly Benefactor. Whether the change from a command to an
invitation, or permission to engage in the sports which were before
forbidden, has been attended with any evil consequences, we leave
to the individual judgment of our readers to determine. But whether
commanded or invited, the people always welcomed the season of
festivity with preaching and praying, and an indiscriminate slaughter
of all the fat turkeys and chickens on which they could lay their
hands.
The yellow and crimson maple leaf had faded on the trees into more
sombre colors, or, falling to the ground, been whirled by the wind
among heaps of other leaves, where its splendor no more attracted
attention. Of the gaiety of autumn, only the red bunches of the sumach
were left as a parting present to welcome winter in. The querulous
note of the quail had long been heard calling to his truant mate, and
reproaching her for wandering from his jealous side; the robins had
either sought a milder climate or were collected in the savin-bushes,
in whose evergreen branches they found shelter, and on whose berries
they love to feed; and little schoolboys were prowling about, busy
collecting barrels for Thanksgiving bonfires.
It was a beautiful clear morning in Thanksgiving-week, when a
side gate, that admitted to the yard or inclosure in front of Mr.
Armstrong's house, opened, and a negro, with a round good-natured
face, and rather foppishly dressed, stepped out upon the walk. But,
before paying our respects to Mr. Felix Qui, it may not be altogether
amiss to give some description of the house of Mr. Armstrong, as
representing the better class of dwelling-houses in our villages, at
the time.
It was a large, two-story wood building, painted white, with green
blinds, and consisted of a main body nearly fifty feet square, in
which, were the apartments for the family, and of an L, as it was
called, from the shape it gave the building, running back, and devoted
to the kitchen and sleeping chambers of the servants. The height of
the stories in this L was somewhat less than in the front part of the
house, indicating thereby, perhaps, the more humble relation in which
it stood to the latter. Three large chimneys rose above the roof, two
from the principal building and one from the kitchen. A wide hall in
the centre, swept through the whole length without interference from
the rear building, which might be considered as a continuation of
somewhat less than one-half of the part in front. The wood-house stood
on the same side as the kitchen, some twenty feet distant; and still
further back, a large barn, also of wood, and painted a light lead
color, with the exception of the cornice and trimmings about the doors
and windows, which were white. The house itself stood some fifty feet
back from the high road, and was surrounded by enormous elms, those
glories of the cultivated American landscape, some measuring four and
five feet in diameter, and throwing their gracefully drooping branches
far and high over the roof, to which, in the heat of summer, they
furnished an acceptable shade. The prospect in front, and looking
between two rows of maples that lined the road, comprehended the
Yaup;ae, expanded into a lake, green fields and apple orchards running
down to the water's edge, and hills, clothed to the top with verdure,
rolling away like gigantic waves into the distance. Behind the house
was a garden and orchard of, perhaps, two acres, terminating in a
small evergreen wood of hemlocks and savins, interspersed with a few
noble oaks. Mr. Armstrong had laid out several winding paths through
this little wood, and placed here and there a rustic seat; and the
taste of his daughter had embellished it with a few flowers. Here
Faith had taught the moss pink to throw its millions of starry
blossoms in early spring over the moist ground, after the modest
trailing arbutus, from its retreat beneath the hemlocks, had exhausted
its sweet breath; here, later in the season, the wild columbine
wondered at the neighborhood of the damask rose; here, in the warm
days of summer, or in the delicious moonlight evenings, she loved to
wander, either alone or with her father, in its cool paths.
Still more beautiful than the prospect from the front door, were the
views from this charming spot. Rising to a considerable elevation
above the river to which it descended with a rapid slope, it commanded
not only the former view to the south, though more extended, but also
one to the northwest. Beneath, at a depression of eighty feet, lay the
lake-like river with its green islets dotting the surface, while, at
a short distance, the Fall of the Yaup;ae precipitated itself over a
rocky declivity, mingling, in the genial season of the year, a noble
bass with the songs of birds and the sighing of the wind, and adding
to and deepening in the rougher months, the roar of the tempest. A
small stream diverted from the river, turned the wheel of a moss-grown
grist-mill, which was nestled under large willows at the foot of
the rocks, and conveyed the idea of the presence of man, without
detracting from the wild beauty of the scenery.
Now, alas, how is all changed! _Heu! quantum mutatus ab illo Hectore_!
The grist-mill has disappeared! A row of willows which skirted the
road that winding by the margin of the cove, led to it, has been cut
down; and huge brick and stone factories of paper and cotton goods,
gloomy and stern-like evil genii, brood over the scene, and all
through the day and into the night, with grinding cylinders, and
buzzing spindles and rattling looms, strive to drown, with harsh
discords, the music of the waterfall. One of the little islands has
been joined to the main land with gravel carted into the river, and a
bleach-house or some other abomination erected upon it. The place is
disenchanted. The sad Genius of Romance who once loved to stretch his
limbs upon the mossy rocks, and catch inspiration from watching the
foam and listening to the roar, has departed with a shriek, never to
return.
Felix, when he found himself outside of the gate, gazed up and down
the street, as if uncertain in which direction to proceed. After a
momentary hesitation, and drawing a pair of gloves over his hands, he
seemed to have made up his mind, and at a lounging pace, directed his
course up, that is towards the north. He had not gone far when he saw
coming towards him a person of his own color, who until then had been
hid by a turn in the road. No one else was in sight, the spot being
the piece of table-land mentioned in a previous chapter, about a
half mile from the thickly settled part of the town, which was at the
bottom of the hill near the confluence of the rivers. Here were no
shops or public buildings, but only private residences from thirty to
fifty rods apart, and inhabited by a few families a little wealthier,
perhaps, for the most part, than the others.
It happened, singularly enough, that the subject was prophecy,
considered as evidence of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures.
The writer, after referring to the fulfillment of many prophecies
contained in the Old Testament, came to those in the New, and amongst
others he spoke of that in which Christ alludes to the destruction of
Jerusalem. He said that even in the times of the Apostles, there were
persons who, by putting too literal a construction upon the words,
were misled into believing that the end of the world was at hand, and
that there had never been a time when there were not victims to the
same delusion.
It was impossible, with reference to the condition of Holden's
mind, to have selected either a topic or reader more unsuitable. The
aversion he had manifested at first increased every moment. It was one
of those antipathies as unquestionable as they are unaccountable. It
at first exhibited itself in restlessness, and an inability to remain
quiet, and afterwards in half-suppressed groans and sighs. If he
opened his eyes and looked at the reader, he saw a devilish figure,
with a malignant leer glaring at him; if he shut them to exclude the
disagreeable image it was converted into a thousand smaller figures,
dancing up and down like motes in a distempered vision, all wearing
that intolerable grin, while the whole time a hissing sound, as if it
came from a snake, whispered in his ears temptations to some deadly
sin. It was a trial the shattered nerves of the enthusiast were
ill qualified to bear, and, finally, a torture beyond his powers
of endurance. The very force of the reasons urged by the writer
distressed him more and more. They seemed to his disordered
imagination the subtle enticements of an evil spirit to lure him
from the truth, and Davenport an emissary of Satan, if not the
arch-deceiver himself. No adequate answers to doctrines which he was
persuaded were false presented themselves to his mind, and this he
ascribed to some hellish spell, which fettered his reason, and must
soon be broken, or he was lost. Mentally, then, first ejaculating a
prayer, he suddenly sprung to his feet, and in a loud voice bade the
reader to stop.
"Forbear," he cried, "man of sin, to seduce the people with these
soul-damning and abominable lies. I conjure thee, Satan, to leave the
body of this man, and depart. Ha! thou wouldst lull them into
security that they may slumber and have no oil in their lamps when
the Bridegroom cometh, when He cometh in the clouds of heaven. My soul
have not thou thy portion with the unbelievers."
The words were uttered with wonderful vehemence and rapidity, and upon
their conclusion, he strode with long strides down the passage towards
the door. Not an exclamation was heard, not a hand raised to stay his
departure, so stupefied were all with astonishment. Upon leaving the
room he rushed into the street, and, forgetful of his promise to Mr.
Armstrong, took his way to his own hut. The tything man, awakening
from his lethargy, and a few others recovering their presence of mind,
went at last to the door, and gazed up and down the street, but the
disturber of the meeting was not in sight, nor, sooth to say, were
any of the number sorry, or wished to meet him that night. Contenting
themselves, therefore, with this slight demonstration of zeal, they
returned to the Conference-room. There, great as was the scandal
occasioned by the interruption, all things soon settled down into
their usual course, and the meeting was regularly concluded and
dismissed.
CHAPTER XI.
_Angelo_.--We must not make a scarecrow of the law,
Setting it up to fear the birds of prey,
And let it keep one shape, till custom make it
Their perch, and not their terror.
MEASURE FOR MEASURE.
The events of the preceding evening caused quite a sensation in the
village. We shall better understand the various opinions and feelings
of the inhabitants by stepping, at about eleven o'clock the following
morning, into the shop, or, as it was called in those days, and would
generally be called now, the "store" of Truman and Jenkins. This was
an establishment at the foot of the hill, where it hung out its sign,
in company with several others of the same character, which professed
to supply all the wants of the community. Here everything was to be
had from a gallon of molasses to a skein of thread, or a quintal of
codfish, to a pound of nails. On one side, as you entered, were ranges
of shelves, protected by a counter, on which were exposed rolls of
flannels of divers colors, and calico and broadcloth, and other
"dry goods," while a showcase on the counter contained combs, and
tooth-brushes, and soaps, and perfumery, and a variety of other small
articles. The back of the store was used as a receptacle for hogsheads
of molasses, and puncheons of rum and wine, and barrels of whisky and
sugar. Overhead and on the posts were hung pails, and rakes, and iron
chains, and a thousand things necessary to the complete enjoyment of
civilization. On the other side was a small counting-room partitioned
off, with a door, the upper part of which was glass, for the
convenience of looking into the shop, in order to be ready to attend
to the wants of such customers as might come in. This little room,
scarcely eight feet square, contained a small close stove, around
which were gathered some half a dozen persons.
"I say, squire," exclaimed Tom Gladding, a tall, awkward, good-natured
looking fellow, with legs sprawling out, and heels on the top of the
stove, addressing himself to a man in a black suit, rather better
dressed than the others, "what do you think of this here rusty old
Father Holden cut up last night at Conference?"
Squire Miller, as one in authority, and who might be called to
adjudicate upon the case, and for other reasons of his own, was not
disposed to commit himself, he, therefore, cautiously replied, _more
Novo Anglicano_, by asking another question, "Were you there, Mr.
Gladding?"
"No," said Tom, laughing; "the old folks used to make me go so
regular, when I was a boy, I guess I've done my part. So after a while
I give it up."
"It is a pity you ever gave it up," said the squire. "You might get a
great deal of good from it."
"There's two opinions about that," said Tom. "You see, squire, as long
as mother was alive, I always went with her regular, 'cause it kind o'
comforted her, though somehow or other I never took to it. So when she
died I sort o' slacked off 'till now it's 'een amost two year since I
been in."
"They say," observed Mr. Jenkins, "they've took the old man up."
"I'm sorry for that," cried Tom. "To go to take up a kind o'
half-crazy man for speaking in meetin'!"
"Why," inquired the squire, "would you allow the man to go about
disturbing the neighbors as he pleased?"
"I never heard tell of his disturbing nobody," said Tom. "Just take
him off his notions about the ten vargins and their lamps, and the
judgment day, and I don't know a likelier man than old Holden. In my
opinion, he's a cleverer fellow than Davenport, by a long shot."
"I don't believe he's been caught," said a man in a pee-jacket,
who, from his appearance, was a fisherman. "I passed his island this
morning about sunrise, with a boatload of oysters, and I see the old
man at his door."
"Well," observed Mr. Jenkins, "I hope he isn't. It's enough to make
a body puke up his boots to hear Davenport, and I don't much blame
Holden for cutting him short."
"I heard somebody say," said Gladding, "that the old man shook his
fist right in old Davenport's face, and told him up and down he was a
good for nothing liar. I want to know if he can sue him, squire?"
"Why, as to that," answered Miller, who being appealed to on a
question of law, conceived it necessary to show his learning, "if a
man strikes at me within striking distance, I can sue him for assault,
though he shouldn't touch me. That I call one of the nice pints of the
law. I decided so myself in the case of Samuel Pond _versus_ Ezekiel
Backus. You see Pond and Backus had a little quarrel about some
potatoes Pond sold him, and Pond got mad, and told Backus he lied.
Backus is rather hasty, and doubled up his fist, and put it near
Pond's nose, and insinuated that if he said that again he would
knock him down." Here the squire paused, and looked round to see what
impression he was making on his audience, and the momentary silence
was taken advantage of by Gladding to observe:
"That Pond's a mean cuss."
The justice took no further notice of honest Tom's not very
complimentary remark than to cast at him a look of angry surprise,
which the other endured with complete indifference.
"So," continued Squire Miller, "Pond went to Lawyer Tippit, and he
brought the suit before me. Backus pleaded his own case, but he had a
fool for a client; the law was all against him, and I had to fine him
a dollar and cost."
"That's considerable to pay," exclaimed Tom, "just for skinning such
a fellow's nose as Sam Pond's (I've heard of the case afore), but you
ain't said nothing, squire, about calling a man a liar."
"Well," said Squire Miller, "that's what we call a mute point. I heard
the affirmative and negative argued once by Lawyer Ketchum and Lawyer
Tippit. Lawyer Tippit was the affirmative, and Lawyer Ketchum the
negative. Lawyer Tippit's principle was in _medio pessimus ibis_,
while Lawyer Ketchum held _qui facit per alien facit per se_. They,
therefore, couldn't agree, they were so wide apart, you see. So they
separated without either giving up, though I think Lawyer Tippit had a
little the best of the argument."
"Lawyer Tippit knows a thing or two," said the fisherman, in a low
tone.
Here Squire Miller handed to Mr. Jenkins twelve and a half cents, for
the four glasses of Jamaica he had drank, a portion of which some way
or other seemed to have got into his last speech, and took his leave.
He had hardly left the store when who should come in but Constable
Basset, bearing in his hand a black staff, "having a head with the
arms of the State thereon," the badge of his office, as provided by
law, and which he was required to carry "upon proper occasions." Some
such occasion had, in the judgment of the constable, evidently arisen,
else it would not now be forthcoming.
He was a bullet-headed, carroty-haired little fellow, with a snub nose
and eyes so diminutive and deeply sunken, that but for the sparks of
light they emitted, they would have been undiscernible. The expression
of his face was like that of a wiry terrier, being derived partly from
his occupation, which, in his opinion, required him to be as vigilant
in spying out offenders as the aforesaid peppery animal, in scenting
vermin, and being partly the gift of nature. But though the person of
Basset was small, such was not his opinion of himself. That was in an
inverse ratio to his size, and at once the source of his highest joys,
and, sooth to say, of an occasional mortification. But the former
greatly preponderated, and, on the whole, it was a pleasure to
a benevolent mind to look at him, if for no other reason than to
consider how much enjoyment there may be in ignorance.
As soon as Gladding set his eyes on the constable, he hailed him:
"Here, Basset," he cried, "what are you going to do this morning with
that are stick?"
The constable did not much relish hearing the badge of an office which
he esteemed one of the most important in the State thus lightly spoken
of and degraded to a common stick; he, therefore, replied somewhat
shortly--
"I guess, Mr. Gladding, you don't see the head of my staff, do ye?"
"Don't I?" said Gladding. "I know old
Authority-by-the-State-of-Connecticut a mile off, without seeing his
head, I rather think. But what are you up to now?"
Basset, who, though no Solomon, had too much wit to admit every one
into his confidence, answered:
"O, nothing; I was only looking for Squire Miller."
"Why," said Gladding, "he only left the store a minute ago. I say
Basset, you got a warrant agin old Holden?"
"Why," said Basset, "what makes you ask?"
"Because," replied Gladding, mischievously, who strongly suspecting an
intention to arrest Holden, and knowing the constable's cowardice,
was determined to play upon his fears, "I shouldn't like to be in your
skin when you go for to take him."
"I'd like to see the man what would dare to resist when I showed him
my authority," said the constable. "I guess I'd make him cry copeevy
in less than no time."
"Well," said Gladding, who all this while had been leisurely whittling
a bit of white pine, "well, Basset, you know your own business best,
and I'm not a man to interfere. My principle is, let every man skin
his own skunks. You haint no wife nor children, have you?"
"No," said Basset. "What makes you ask?"
"Well, I'm glad to hear it. I always think it judgmatical, you see,
to choose a man for constable who haint got no family; 'cause, if any
accident should happen, 'twouldn't be of so much consequence."
"I don't catch your meaning clear," said Basset.
"You'll catch it clear enough, I guess," answered Gladding, "if Holden
gits hold o' ye."
"Now, Tom Gladding, you needn't think you're going to frighten _me_,"
cried Basset, on whom the charm was beginning to work.
"I never had sich an idea," said Tom. "But folks does say he's a
desperate fighting character. Did you never hear tell of Kidd the
pirate, and his treasures, ever so much gold and silver, and rings and
watches, and all sorts o' trinkets and notions, buried somewhere along
shore, or perhaps on the old fellow's island? Folks does say that
when it was kivered, two men was murdered on the spot, so that their
sperits should watch it, and hender other folks from gitting on't.
But them may be all lies. I heard tell, too," he added, bending down
towards the constable, and speaking in a low, confidential tone, as if
he wished to be overheard by no one, "that Holden's Kidd himself; but
I don't believe a word on't. I tell you this as a friend of your'n,
and I advise you to be prudent."
Poor Basset left the shop, with a much less confident air than that
with which he had entered it. The truth is, he had in his pocket, all
the while, a warrant issued by Squire Miller to arrest Holden, which
he now most heartily wished he had never burnt his fingers with.
He had heard before, the strange stories in circulation about the
Solitary, but had listened to them with only a vague feeling
of curiosity, without any personal interest therein, so that no
impression of any consequence had been made upon his mind. But now the
case was different. The matter was brought home to his own bosom. Here
was he, Constable Basset, required and commanded, "by authority of the
State of Connecticut," to arrest a man of the most violent character,
"for," said Basset to himself, "he must be a dangerous fellow, else
how would he venture to insult a whole conference? Tom Gladding's
more'n half right, and I must look sharp." Gladly would he have
abandoned the whole business, notwithstanding his cupidity was not a
little excited by the fees, but he doubted whether the sheriff, his
deputy, or any other constable would execute the warrant in his
stead; nor did any plausible excuse present itself to account for
transferring it to other hands. Thus musing, with fear and avarice
contending in his breast, he walked up the street. But it may be
necessary to tell how Basset got into the dilemma, and, in order to do
so, we must retrace our steps.
The interruption at the conference had not a little offended
Davenport. A pompous and conceited man, any slight to himself, any
failure to accord a deference he considered his due, he felt sensibly
as an injury; much more, then, an open defiance and direct attack.
That Holden or any one should have the hardihood, before an assemblage
of his friends and acquaintances, to interrupt him and load him with
reproaches, wounded his self love to the quick, and he fancied it
would affect his reputation and influence in the community were the
offence to be passed over without notice. He therefore resolved that
something should be done to punish the offender, though unwilling to
appear himself in the matter, as that might expose his motives; and
all the way home, his mind was engrossed with schemes to accomplish
his purpose. It was little attention, then, he be stowed upon the
"good gracious" and "massy on us" of his better half, as, with
indignation becoming the provocation, she kept herself warm, and
shortened the way. But, notwithstanding, he was forced to hear them,
and they affected him like so many little stings to urge him to
revenge. So excited were his feelings, that it was some time before he
fell asleep that night, long after notes other than those of music had
announced the passage of Mrs. Davenport to a land of forgetfulness,
though not before her husband had matured a plan for the morrow.
Accordingly, after breakfast, Davenport walked round to the office of
Mr. Ketchum. Ketchum was a young man, who, but a short time before,
had, in the fortunate town of Hillsdale, hung out his professional
sign, or shingle, as people generally called it, whereon, in gilt
letters, were emblazoned his name and the titles of "Attorney and
Counsellor at Law," whereby the public were given to understand that
the owner of the aforesaid name and titles was prepared with pen or
tongue, or both, to vindicate, _; entrance_, the rights of all who
were able and willing to pay three dollars for an argument before a
Justice Court, and in proportion before the higher tribunals. He was
a stirring, pushing fellow, whose business, however, was as yet quite
limited, and to whom, for that reason, a new case was a _bonne bouche_
on which he sprung with the avidity of a trout.
This gentleman Davenport found apparently lost in the study of a
russet sheep-skin covered book. A few other books, bound in like
manner, were lying on the table, with pens and loose paper and an
ink-stand, among which were mingled files of papers purporting to
be writs and deeds. Against the walls were two or three shelves
containing some dingy-looking books having a family likeness to the
former.
After the usual compliments, Davenport made known his business. "A
scandal," he said, "had been occasioned by the conduct of Holden, and
a great injury inflicted on the cause of religion. It was for that
reason," he intimated, "and not from any private feeling he wanted him
brought to justice. Some people think him a little touched," he said,
"though I don't believe it, and if it was only my own case I should
overlook his insults, for it is the part of a Christian to suffer
wrong without complaining, but there's others to be thought of, and
I'd sooner cut off my right hand than not do my duty. So, squire,"
he concluded, "we must see if we can't learn him reason, and stop his
disturbing the worship of God."
"There is no difficulty about that, Squire Davenport," said Ketchum,
who was acquainted with the particulars of the occurrence of the
night previous, before the arrival of his client, having heard them
discussed over breakfast at his boarding-house. "You have the plainest
case in the world. We'll soon put him through a course of sprouts."
"How do you think we had better proceed?" said Davenport.
"Why," replied the other, opening the Statute Book, "you have at least
two causes of action; you can bring a civil action for the slander,
and also proceed against him on the part of the State for the
interruption of the meeting."
"I don't care about suing him on my own account," said the client,
who, perhaps, not reposing unlimited confidence in the young man's
knowledge of law, and doubting the success of a civil action, had
visions of possible costs he might be obliged to pay floating before
his imagination. Besides, Davenport was a shrewd fellow who had been
"in the law" before; and experience taught him how to make allowance
for the natural anxiety of a new practitioner to obtain business.
"No, I have no feeling about it myself," said Davenport, "and it is my
opinion we had better take him on the part of the State."
"It is just as well," said the attorney; "one suit will not interfere
with the other. We can first proceed against him criminally, and
afterwards bring an action for damages."
"Well, well," said Davenport, "now about the prosecution."
"Then," said Ketchum, opening the Statute Book at the title
"Meetings," after first running though the index; "we can take him
under the Act on the 492d page, entitled, 'An Act for preserving due
order in town meetings, society meetings, and in the meetings of other
communities, and for preventing tumults therein,'" and he read the act
aloud.
"I don't exactly like that," observed Davenport, "The fine, in the
first place, is only eighty-four cents, except the case is aggravated,
when it is a binding over, and then the County Court cannot go over
thirty-four dollars fine. There's no imprisonment and Tom Pownal or
Armstrong would go bail, and pay the fine too, if it comes to that; so
there would be nothing gained by the operation."
"Let as see if we cannot find something else," said Ketchum, "to suit
your taste better I think (for he now perfectly understood the temper
of his client, and read the vindictive purpose of his soul, and,
alas! was willing to descend to the meanness of ministering to its
gratification,)--I think it would be a reproach to the law if such a
high-handed outrage should be permitted to pass unpunished." He again
referred to the index and apparently finding what he wanted turned the
leaves till he came to the title, "Workhouses." "Here," cried he, "at
the 688th page, in the seventh section, we have got him;" and he read
from the Statutes a provision, authorising and empowering an associate
or Justice of the Peace to send "'all rogues, vagabonds, sturdy
beggars, and other lewd, idle, dissolute, profane and disorderly
persons that have no settlement in this State, to such workhouses, and
order them to be kept to hard labor' &c.; and here on the next page,
'also such as are guilty of reviling and profane speaking.'"
"That last will do, if the law will hold him," said Davenport.
"Leave that to me," said Ketchum. "That section will hold water or
nothing will. Give me the names of your witnesses, and we will set
the mill a grinding. I suppose," he added, carelessly, "you have no
objection to bringing the case before Squire Miller?"
"Oh, none in the world," answered the other, who knew perfectly well
the influence he exercised over the Justice. "But you haven't said a
word about the Grand Juror to make the complaint."
"That will be all straight," replied Ketchum. "Two Grand Jurors I know
were at the meeting, either of whom will answer our purpose. Trust
that to me, and I will attend to it."
Hereupon, Davenport mentioned the names of the witnesses he wished
subp[=oe]ned. "And now, Squire," he added, "that this matter is
concluded between us, how comes on my case with Fanning?"
Ketchum felt some surprise at the question, although his countenance
expressed none, for it was only a short time since he had gone over
the whole subject with his client, and the plan of operations had
been agreed on between them. He understood, however, the character
of Davenport too well not to know that he had a reason of his own
for asking, and not doubting it would come out in the course of the
conversation, he replied very composedly that it would probably be
reached the next term.
Davenport went on for awhile, talking of his case, Ketchum all the
time wondering at his drift, until, having concluded what it pleased
him to say, he rose to take leave. After bidding good morning by way
of farewell, he walked to the door, when suddenly turning, as if the
thought had just struck him, he observed--"By the way, if anybody
should happen to notice that I had called on you, I have no objections
to your saying I had a talk with you about that case of Fanning's."
As soon as the door was closed, Ketchum leaned back in his chair and
indulged in a low sarcastic laugh. "The old sinner," he said, aloud;
"he is a cute one; sharp as a pin, but needles are sharper. What a
knack he has of whipping the devil round the stump! To look at that
man you would suppose he was too good for preaching. And he flatters
himself he is imposing on me! He must get up earlier for that. It is
my opinion his only chance when his turn comes will be in cheating his
Satanic Majesty. Well, practice makes perfect, and he has enough
of it. I do declare," he added, after a pause, as if scruples of
conscience were arising in his mind, "I am almost sorry I undertook
this business. But all trades must live."
Consoling himself with this reflection, Ketchum started to hunt up the
grand juror. He found no difficulty in inducing him to make complaint
to Justice Miller, having first satisfied him that an offence had been
committed which the law compelled him to notice officially.
Squire Miller, however, seemed disposed, at first, to take a different
view of the subject. He said he had known Holden a good many years,
and never heard harm of him except that he was a little flighty
sometimes; but if the grand juror insisted, of course he would issue
the warrant.
The minister of the law must have been inexorable, for the complaint
was made, and the warrant signed in due form and delivered to Basset
to be executed.
CHAPTER XII.
_Esculus_.--Come hither to me, master Elbow, come hither,
master constable. How long have you been in this place of
constable?
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
We have seen that when the constable left the shop he felt some
anxiety about the proper course to be pursued. On the one hand were
his duty and avarice, on the other his fears. After some meditation he
finally effected a compromise between them, by adopting the resolution
to wait until the formidable Holden should make his appearance again
in the village, where, he thought he would be less likely, in
open day, and surrounded by others, to resist, or, if he did, the
assistance of the bystanders might be commanded.
Two or three days passed in this manner, none, excepting the five
persons above-mentioned, having any knowledge of the issuing of
the warrant. The excitement had died away, and the little community
supposed no notice would be taken of the occurrence, and, for the most
part, were disposed that none should be. Meanwhile, Basset, like a
spider in the centre of his web, watched for his victim, ready to
pounce upon him, as soon as the propitious moment should arrive. It
is curious how the desire to capture Holden increased with delay. At
first, and in the prospect of immediate danger, the business was far
from being relished, but as time slipped along, and his mind became
familiarized to its contemplation, it began to assume something of
even a tempting character. He began to fancy that if he could secure
the Recluse, he should achieve for himself a reputation for courage,
which he was far, at present, from possessing. Yet, still he desired
to discharge his commission in the most prudent manner.
But Holden did not appear. Was it possible he could have obtained
information of the threatened danger, and was keeping himself
concealed? At the thought, Basset stood two inches higher; his courage
mounted rapidly, and the terrible pirate dwindled into a submissive
culprit.
Ketchum, meanwhile, began to be importunate. He had become impatient
at waiting, and demanded of the constable the reason of the delay.
The latter, unwilling to confess the true cause, put him off with such
excuses as his ingenuity suggested, until he had exhausted his stock,
and was obliged to apply himself to the discharge of his duty. He,
therefore, made up his mind to face the danger, but not to monopolize
the glory of the achievement. He dared not go alone, and accordingly
looked round for somebody to assist him in the perilous enterprise.
Now, the veteran Primus, by virtue of his exploits in the
Revolutionary War, and the loss of one of his legs on the field of
battle, enjoyed a high reputation for bravery. Backed by the old
warrior, or rather led by him, for Basset meant to yield him the post
of honor, the constable thought he should stand a much greater chance
of success. He determined, therefore, to apply to Primus, secure his
services, and take counsel with him on the best mode to apprehend
Holden. With this view, he betook himself to the bachelor quarters of
the black--a hovel on the outskirts of the village, where we find him
at this present moment.
"I hab some interjection, Missa Basset," said Primus, evidently in
reply to a proposition of the constable. "Suppose you come to ketch
me, how I like to hab somebody help you?"
"No danger of that, Prime," said Basset; "you are too clever a fellow
for me to go with a warrant after; and if it was your case, I should
more likely give you a squint of what was going on, than be plotting
how to git hold on ye. You don't know your friends, Prime."
"Dey say 'tis a wise child dat know his own fader," answered Primus.
"Now, if a child dat see his fader ebery day, and been brung up in
de same house, not know him, how is it possible dat I know you, Missa
Basset, who neber before do me de honor ob a visit?"
"Why," said the constable, who hardly knew what reply to make, "you
never come to see me, Prime."
"Dat is de trute," said Primus, "and dat look as do you and me is
no great friends, arter all. But," added he, observing the other's
embarrassment, "dat is needer here nor dere. I always suspect you bery
much, sar, and is willing to do anything to obleege you. Tell us, now,
'xactly, what you want me to do."
"Why, you see, I want somebody to go along with me to be there when
I take him, that's all. The island's three or four miles off, and I
shall want you to help row the boat."
"O, if dat is all, I is 'greeable," exclaimed Primus. "When you tink
of going, Missa Basset?"
"I ain't just made up my mind on that pint, and that's one thing I
want to talk about. When will he be most likely to be at home? What do
you think? Had we better go in the morning, or wait till afternoon."
"Dat inquire some deflexum. Let me see: I don't know about de day, at
all. If he see you coming, he make off, probumbly, and den de job is
lost, and de fire is in de fat. De night is de best time, I guess, to
ketch dis kind ob fish."
But this opinion did not suit the notions of the constable.
"It won't be half so pleasant," he said. "It's plaguy cold at night;
expect we can git him easier, too, in the day-time than at night."
For some reason Primus seemed to entertain a decidedly contrary
opinion.
"You suspec'," cried he, "de ole man let you put you hand an him as
easy as Frisky wink (looking at a little mongrel, that at the mention
of his name jumped into his master's lap). Ketch a weasel asleep! De
old man beard too long for dat."
"Why, I can't see," said Basset, "what objections you can have if I
take the risk. You can't deny it's a great deal pleasanter in the
day time than to go along shivering at night, and, perhaps, catch a
tarnation cold. So, Prime, what say to going down to-morrow in the
forenoon or afternoon, I don't care much which? It's all one to me."
"It's all no use," persisted Primus. "You just hab to pay for de boat
and my sarvices, and git noting. Dat is what I call a berry bad spec,
Missa Basset."
"Well, what's that to you, I tell you? If I choose to run the risk,
that's enough, and you ought to be satisfied. You git your pay, and
what more do you want?"
"Dere is someting more I want," exclaimed the General, "I want de
satisfacshum ob victory. I want de satisfacshum here," he repeated,
laying his hand on his breast. "Do you tink, sar, dat a genlmn, dat
fight in de Resolutionary war, and gib one leg, dat you may stand on
two free leg, hab no feeling ob honor? Beside, dis old soger don't
want no bread he don't arn."
"Well, I'll make a bargain with you, that if we don't catch Holden,
you shan't have anything. That horse is soon curried."
"Ah, dat won't do. My time is precious, and de hire is wordy ob de
laborer. No, Missa Basset, if you want to go in de day time, you can
go. Dere is nobody will hender you. But dis child you will please
'scuse. Beside, dere is a good reason I say noting about 'cause I
don't want to hurt you feelings."
"What's that?" said Basset. "Don't be afeared, spit it out."
"Well, seeing as how you is so pressing you see I tink someting ob my
'spectability."
"Your what?" exclaimed the constable, utterly at a loss to imagine the
meaning of the other.
"My 'spectability," repeated Primus, gravely. "You see, when I was a
young man I sociate wid da best company in de country. I members de
time when General Wayne (dey called him Mad Antony cause he fight so
like de dibble) say afore de whole army dat haansome fellow--meaning
me--look like anoder Anibal (Anibal I guess was a French General).
Ah," sighed Primus, "dey made more 'count ob colored pussons den, dan
dey does now."
"What has all this to do with your respectability?" inquired Basset
who began to be a little impatient.
"I come to dat at de end ob de roll call," responded Primus. "Do you
tink it bery 'spectable now, for a man who, in his younger day, fight
for liberty, to go for to take it away in his old age from anoder
man?"
"But just consider," said Basset, whose cue was flattery and
conciliation, "Holden went agin the very laws you made."
"I make de law, Missa Basset?" roared Primus, "haw! haw! haw! I make
de law, haw! haw! haw! does you want to kill me! O dear!"
"Yes," said Basset stoutly, "and I can prove it. Now say, if the
Americans didn't make their own laws, wouldn't the British make 'em
for 'em? And who was it drove the British out and give us a chance to
make our own laws eh?"
"Pity you isn't a lawyer," said Primus, suddenly abandoning his mirth
at the other's explanation, "dere is a great deal in what you say--de
white men owes a big debt to us colored pussons. Dat is a fust rate
reason why I should want to see de law execute but not for me to go
myself in particular, when, perhaps de ole man point his rifle at me,
and tell me to clear out."
"Why, you don't think he'll resist?" cried the constable somewhat
startled, feeling the apprehensions revive which Tom Gladding had
occasioned, but which the passage of a few days had almost lulled
asleep.
"'Tis bery hard to tell what a man do when he git in a corner," said
Primus, shaking his head, and fastening his eyes on the constable's
face, "but, if you want to know my 'pinion, it is just dis--if Missa
Holden know what you up to, he make day light shine trough you, in
less dan no time, rader dan be took."
"Poh?" exclaimed Basset, affecting a courage he was far from feeling,
"you're skeary, Prime. So, in your judgment, it's safer to go by
night, is it?"
"My 'pinion is made up on all de pints," said Primus, resolutely, and
bringing all his batteries to bear. "Dis case hab two hinge, de fust
is de 'spectability, and de second de safety. Now, if any man suspect
me to go on work ob dis a kind in de day time, when ebery body see me
in you company, he as much mistake as when he kiss his granny for a
gal. De night is de proper time for sich a dark business, and it suit
me better if I 'scuse altogeder from it. But I wish to 'bleege you,
Missa Basset. Now, de second hinge is de safety, and it 'stonish me
dat an onderstanding man, and a man ob experunce and larning like
you, Missa Basset, should dream o' going in de daytime. Dere stand old
Holden probumbly wid his rifle in de window and all he hab to do, he
see so plan, is to pull de trigger and den where is you, Missa Basset?
Or perhaps," he added laughing, "'stead ob shooting at you, he shoot
at me, and dat would be bery onpleasant. In de day-time, a colored
pusson make a better mark dan a white man; but in de night we has de
advantage. Haw! Haw!"
This was a view of things that did not please the constable at
all, and the mirth of the negro appealed excessively ill-timed. He,
therefore, said:
"Don't talk so, Prime; it's dreadful to hear you. Well, if you're
afraid, say so, and done with--"
"Me, 'fraid," exclaimed Primus, "me dat is as 'customed to de bullets
as de roof to de rain! No, sar, you is better 'quainted wid de genlmen
dat is 'fraid dan dis child."
"Don't git mad though," said Basset, in whose mind one apprehension
drove out another, and who began to fear he might lose altogether his
new ally. "Everybody knows you're as brave as Julius C;sar, Prime."
"Please, sar, not to repair me to no C;sar," exclaimed the indignant
General. "De C;sars ob my 'qaintance was nebber no great shakes. I hab
a better name dan dat. My name is Primus--dat mean, in Latin, fust--so
I hear genlmn say, and Ransome, and de meaning ob dat is, dat in de
glorious Resolution I run some arter de British (dough de foolish
doctor abuse me and say dey give me de name 'cause I run away), and
putting bote togedder dey makes a name any genlmn may be proud ob.
But, Missa Basset, what you going to gib me for dis job?"
"Why, a quarter'll be good wages, I guess."
"A quarter ob a dollar! Do you s'pose I dispose myself to ketch cold
on de ribber, and die afore my time, and arter dat to be shoot at,
like a duck, for a quarter? I don't 'list on no such tarms."
"We'll say a half. I'm inclined to be liberal, but I shall expect you
to be lively, Prime."
"Dat is too little;" grumbled Primus. "And who else you got to help
you?"
"Why, hain't two enough? I might as well give up the job at once, and
done with it, if I'm to pay out all the fees."
"One more will make all sure," said Primus, who, prudent general that
he was, thought no odds could be too great against an enemy. "S'pose I
speak to Missa Gladding to insist?"
"Tom Gladding be hung. I won't give him a cent."
"But," said Primus, who seemed determined to have his own way in
everything, "you no interjection, I guess, if it don't cost you
noting."
"No," replied Basset, who was glad enough of another auxiliary,
provided his own packet was not affected. "But, mind ye, I don't pay
him a red cent."
"I pay him myself, out ob my own pass. De danger won't be so much, and
de work will be done up right, sartin. So, atween genlmn, de business
is settle."
They parted with the understanding that the General was to see
Gladding and induce him to take part in the enterprise, and that the
three would meet at a certain place in the evening, the constable
being careful to repeat that he couldn't afford more than fifty cents
for any assistance that might be rendered. Primus accordingly called
upon Gladding, and the arrangement must have been satisfactory, for
the three were all at the place of rendezvous at the appointed hour.
CHAPTER XIII.
"All these tales told in that dreamy undertone with which men
talk in the dark, the countenances of the listeners only now
and then receiving a casual gleam from the glare of a pipe,
sunk deep in the mind of Ichabod."
Legend of Sleepy Hollow
It was on the village wharf that the coadjutors met. Basset, as he
contemplated the martial bearing of the General and the burly form
of Gladding, felt comforted. The clouds that all day long had lowered
above his mental horizon parted, and patches of blue sky began
to appear. It was a cause of special gratulation to him, which he
realized more sensibly in the darkness than by day, that assistance so
important as Gladding's had been secured, and that without additional
expense. He was confident now of an easy victory. The associates
jumped into the boat, the painter was cast off, the constable, as
principal, took the steersman's seat, and Tom and Primus disposed
themselves to row.
The night was neither clear nor dark, or rather was both by fits and
starts. Light fleecy clouds were constantly passing over the heavens,
now gathering densely together and completely hiding the stars, and
now breaking up and revealing between the rifts then shining points. A
low wind softly moaned through the leafless trees on the banks of the
Severn, sadly chiming in with the murmur of the tide, which rose quite
up to the Falls of the Yaup;ae. In the indistinct light, just enough
to stimulate and keep in active play the imagination, softening away
all those harshnesses which the garish brilliancy of day discloses,
and inviting the mind to supply with its own creations what is vague
and deficient, the village presented an appearance more attractive,
if possible, than by day. Along the margin of the river, and up
the hill-sides, the lights scattered in every direction, and rising
irregularly one above another, contended successfully with the
struggling stars to light the way of the adventurers; while a low
sound, the faint indication of life, hardly distinguishable from other
noises, rose from the village, for it was yet early in the night,
and imparted a sense of security by the consciousness of human
propinquity. But gradually, under the skillful strokes of the oars,
the sounds became fainter and fainter, and one light after another
disappeared till, at a turn in the stream, the bold promontory of
Okommakemisit hid the town from view.
A feeling of loneliness now, in spite of the presence of his two
friends, began to creep over the constable. So long as the lights
had been visible, he felt a strength derived from the vicinity of the
habitations of his fellow-beings, as if, were anything untoward to
happen, assistance was close at hand and ready to be proffered, but
now he might die a thousand deaths, and none be the wiser for his
wretched end. As these and other thoughts equally dismal chased each
other through his mind, the silence became more and more oppressive
(for it was only now and then, hitherto, a word had been uttered), and
it was with an emotion of thankfulness and relief he heard it broken
by the voice of Gladding.
"I say, Primus," he said, "do you know where you are?"
"I guess I does," answered the black, speaking from between his shut
teeth, which the necessity of retaining the stump of a pipe he was
smoking compelled him to keep tight together, "I is on de river
'joying a row wid two white genlmn."
"Any fool knows that," said Tom, "though for the matter of the
enjoyment, there might be two words about that. Some jugs has two
handles."
"Well, if dat doesn't please you, I all in a shiver wid de cold. My
"That's a plaguy curus thing," said Tom. "You know Jim Hardy. Well I
hearn him say he can feel the fingers in his hand that was ground off
in the mill, just an much as in tother. I expect your experience is
pretty much the same."
"Dat's a fact," said Primus. "I can feel de foot and de toes just as
much as ebber, only de leg is a sort o' kind o' shorter. Now, Missa
Gladding, you is a man ob gumption, can you splain dat?"
"Sartin," said Tom, who didn't wish to appear ignorant to the presence
of the negro; "there's no great difficulty about that, though I rather
think it takes more larning than you've got to onderstand the thing.
You see," he added, recollecting as well as he could some Latin words
he had heard used by the doctor, "the narves of the rigdum flagdum in
circumnavigating through the humorous rusticus, deflastigated by the
horrentibus oribus sort o' twist the aures arrectos into asinos, and
that you see, to a man of larning makes the whole thing as clear as
one of elder Sillyway's sarmons."
Primus fairly caught his breath at Tom's display of learning, who
rose considerably higher also in Basset's estimation. After somewhat
recovering from his astonishment, and as if he had been reflecting on
the subject, the General said--
"Larning is a great ting, and perhaps you is right and perhaps you
isn't, but I hear anoder way to 'count for it."
"Out with it then," cried Tom.
"White folks," said Primus, "hab one way to 'count for tings, and
colored pussons hab anoder way. Now I hear a colored pussun, who come
all de way from Africa, where dey onderstands dese tings, say it was
de jumbee."
"The jumbee! What in natur's that!" inquired Basset, who had not
before mingled in the conversation.
"Now, none of your tricks, Prime," cried Tom, suspecting the negro
of an intention to mystify them with a jargon like that he had palmed
off; "jumbee ain't Latin."
"Nobody say it was," returned Primus, "I guess de old fellow nebber
hab much chance to study Latin. He better 'quainted wid de shovel and
de hoe. Dat mean in de Congo language, sperit."
"Colored people are curus folks," ejaculated Basset
"I don't see fairly what you're driving at yet," said Gladding.
"Suppose jumbee does mean sperit, what then?"
"I mean dat de hand turn into a sperit. Don't you see, Missa Basset,"
exclaimed Primus, suddenly poking his wooden leg at the constable, "de
sperit ob my leg?"
"Don't, don't, Prime," cried the startled constable, drawing back
and nearly falling in his fright into the water. "What's the use of
talking about sperits now? Come let us talk about something else."
"Well," grinned Primus, "if you don't see de sperit, I feel him."
"Don't talk so; you're spoiling all the pleasure of the sail by such
kind o' nonsense," urged Basset.
"Don't you believe in sperits?" inquired the persevering General.
"I tell ye I don't like to talk about such things now," responded
Basset.
"Why I can give you chapter and varse for 'em," said Tom. "You
remember, Basset, all about Samuel and the witch o' Endor, and that's
authority, I guess."
"Well, if I do I don't care to be chattering all the time about 'em,
though there's some says, they don't appear now as they used to in old
times."
This was an unfortunate remark for the badgered Basset. His two
friends, as if it were of the extremest consequence to convert him
from an opinion so heretical, opened for his benefit a whole budget of
ghost stories In spite of most unwilling ears he was obliged to listen
with a fascinated reluctance to tales of supernatural wonders, in most
of which the narrators had themselves been actors, or derived their
information from persons, whose veracity it would be a sin to doubt.
Among them was a legend told by Gladding, of a murdered fisherman,
whose ghost he had seen himself, and which was said still to haunt the
banks of the Severn, and never was seen without bringing ill-luck. It
is the only one with which we will trouble our renders, and we relate
it as a sort of specimen of the others:
"You see," said Tom, "it was the spring o' the year, and the shad
begun to swim up stream, when I joined Sam Olmstead's company, and
took a share in his fishing. Well, things went on pretty well for a
while, it was fisherman's luck, fish one day, and none the next, and
we was, on the whole, tolerable satisfied, seeing there was no use to
be anything else, though towards the end, it's a fact, there wasn't
many schools come along. We had built a sort o' hut of boards by the
side of the river where we kept the nets, and where some on us slept
to look after the property. Well, my turn came to stay at the shanty,
and I recollect the night just as well! It was coolish, not so cool
as this, though something like it, for there was some clouds floating
around, but it was a good deal lighter, 'cause the moon was in her
third quarter. I felt sort o' lonesome there, all alone with the nets
and the fish, and I don't know what I should have done but for some
of the 'O be joyful' I had in a jug. I tried my best to fortify my
stomach, and keep up my sperits agin the damp, but I didn't seem to
succeed. Finally, thinks I to myself, I'll go and take a snuff of
the night air, perhaps it will set me up So I sort o' strolled down
towards the shore, and then I walked up a piece, and then I walked
back agin, and once in a while I'd step into the shanty and take a
pull at old Rye. Well, seeing as how it agreed with me, and I begun to
feel better, I kept making my walks longer and longer till I strolled
to a considerable distance. It was in one of them turns I see the
ghost. I supposed afore that ghosts always appeared in white, but this
one didn't. He was dressed just like any other fisherman, in a dark
grey jacket and trowsers and a tarpaulin. It seemed to me at first he
wanted to git out of the way, but I made tracks for him, for I didn't
then a bit mistrust about its being a sperit, and halloed out, 'Who's
that?' The sperit, as soon as he heard me, came straight up, and then
I noticed he had two fish dangling down by a string, and says he, in
a sort o' hoarse voice, as if he'd caught cold lying in the ground,
'It's me; it's the ghost of Jimmy Lanfear.' Well, when I heard him
speak so, my flesh began to kind o' crawl, though I didn't know but it
might be some fellow who had stole the shad out of the shanty, for I
never heard of ghosts carrying fish afore. So says I, 'What are you
doing with them fish?' Then, says he, 'Them ain't any real fish; see
if you can touch 'em.' And then he swung 'em round and round in the
moonlight, and I did my best to catch 'em, but I might just as well
have snatched at the moonshine, for my hands went right through 'em
agin and agin, till I stubbed my toe, and fell somehow, and when I got
up, the sperit was gone. Then I knew it was Jim Lanfear's sperit,
who was murdered years ago right opposite the spot where I asked you,
Prime, if you knew where you was; and I was sartin the luck was all up
for that season, and sure enough it was, for we didn't make more'n two
or three hauls more of any consequence."
"I am sure dere was one sperit dere," said Primus, in a musing way,
and shaking his head.
"Now, Prime, what do you mean by bobbing up and down your wool? Do
you intend to signify, you unbelieving old scamp, you doubt my word? I
tell you I was no more corned than I am now. Why, if you want to, you
can see Jim almost any dark night. Perhaps he's walking along shore
now."
"What dat?" cried Primus, pretending to see something on the land.
Basset started, and strained his eyes through the darkness in the
direction indicated, but could discover nothing. The vision of Primus
and Gladding was better.
"Don't ye see someting," said the former, lowering his voice, "right
under de bank. I can't just see de shape, but it seem as if it swim in
de air widout legs. You eyes is younger, Missa Gladding; guess dey see
furder dan mine."
"I can make him out now," whispered Gladding. "It's a man, sure as
rates Golly!" he exclaimed, suddenly, "if it ain't Jim--look, Basset,
look."
The constable had listened in an agony of terror to the colloquy,
and at the exclamation of Primus, availing himself of his post as
steersman, turned the bow of the boat towards the opposite shore,
to place as great an interval as possible between himself and the
spectre. The action had not passed unnoticed, though neither of his
companions made any remark upon it. Repeatedly his head had flown
round over his shoulder, to catch a glimpse of what he dredded to
see, but, notwithstanding the excitement of his imagination, he could
behold nothing.
"O, Tom! O, Prime!" exclaimed the poor fellow, "let us go home. I wish
we was fairly out of this scrape."
"Why," said Tom, "we're 'most there now. We should be laughed at if
we was to give it up so. Who's afraid o' sperits? They're nothing but
moonshine. I vow," he cried, pointing over the opposite side of the
boat, "if he ain't there agin! Look, Basset."
But Basset was too busy with his paddle to look. With a twist of his
wrist he had whirled the bow of the boat in the direction of the bank
they had just left, and was paddling away for dear life. This time
he appeared to arrive at the condition that the middle of the stream
would be the safest position, and having attained that, he kept, as
nearly as he could judge, at equal distances from the banks. A short
space only now remained to be passed over, and in a few moments they
were abreast of the island. Here the two men rested on their oars, and
a whispered consultation was held, at the conclusion of which the
boat was quietly pulled towards the goal. This was not done, however,
without another attempt on the part of the constable to postpone
the capture for that night, but the proposal was overruled by his
associates, who scouted at his fears, and declared there was no
danger.
Basset's nerves were in a shocking condition. The doleful stories
croaked into his ears the whole passage down; the darkness of the
hour; Holden's terrible character; and the remoteness from any
assistance other than that of Gladding and Primus, in whom his
confidence diminished every moment, conspired to throw him into the
abjectest trepidation. But there was no retreat; Gladding was as
obstinate as a mule, and as for the General, true to his military
reputation, he insisted on advancing, and the unfortunate officer of
the law, who was as much afflicted, with spiritual as with material
fears, found himself in a dilemma, the solution of which was taken
away from him. No alternative remained. He must, be the consequences
what they might, see the adventure through. Borrowing, therefore,
courage from despair, with a timid step and palpitating heart, he left
the boat and closely followed his companions.
No light was visible, and the constable began to hope that Holden
was away from home, and made the suggestion that since such was
undoubtedly the fact, they had better return and come another time.
But Gladding, pointing to a canoe not before observed, convinced
Basset of the contrary, and it was then agreed that they should first
according to the plan arranged approach the cabin and reconnoitre
through the window. This being the post of danger was offered to
Basset who however could be prevailed on by no entreaties to accept
it which finally forced Gladding to volunteer. They all stood now on
a side of the hut where there was neither door nor window, being,
indeed, the side they had been careful to approach in the boat.
Gladding was to steal to one of the windows and after examining the
interior (if possible) to return and apprise them of his discoveries.
Accordingly he started off.
He had been gone but a few minutes when Primus began to be uneasy and
proposed to change their position to one nearer the hut their figures
being too much exposed where they were, in consequence of standing
in relief against the sky and water. The constable would gladly have
stuck by the boat, as furnishing a means of retreat, but dared not
remain alone. Reluctantly therefore, and cursing the obstinacy of the
provoking black he crouched his body towards the ground, and followed
in the rear of the General, that brave officer seeming disposed to
talk louder and make more noise generally than pleased his companion
who, from time to time, earnestly remonstrated with him on the
imprudence.
"What dat!" suddenly exclaimed Primus recoiling on the other and
pointing with his hand directly in front.
"Where? where?" whispered Basset, with his heart in his mouth raising
himself, and catching bold of Primus' arm.
"Hush!" said the General, "is dat a groan?"
At that instant a tremendous blow was applied to the shoulders of the
constable which sent him flat upon his face, dragging the General who
caught a part of the application after him. As Basset fell his
hat dropped off and a paper flew out which Primus picked up and
immediately pocketed, hastening then as fast as his wooden leg would
permit towards the boat which lay only four or five rods distant.
There he found Gladding preparing to push off, and scrambling in, they
had just succeeded in getting her afloat, when Basset, without his hat
flung himself, in the extremity of his terror, headlong in, pitching
Primus down upon the bottom, breaking his wooden leg, and capsizing
Tom into the water. It was so shoal that he found no difficulty in
getting in again, escaping with only a thorough ducking. It was now
_sauve que peut_, and the three addressed themselves, so far as their
bewildered faculties would permit, to the business of escape.
Thus closed the adventures of that disastrous night. All the way home,
Primus kept groaning over the loss of his leg, the only consolation
he could extract out of the calamity, being that it was easier to mend
than one of flesh, and cheaper, and upbraiding Basset with his haste
and carelessness. Gladding insisted on being landed in order to
prevent, by exercise, taking cold, threatening in his turn the
constable, that if his clothes were spoiled he should come upon him
for the damage. Poor Basset, quite confounded by these harrowing
events, had not a word to answer, and replied only by shrugging
and twisting his shoulders with pain. The departure of Tom made it
necessary for him to assist the negro in rowing back the boat, which
he did with a handkerchief tied about his head, which Primus lent him
and wincing with the soreness of his bones, the negro interspersed
his moans with expressions of sorrow over their ill luck and of wonder
whether it was Holden or the ghost of the fisherman that assaulted the
constable vowing he would "hab satisfacshum for de loss ob de leg."
CHAPTER XIV.
_Celia_.--Here comes Monsieur Le Beau,
_Rosalind_.--With his mouth full of news.
AS YOU LIKE IT.
"You strike dreadful hard, Missa Gladding. If you can't write, I guess
you can make you mark," said the General, rubbing his shoulders.
"I was larned to do one, and t'other come natural," said Tom,
laughing; "but I didn't lay it on a bit too hard. You see I had to
bring him a pretty good polt, so as to lay him flat, else he might ha'
found it all out, the good-for-nothing son-of-a-gun, to go to sarve a
warrant on an old man, just for speaking his mind in meeting. I go
in for liberty. And then to insult you and me, Prime, by asking us
to help him! But I didn't mean to strike you, except in the way of
friendship."
"You friendship too smart for me, Missa Gladding, and s'pose I break
my neck in de fall, what you friendship good for den?"
"But you hain't broke nothing but your leg, and I see you've got
another rigged, and the half dollar Basset give you will more'n pay
for that; though, if I was you, I'd come down upon him in damages for
the loss--'twas in his sarvice--and then his digging his head right
into your stomach, when he come thundering into the boat, I call a
regular assault and battery."
"How you like you cold duck wid sea-weed saace, Missa Gladding?"
retorted Primus; and here the two united in peals of laughter.
"Cunning fellow, dat Basset," said Primus. "He kill two bird wid one
stone--knock me into de bottom ob de boat, and chuck you oberboard,
all at once." And the merriment was renewed.
"Do you think he has any suspicions, Prime!" said Tom.
"Dat question acquire some reflexum," answered the General. "Whedder
it was old Holden or de fisherman ghost dat gib him de strike on de
back?"
"No, I don't mean that. I mean whether he thought you or me had
anything to do with it."
"I guess not," said the General, doubtingly. "If sich an idee git into
his head, somebody will put it dere."
"Well, what did he say coming home?"
"Not much; dere he set in front, wid his back to me, rowing, and his
head all tie up wid my bandanna, and he seem sort o' snarl up, as if
he want a night's rest to take de kinks out ob him. He was not much
'cline to 'greeable conversashum. I feel kind o' sorry when I see him
so mellancholliky like."
"You needn't be so liberal with your sorry. The scamp desarves it all
and more, too. The cretur's cheated us out of half our fun." How I
should ha' liked to leave him, as we intended, alone with old Holden
on the island! The chicken-hearted booby would ha' half died o'
fright, and then 'twould ha' been worth nuts to see how he looked when
the old man caught him in the morning, and asked after his business."
"He nebber stay till dat time. He would hab swum 'cross de channel,
and run home."
"Well, he'd found out, then, how a fellow likes to be soused in the
water, as the blundering blunderbus did me, darn him."
"O, nebber bear no malice. I 'scuse Basset 'cause he don't know no
better, and you must forgib him."
"As to that, you needn't fret your gizzard. But how did you git home,
Prime, with your broken leg?"
"Dat is a secret atween me and Basset; but I didn't walk."
"Then, I vow," said Tom, bursting into a laugh, "he either trundled
you along in a wheelbarrow, like a load o' pumpkins, or else carried
you on his back."
"Nobody roll me in a wheelbarrow," said the General, drawing himself
up, and affecting to be offended.
"I would ha' given all my old shirts to see a darkey riding Basset,"
said Tom, whose merriment increased the more he dwelt on the idea.
"A colored pusson as light complexum as a white man in de dark,"
exclaimed Primus, grinning.
"Well, old Prime, you're the cleverest nigger I ever did see," said
Tom, slapping him on the back, and still laughing; "but take care you
don't feel too proud after your ride. Put a nigger on horseback, and
you know where he goes. But what have you got there?" he inquired,
seeing the General draw a paper out of his pocket.
"Dis paper fall out ob Missa Basset hat when de ghost strike him last
night, and I pick him up."
"Golly! if it ain't the warrant. Prime, you're the ace o' clubs. I'm
gladder of this than if I found a good dinner."
"Well, what shall I do wid him?"
"Why, man, burn it up; it's the constable's sword and gun, and
baggonit and cartridge-box; he can't do nothing without it; why,
without the warrant, he's just like a cat without claws. He daresn't
touch a man without a warrant."
"If Missa Basset trow de paper away, I 'spose he don't want him, and
he ain't good for noting, and nobody can find fault wid me for burning
up a little piece ob waste paper, just to kindle de fire," said
Primus, throwing the warrant into the flames, where it was immediately
consumed.
"There, we've drawn Basset's eye-teeth now," said Gladding. "Holden's
as safe as you or me. And, Prime," he added, rising, and, as he took
leave, making a peculiar gesture with the thumb of his right hand
touching the end of his nose, and his fingers twinkling in the air,
"you're too old a fox to need teaching, but it will do no harm to say
I advise you to keep as dark as your skin."
Such was the conversation that, on the morning after the adventure of
the island, took place at the cabin of Primus, and the reader will now
perfectly understand (if, indeed, he has not before discovered it) the
relation which the associates bore to the constable. Yet, there
was some difference in the feelings of the two: Gladding felt only
unmitigated contempt for Basset, while the good-nature of the negro
(proverbial of the race) infused some pity into the sentiment.
"Tom Gladding hab no manners," said Primus to himself, after the
departure of his friend. "It is bery onpleasant to hear sich pussonal
inflections. But, probumbly, arter he keep company wid me a little
longer, he larn better."
How it got out, nobody could tell. Tom and the General both declared
they had said nothing about it, and Basset was equally positive he had
not opened his mouth. It is, therefore, singular that, before twelve
o'clock the next day, rumors of the adventure had reached the ears of
more than one-half the inhabitants of Hillsdale. True, none were very
accurate, nor did any two agree; for, as is apt to happen, in such
cases, each one who told the story took care, most conscientiously,
it should lose nothing in the repetition. Hence, before noon, it was,
like most of our modern literature, "splendidly embellished."
It was not strange, then, that the doctor, in his morning round among
his patients and friends, should get some inkling of it. Divested of
ornaments, enough remained to satisfy him that an attempt to arrest
Holden had been made. For the cause, he was at first at a loss; for,
though he had heard of the disturbance at the conference, he hardly
supposed that an offence which he regarded as so venial, would
have drawn along such serious consequences. But when he heard that
generally assigned as the reason, having no words of his own to
express his astonishment, he was obliged to resort to his unfailing
treasury--
"'Can such things be,
And overcome us like a summer cloud,
Without our special wonder?'"
The quotation did not seem fully to answer the purpose, and he
added, "Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun: it shines
everywhere." This gave him relief. It acted more soothingly than
his own anodyne drops; and, having thus recovered his equanimity, he
determined to ascertain if the Armstrongs had heard the news.
He found Miss Armstrong at home, but not her father.
"You have heard the news, Faith, this morning. I suppose?" said the
doctor.
"No; we are not much like the Athenians. Neither my father nor myself
are accustomed to get the first edition. What is it, doctor?"
But the doctor did not relish being called, by the remotest
implication, an Athenian. As inquisitive as the most prying Yankee is
said to be, he stoutly repelled the imputation of inquisitiveness, as
applied to himself or to his countrymen. "It was," he was in the habit
of saying, "a slander invented by your porter-guzzling Englishmen and
smoking Dutchmen. What can you expect of people who are involved in
a perpetual cloud either of their own raising or of the making of
Providence? They are adapted to circumstances. It never was intended
they should have more than one idea a week; it would be too much for
their constitution; and therefore they ask no questions. No wonder,
then, they feel uncomfortable when they get into a clear climate,
where they can see the sun, and hear ideas buzzing about their ears
like a swarm of bees."
The doctor appeared to have forgotten his own question, and not to
have heard Miss Armstrong's.
"You are looking remarkably well," he said. "You ought to be ashamed
to meet me: if everybody else were like you, I should starve."
"All your own fault, dear doctor. Your presence brings cheerfulness
and health."
"To say nothing of the medicine. Of that (in confidence between us),
the less the better. If I should ever become crazy enough to prescribe
any other than bread pills, be sure to throw them out of the window.
There, you have the secret of medical success; though if I pursue the
system much longer, I think I shall be obliged to adopt the Emperor
of China's plan, and require a salary for your health, on condition it
shall stop when you are sick."
"I admire the Emperor's plan, so let it be understood that is the
arrangement between us. I have the best of the bargain, for I shall
secure a greater number of visits."
"You provoking creature! smothering me with compliments, and
pretending you are not dying with curiosity. This is always the way
with your tormenting sex:
'Let Hercules do what he may,
The cat will mew'"--
"And girls will have their way," interrupted Faith, laughing, and
finishing the quotation to suit herself. "But, doctor, you have
conquered, and please now 'unmuzzle your wisdom.'"
"Methinks," cried the doctor, "'sometimes I have no more wit than a
Christian or an ordinary man; but I am a great eater of beef, and
I believe that does harm to my wit,' else I should not allow you to
tease me. But," added he, in a more serious tone, "there is a report
in the village that an attempt has been made to arrest Holden."
"To arrest whom?" exclaimed Faith, turning pale, "father Holden! For
what?"
"He is not taken yet, and, were one to believe all the stories one
hears, not likely to be. According to them, his enchanted castle on
Salmon Island is protected, not only by his own stalwart arm, but by
legions of ghosts and hobgoblins; and, since that is the case, he
may safely defy the _posse comitatus_ itself, with the sheriff at its
head. But, for the cause--
"'It is the cause, it is the cause, my soul,
Let me not name it to you, ye chaste stars,
It is the cause'--
Why, because he made the most interesting speech at conference the
other evening."
Miss Armstrong, whom the jesting manner of the doctor somewhat
re-assured, begged him to give her all the information he had
obtained; but, throwing aside what he considered the embellishments of
fancy, it was no more than what he had already imparted.
"What would be the punishment for such an offence?" inquired Faith.
"I am more learned in pills than in points of law; but I suppose some
trifling fine."
"It would be of no great consequence, were it any one else," said
Faith; "but it would grieve me to have Mr. Holden subjected to an
indignity he would feel sensibly. It was through my father's and
my entreaties he attended the meeting, and if censure is to fall
anywhere, it ought to alight on us, and not on him, who certainly
supposed he was performing a duty, however much he might be mistaken.
Dear doctor, I shall trust in you to watch that no harm befalls him. I
should forever reproach myself as the cause, if any did."
"You may rely on me, my dear. It is not so much on account of the old
fellow, who richly deserves to be fined and shut up a week for
running about the country and frightening the children with his long
beard--why my horse started at it the other day--but because you take
an interest in him, and I am above all jealousy; therefore, command
me,
'Be't to fly,
To swim, to dive into the fire, to ride
On the curled clouds; to thy strong bidding task
Ariel and all his quality."
"My commands will not be so difficult to perform, I trust," said
Faith, smiling.
"Understand me metaphorically, parabolically, poetically," cried he,
taking leave.
After he was gone Miss Armstrong sat musing over what she had heard.
The idea that any annoyance should happen to the Solitary, growing
out of a circumstance with which she was in some manner connected,
distressed her exceedingly, and, dissatisfied with the meagre
statement of the doctor, she determined to go over to Judge Bernard's,
to try to procure more satisfactory information.
"He will, at least," she said, "be better acquainted with the law than
Doctor Elmer, and there is no favor he will refuse me."
But the Judge was unable to add anything of importance. He had heard
the same rumors, but could not vouch for their truth. With regard to
the issuing of a warrant for such a cause, he could not say but that
persons might be found malignant enough to get one out, and justices
of the peace foolish and ignorant enough to be made their instruments,
but if it came to the worst, the penalty could only be a fine, which
he would gladly pay himself.
"He cannot be imprisoned then?" inquired Miss Armstrong.
"No; they would not dare," he said, to himself in a tone so low
that Faith could catch only a word or two here and there, "send
him--disorderly--no settlement--no, no--too bad--might be done. No,
Faith," he said, "you need anticipate no serious trouble about your
_prot;g;_."
"Cannot we prevent his being arrested? It would mortify him
exceedingly."
"For that, perhaps, there is no remedy, but we will see. We are all
equally amenable to the laws. But after all, the thing may not be
noticed. These may be only rumors put out by some mischievous person
to keep Holden away from the village."
"They can have no such effect."
"No: and yet the rogue who invents them may think they will."
"I should not be at all anxious, Faith," said Anne. "Here are my
father, and yours, and my chivalrous brother, and--"
"And Mr. Thomas Pownal," said Faith, smiling, observing she hesitated.
"Yes, and Mr. Pownal; I am sure they would all be happy to spend a
great deal of breath and a little money in your service. They will
protect Father Holden. What are the gentlemen good for, if they cannot
grace a fair lady thus far?"
"And Mistress Anne, should they fail, would, like another Don Quixote,
with lance in rest, charge the enemy, and release the captive knight,
herself," said her father, pinching her cheek.
"Like Amadis de Gaul, father, and then would I present the captive of
my sword and lance to you, Faith, though what you would do with him I
do not know."
"Do not let us hear of swords and lances from you, Anne," said her
mother. "Thimbles and needles become you better."
"If I had been a man," exclaimed Anne, "and lived in the olden time,
how I would have gloried in such an adventure! You, Faith, should have
been the distressed damsel, I the valorous knight, and Father Holden a
captured seneschal. How would I have slashed around me, and how
would you have blushed, and hung about my neck, and kissed me, when I
appeared leading by the hand your venerable servitor!"
"What! what!" cried her father, "before the seneschal?"
"He would be so old he could not see, or, if he was not, tears of joy
would fill his eyes so that they would blind him," said Anne.
"An excellent idea, my dear," said Mrs. Bernard: "hand me my
knitting-work."
"What! a knight hand knitting-work?"
"Certainly," said her father. "It is a knight's business and delight,
to be employed in the service of the fair."
"Here is your knitting, mamma. I am an enchanted knight, changed
by some horrible incantation into a girl," said Anne, resuming her
needle.
"Worth twice all the preux chevaliers from Bayard down," said the
Judge, kissing her blooming cheek.
"Who is in great danger of being spoiled by the flattery of her fond
father," said Mrs. Bernard, smiling.
"Dear mother, how can you speak so of an enchanted knight?"
"I will crave your aid in the hour of peril, Sir Knight," said Faith,
rising. "Meantime, accept this kiss as guerdon for your good will."
"Or retainer," said the Judge.
Faith left her friends in better spirits than she had met them. The
assurances of Judge Bernard had relieved her mind of a weight of
anxiety. It was evident, she thought, from the manner in which the
subject was treated by the family, that they felt no apprehensions.
The gaiety of Anne, too, had not failed of its design. It was, indeed,
scarcely possible to be in the presence of this sweet girl without
feeling the charm which, like the sun, radiated light and happiness
about her. It was the overflow of an innocent and happy heart, and as
natural to her as light to the sun, or fragrance to the rose.
Faith found her father in the house on her return. She communicated to
him what she had heard, and asked his opinion. He knew, he said, that
while there were some--probably the majority--who, regarding Holden's
conduct as only an impropriety, would be disposed to overlook it;
there were others who would desire to have him punished, in order
to prevent a repetition of such scenes. "Such," said he, "are the
feelings of the world, but they are not mine. So far from deserving
censure, Holden is entitled to all honor and praise, for he spoke from
the inspiration of conviction. Nor, whatever may be the attempts to
injure him, will they succeed. As St. Paul shook the deadly viper from
his hand, so will this man rid himself of his enemies. There are more
with him than against him, and the shining ones are the stronger."
The confidence of her father harmonized so well with the hopes of
Faith, that it was easy to participate in it, nor in the excitement
which she felt, did his language seem other than proper for the
occasion.
Заблудший охотник, глава 1 -14
© Copyright: Вячеслав Толстов, 2023
Свидетельство о публикации №223051401458
Свидетельство о публикации №223051401458
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