The Knight of the Golden Melice / A Historical Romance

wild s

le struck, de

moment mo

n's Se

breast, and a red woollen sash tied around his waist. As the Indian, thus bedecked, entered the room, it was with an increase of dignity becoming one possessed of such splendid ornaments, whereat, however, Arundel found it difficult to repress a smile. But i

m; it is a pity the Indi

. Look," he continued, presenting the mirror to Arundel, and, unable

e the wigwam and seek the clear wate

n water which he can carry with him wherever he goes. Waqua will never more be alone, for whenever he pleases h

Arundel, and laughed,

ter," he said, "and whenever I look into i

nto thee. I do begin to think that the extraordinary

, of the white chief who lives aw

the Indians call Soog-u-gest, or the eagle. I had left hi

ot like other white men. He loves the

t is my turn, Waqua, to show you hospitality; and to a strong, h

ference for one thing over another. His entertainer fancied that, from time to time, he cast a stolen glance, as if watching motions in order to accommodate himself to them. However that may be, the young white man was greatly pleased with the untutored politeness of his red companion, and desirous to please him in all respects, did not deny his guest the stimulus of strong water; taking care, nevertheless, that the wine drunk should be in too small quantities to affect him injuriously. Of this, Waqua partook with peculiar zest, and it is fort

Great Spirit loves his white children very much, else never would he have given the

th with destruction. But, Waqua, come thou now with me. I saw no red cloth in thy l

ll make Waqua's wigwam as gay as th

treet, walking in his tracks, and the two pursued their

were ever ready to grant themselves, and which they considered a duty; nor inasmuch as they never attempted to take away anything by violence, but thankfully accepted whatever was offered to them, were their visits generally discouraged. Indeed, the importance of treating them with indulgence was sedulously inculcated by both elders and magistrates, as being conducive to their own security as well as from higher motives. The expediency of such conduct was so obvious that few were found to

n were met by Prudence, who, while c

le said you was ever so far away in the woods, li

ge brought me. As for my copper friend, he is the gentlest savage that ever took a scalp. Do not be

l the breath out of my body. Oh! how my heart beats

ned on a full length portrait hanging on the wall; "for which reason," he added "and, during my absence, may make acq

mistress; but, preceded by Prudence, hastily left the apa

features were regular, her complexion delicate and brilliant, her eyes blue and sparkling, and her hair of a rich brown. Those blue eyes were commonly calm and soft, though there were times when they could kindle up and flash, and the full red lips became compr

k she nevertheless offered him, even before the considerate Prudence had retired, shutting t

and, retaining her han

, Miles," she answered; "the perils I make

at the right is on our side, we may defy Master Spikeman and all

y confidence, but som

looking at her anxiously and kissing off a tear. "Has anyt

ately dropped some threats respecting thee which have filled me with apprehension, and it was in consequence of my grie

ry with her for being the ca

ure hand, (though thou must not inquire thereafter), that Master Spikeman is endeavoring to poison the minds of the Governor and of the Assistants with false reports

ly. "So this is the way whereby he designs to accomplish his purpose! But

inquired Eveline, see

; "but would that I could persuade thee to cut the Gordian knot and put an end to this torturing suspense,

er wherein the impulses of my heart make me but

you to submit to th

t dire necessity shall induce me to take a step,

, Eveline?" said Ar

ne of honorable ancestors; it becomes a woman, whether in the thickly peopled city or in the wilderness, among strangers or with her own kindred, to avoid even

owever much my heart rebels; but is there no eme

ever difficulties may harrass m

our youth in hopeless sighs over the tyranny of a heartless villain, linger

uired Eveline, half reproachfull

acted by the love that binds my soul to thine, and this land will I never leave alone.

ut shouldst thou ever change; shouldst thou weary of the delays and vexations which thy love for Eveline Dunnin

her to his bosom, "how canst thou speak thus? He who

turally take place between two young persons in their situation. Owing to the vigilance of Spikeman, it was a long time (so at least it seemed to them

ented a man of middle age, of a stern and somewhat forbidding countenance, standing with the open palm of the right hand thrown forward, as if he were addressing the spectator. It was exceedingly well done,-so grac

ke for the others' want of respect to age, and to the master of the house, for whom he took the picture. As, after Arundel and the girl left the apartment, the figure remained standing, with eyes fastened on Waqua, and his hand continually extended, the Indian, considering it an invitation to be seated, sat down in a chair. He expected now to be addressed, and modestly dropping his eyes waited for what should be said. Thus sat Waqua, until, surprised at the continued silence of the other, he raised his eyes, and beheld him still in the same position, with lips partly open, yet emitting no sound. The situation of the Indian now became more

men are very different from those of their red brethren, and perhaps among his white brothers the young men speak first t

ause he sees him in company with the white man who went away with the chief's daughter with the strawberry lips. W

thered up his robe upon his

t even winking, only fastening his eyes steadfastly on his own. To the excited imagination of the Indian, the eyes began to assume a deeper sternness, and he found it more and more difficult to withdraw his own. Suddenly, a thought darted through his mind, which made him shiver all over, and spring from his seat. The idea of fascination caused the start. He had more than once beheld the black snake extended on the ground, charming, with his glittering eyes the anguished bird which, with fainter and fainter screams, striving to delay a f

not a bird to be made w

from his hand, he felt his arm suddenly arrested, an

o speak for merriment; "what are you going

amused spectator of his conduct; but her interposition had the effect to prevent any violence, especially, as upon looking again at the portrait, he felt no l

d was not invited to a seat on his mat? Who can say

and passing her hand over its surface; "it is nothi

uisitive glances. He refused, however, to touch the figure, until Prudence, taking his hand in hers, placed it on the canvas. But no sooner did he feel the flat surface, than, ut

e, "I tell thee it cannot bite. It can neither hea

that he was above the feeling of fear, holding the tomahawk in one hand, he passed the other over the whole surface, as