John Greenleaf Whittier - "The Complete Works of Whittier"

Kate Douglas Wiggin - "A Summer in a Canyon: A California Story"

Adam Smith - "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations"

Jules Verne - "The Master of the World"

Wacousta (Volume II)

J >> John Richardson >> Wacousta (Volume II)



WACOUSTA;
or
THE PROPHECY.

Volume Two of Three




CHAPTER I.

It was on the evening of that day, so fertile in melancholy
incident, to which our first volume has been devoted,
that the drawbridge of Detroit was, for the third time
since the investment of the garrison, lowered; not, as
previously, with a disregard of the intimation that might
be given to those without by the sullen and echoing rattle
of its ponderous chains, but with a caution attesting
how much secrecy of purpose was sought to be preserved.
There was, however, no array of armed men within the
walls, that denoted an expedition of a hostile character.
Overcome with the harassing duties of the day, the chief
portion of the troops had retired to rest, and a few
groups of the guard alone were to be seen walking up and
down in front of their post, apparently with a view to
check the influence of midnight drowsiness, but, in
reality, to witness the result of certain preparations
going on by torchlight in the centre of the barrack
square.

In the midst of an anxious group of officers, comprising
nearly all of that rank within the fort, stood two
individuals, attired in a costume having nothing in common
with the gay and martial habiliments of the former. They
were tall, handsome young men, whose native elegance of
carriage was but imperfectly hidden under an equipment
evidently adopted for, and otherwise fully answering,
the purpose of disguise. A blue cotton shell jacket,
closely fitting to the person, trowsers of the same
material, a pair of strong deer-skin mocassins, and a
coloured handkerchief tied loosely round the collar of
a checked shirt, the whole surmounted by one of those
rough blanket coats, elsewhere described, formed the
principal portion of their garb. Each, moreover, wore a
false queue of about nine inches in length, the effect
of which was completely to change the character of the
countenance, and lend to the features a Canadian-like
expression. A red worsted cap, resembling a bonnet de
nuit, was thrown carelessly over the side of the head,
which could, at any moment, when deeper disguise should
be deemed necessary, command the additional protection
of the rude hood that fell back upon the shoulders from
the collar of the coat to which it was attached. They
were both well armed. Into a broad belt, that encircled
the jacket of each, were thrust a brace of pistols and
a strong dagger; the whole so disposed, however, as to
be invisible when the outer garment was closed: this,
again, was confined by a rude sash of worsted of different
colours, not unlike, in texture and quality, what is worn
by our sergeants at the present day. They were otherwise
armed, however, and in a less secret manner. Across the
right shoulder of each was thrown a belt of worsted also,
to which were attached a rude powder horn and shot pouch,
with a few straggling bullets, placed there as if rather
by accident than design. Each held carelessly in his left
hand, and with its butt resting on the earth, a long gun;
completing an appearance, the attainment of which had,
in all probability, been sedulously sought,--that of a
Canadian duck-hunter.

A metamorphosis so ludicrously operated in the usually
elegant costume of two young English officers,--for such
they were,--might have been expected to afford scope to
the pleasantry of their companions, and to call forth
those sallies which the intimacy of friendship and the
freemasonry of the profession would have fully justified.
But the events that had occurred in such rapid succession,
since the preceding midnight, were still painfully
impressed on the recollection of all, and some there were
who looked as if they never would smile again; neither
laugh nor jeering, therefore, escaped the lips of one of
the surrounding group. Every countenance wore a cast of
thought,--a character of abstraction, ill suited to the
indulgence of levity; and the little conversation that
passed between them was in a low and serious tone. It
was evident some powerful and absorbing dread existed in
the mind of each, inducing him rather to indulge in
communion with his own thoughts and impressions, than to
communicate them to others. Even the governor himself
had, for a moment, put off the dignity and distance of
his usually unapproachable nature, to assume an air of
unfeigned concern, and it might be dejection, contrasting
strongly with his habitual haughtiness. Hitherto he had
been walking to and fro, a little apart from the group,
and with a hurriedness and indecision of movement that
betrayed to all the extreme agitation of his mind. For
once, however, he appeared to be insensible to observation,
or, if not insensible, indifferent to whatever comments
might be formed or expressed by those who witnessed his
undissembled emotion. He was at length interrupted by
the adjutant, who communicated something in a low voice.

"Let him be brought up, Mr. Lawson," was the reply. Then
advancing into the heart of the group, and addressing
the two adventurers, he enquired, in a tone that startled
from its singular mildness, "if they were provided with
every thing they required."

An affirmative reply was given, when the governor, taking
the taller of the young men aside, conversed with him
earnestly, and in a tone of affection strangely blended
with despondency. The interview, however, was short, for
Mr. Lawson now made his appearance, conducting an individual
who has already been introduced to our readers. It was
the Canadian of the Fleur de lis. The adjutant placed a
small wooden crucifix in the hands of the governor.

"Francois," said the latter, impressively, "you know the
terms on which I have consented to spare your life. Swear,
then, by this cross; that you will be faithful to your
trust; that neither treachery nor evasion shall be
practised; and that you will, to the utmost of your power,
aid in conveying these gentlemen to their destination.
Kneel and swear it."

"I do swear it!" fervently repeated the aubergiste,
kneeling and imprinting his lips with becoming reverence
on the symbol of martyrdom. "I swear to do dat I shall
engage, and may de bon Dieu have mercy to my soul as I
shall fulfil my oat."

"Amen," pronounced the governor, "and may Heaven deal by
you even as you deal by us. Bear in mind, moreover, that
as your treachery will be punished, so also shall your
fidelity be rewarded. But the night wears apace, and ye
have much to do." Then turning to the young officers who
were to be his companions,--"God bless you both; may your
enterprise be successful! I fear," offering his hand to
the younger, "I have spoken harshly to you, but at a
moment like the present you will no longer cherish a
recollection of the unpleasant past."

The only answer was a cordial return of his own pressure.
The Canadian in his turn now announced the necessity for
instant departure, when the young men, following his
example, threw their long guns carelessly over the left
shoulder. Low, rapid, and fervent adieus were uttered on
both sides; and although the hands of the separating
parties met only in a short and hurried grasp, there was
an expression in the touch of each that spoke to their
several hearts long after the separation had actually
taken place.

"Stay one moment!" exclaimed a voice, as the little party
now moved towards the gateway; "ye are both gallantly
enough provided without, but have forgotten there is
something quite as necessary to sustain the inward man.
Duck shooting, you know, is wet work. The last lips that
were moistened from this," he proceeded, as the younger
of the disguised men threw the strap of the proffered
canteen over his shoulder, "were those of poor Ellen
Halloway."

The mention of that name, so heedlessly pronounced by
the brave but inconsiderate Erskine, produced a startling
effect on the taller of the departing officers. He struck
his brow violently with his hand, uttered a faint groan,
and bending his head upon his chest, stood in an attitude
expressive of the deep suffering of his mind. The governor,
too, appeared agitated; and sounds like those of suppressed
sobs came from one who lingered at the side of him who
had accepted the offer of the canteen. The remainder of
the officers preserved a deep and mournful silence.

"It is times dat we should start," again observed the
Canadian, "or we shall be taken by de daylight before we
can clear de river."

This intimation once more aroused the slumbering energies
of the taller officer. Again he drew up his commanding
figure, extended his hand to the governor in silence,
and turning abruptly round, hastened to follow close in
the footsteps of his conductor.

"You will not forget all I have said to you," whispered
the voice of one who had reserved his parting for the
last, and who now held the hand of the younger adventurer
closely clasped in his own. "Think, oh, think how much
depends on the event of your dangerous enterprise."

"When you behold me again," was the reply, "it will be
with smiles on my lip and gladness in my heart; for if
we fail, there is that within me, which whispers I shall
never see you more. But keep up your spirits, and hope
for the best. We embark under cheerless auspices, it is
true; but let us trust to Providence for success in so
good a cause,--God bless you!"

In the next minute he had joined his companions; who,
with light and noiseless tread, were already pursuing
their way along the military road that led to the eastern
extremity of the town. Soon afterwards, the heavy chains
of the drawbridge were heard grating on the ear, in
despite of the evident caution used in restoring it to
its wonted position, and all again was still.

It had at first been suggested their course should be
held in an angular direction across the cleared country
alluded to in our last chapter, in order to avoid all
chance of recognition in the town; but as this might have
led them into more dangerous contact with some of the
outlying parties of Indians, who were known to prowl
around the fort at night, this plan had been abandoned
for the more circuitous and safe passage by the village.
Through this our little party now pursued their way, and
without encountering aught to impede their progress. The
simple mannered inhabitants had long since retired to
rest, and neither light nor sound denoted the existence
of man or beast within its precincts. At length they
reached that part of the road which turned off abruptly
in the direction of the Fleur de lis. The rude hut threw
its dark shadows across their path, but all was still
and deathlike as in the village they had just quitted.
Presently, however, as they drew nearer, they beheld,
reflected from one of the upper windows, a faint light
that fell upon the ground immediately in front of the
auberge; and, at intervals, the figure of a human being
approaching and receding from it as if in the act of
pacing the apartment.

An instinctive feeling of danger rose at the same moment
to the hearts of the young officers; and each, obeying
the same impulse, unfastened one of the large horn buttons
of his blanket coat, and thrust his right hand into the
opening.

"Francois, recollect your oath," hastily aspirated the
elder, as he grasped the hand of their conductor rather
in supplication than in threat; "if there be aught to
harm us here, your own life will most assuredly pay the
forfeit of your faith."

"It is noting but a womans," calmly returned the Canadian;
"it is my Babette who is sorry at my loss. But I shall
come and tell you directly."

He then stole gently round the corner of the hut, leaving
his anxious companions in the rear of the little building,
and completely veiled in the obscurity produced by the
mingling shadows of the hut itself, and a few tall pear
trees that overhung the paling of the orchard at some
yards from the spot on which they stood.

They waited some minutes to hear the result of the
Canadian's admittance into his dwelling; but although
each with suppressed breathing sought to catch those
sounds of welcome with which a daughter might be supposed
to greet a parent so unexpectedly restored, they listened
in vain. At length, however, while the ears of both were
on the rack to drink in the tones of a human voice, a
faint scream floated on the hushed air, and all again
was still.

"Good!" whispered the elder of the officers; "that scream
is sweeter to my ear than the softest accents of woman's
love. It is evident the ordinary tones of speech cannot
find their way to us here from the front of the hut. The
faintness of yon cry, which was unquestionably that of
a female, is a convincing proof of it."

"Hist!" urged his companion, in the same almost inaudible
whisper, "what sound was that?"

Both again listened attentively, when the noise was
repeated. It came from the orchard, and resembled the
sound produced by the faint crash of rotten sticks and
leaves under the cautious but unavoidably rending tread
of a human foot. At intervals it ceased, as if the person
treading, alarmed at his own noise, was apprehensive of
betraying his approach; and then recommenced, only to be
checked in the same manner. Finally it ceased altogether.

For upwards of five minutes the young men continued to
listen for a renewal of the sound, but nothing was now
audible, save the short and fitful gusts of a rising wind
among the trees of the orchard.

"It must have been some wild animal in search of its
prey," again whispered the younger officer; "had it been
a man, we should have heard him leap the paling before
this."

"By Heaven, we are betrayed,--here he is," quickly rejoined
the other, in the same low tone. "Keep close to the hut,
and stand behind me. If my dagger fail, you must try
your own. But fire not, on your life, unless there be
more than two, for the report of a pistol will be the
destruction of ourselves and all that are dear to us."

Each with uplifted arm now stood ready to strike, even
while his heart throbbed with a sense of danger, that
had far more than the mere dread of personal suffering
or death to stimulate to exertion in self-defence.
Footsteps were now distinctly heard stealing round that
part of the hut which bordered on the road; and the young
men turned from the orchard, to which their attention
had previously been directed, towards the new quarter
whence they were intruded upon.

It was fortunate this mode of approach had been selected.
That part of the hut which rested on the road was so
exposed as to throw the outline of objects into strong
relief, whereas in the direction of the thickly wooded
orchard all was impenetrable gloom. Had the intruder
stolen unannounced upon the alarmed but determined officers
by the latter route, the dagger of the first would in
all probability have been plunged to its hilt in his
bosom. As it was, each had sufficient presence of mind
to distinguish, as it now doubled the corner of the hut,
and reposed upon the road, the stout square-set figure
of the Canadian. The daggers were instantly restored to
their sheaths, and each, for the first time since the
departure of their companion, respired freely.

"It is quite well," whispered the latter as he approached.
"It was my poor Babette, who tought I was gone to be
kill. She scream so loud, as if she had seen my ghost.
But we must wait a few minute in de house, and you shall
see how glad my girl is to see me once again."

"Why this delay, Francois? why not start directly?" urged
the taller officer; "we shall never clear the river in
time; and if the dawn catches us in the waters of the
Detroit, we are lost for ever."

"But you see I am not quite prepare yet," was the answer.
"I have many tings to get ready for de canoe, which I
have not use for a long times. But you shall not wait
ten minute, if you do not like. Dere is a good fire, and
Babette shall give you some ting to eat while I get it
all ready."

The young men hesitated. The delay of the Canadian, who
had so repeatedly urged the necessity for expedition
while in the fort, had, to say the least of it, an
appearance of incongruity. Still it was evident, if
disposed to harm them, he had full opportunity to do so
without much risk of effectual opposition from themselves.
Under all circumstances, therefore, it was advisable
rather to appear to confide implicitly in his truth,
than, by manifesting suspicion, to pique his self-love,
and neutralize whatever favourable intentions he might
cherish in their behalf. In this mode of conduct they
were confirmed, by a recollection of the sacredness
attached by the religion of their conductor to the oath
so solemnly pledged on the symbol of the cross, and by
a conviction of the danger of observation to which they
stood exposed, if, as they had apprehended, it was actually
a human footstep they had heard in the orchard. This
last recollection suggested a remark.

"We heard a strange sound within the orchard, while
waiting here for your return," said the taller officer;
"it was like the footstep of a man treading cautiously
over rotten leaves and branches. How do you account for
it?"

"Oh, it was my pigs," replied the Canadian, without
manifesting the slightest uneasiness at the information.
"They run about in de orchard for de apples what blows
down wid de wind."

"It could not be a pig we heard," pursued his questioner;
"but another thing, Francois, before we consent to enter
the hut,--how will you account to your daughter for our
presence? and what suspicion may she not form at seeing
two armed strangers in company with you at this unseasonable
hour."

"I have tell her," replied the Canadian, "dat I have
bring two friends, who go wid me in de canoe to shoot de
ducks for two tree days. You know, sir, I go always in
de fall to kill de ducks wid my friends, and she will
not tink it strange."

"You have managed well, my brave fellow; and now we follow
you in confidence. But in the name of Heaven, use all
possible despatch, and if money will lend a spur to your
actions, you shall have plenty of it when our enterprise
has been accomplished."

Our adventurers followed their conductor in the track by
which he had so recently rejoined them. As they turned
the corner of the hut, the younger, who brought up the
rear, fancied he again heard a sound in the direction of
the orchard, resembling that of one lightly leaping to
the ground. A gust of wind, however, passing rapidly at
the moment through the dense foliage, led him to believe
it might have been produced by the sullen fall of one of
the heavy fruits it had detached in its course. Unwilling
to excite new and unnecessary suspicion in his companion,
he confined the circumstance to his own breast, and
followed into the hut.

After ascending a flight of about a dozen rude steps,
they found themselves in a small room, furnished with no
other ceiling than the sloping roof itself, and lighted
by an unwieldy iron lamp, placed on a heavy oak table,
near the only window with which the apartment was provided.
This latter had suffered much from the influence of time
and tempest; and owing to the difficulty of procuring
glass in so remote a region, had been patched with slips
of paper in various parts. The two corner and lower panes
of the bottom sash were out altogether, and pine shingles,
such as are used even at the present day for covering
the roofs of dwelling houses, had been fitted into the
squares, excluding air and light at the same time. The
centre pane of this tier was, however, clear and free
from flaw of every description. Opposite to the window
blazed a cheerful wood fire, recently supplied with fuel;
and at one of the inner corners of the room was placed
a low uncurtained bed, that exhibited marks of having
been lain in since it was last made. On a chair at its
side were heaped a few dark-looking garments, the precise
nature of which were not distinguishable at a cursory
and distant glance.

Such were the more remarkable features of the apartment
into which our adventurers were now ushered. Both looked
cautiously around on entering, as if expecting to find
it tenanted by spirits as daring as their own; but, with
the exception of the daughter of their conductor, whose
moist black eyes expressed, as much by tears as by smiles,
the joy she felt at this unexpected return of her parent,
no living object met their enquiring glance. The Canadian
placed a couple of rush-bottomed chairs near the fire,
invited his companions to seat themselves until he had
completed his preparation for departure, and then, desiring
Babette to hasten supper for the young hunters, quitted
the room and descended the stairs.




CHAPTER II.

The position of the young men was one of embarrassment;
for while the daughter, who was busied in executing the
command of her father, remained in the room, it was
impossible they could converse together without betraying
the secret of their country, and, as a result of this,
the falsehood of the character under which they appeared.
Long residence in the country had, it is true, rendered
the patois of that class of people whom they personated
familiar to one, but the other spoke only the pure and
native language of which it was a corruption. It might
have occurred to them at a cooler moment, and under less
critical circumstances, that, even if their disguise had
been penetrated, it was unlikely a female, manifesting
so much lively affection for her parent, would have done
aught to injure those with whom he had evidently connected
himself. But the importance attached to their entire
security from danger left them but little room for
reflections of a calming character, while a doubt of that
security remained.

One singularity struck them both. They had expected the
young woman, urged by a natural curiosity, would have
commenced a conversation, even if they did not; and he
who spoke the patois was prepared to sustain it as well
as his anxious and overcharged spirit would enable him;
and as he was aware the morning had furnished sufficient
incident of fearful interest, he had naturally looked
for a verbal re-enactment of the harrowing and dreadful
scene. To their surprise, however, they both remarked
that, far from evincing a desire to enter into conversation,
the young woman scarcely ever looked at them, but lingered
constantly near the table, and facing the window. Still,
to avoid an appearance of singularity on their own parts
as far as possible, the elder of the officers motioned
to his companion, who, following his example, took a
small pipe and some tobacco from a compartment in his
shot pouch, and commenced puffing the wreathing smoke
from his lips,--an occupation, more than any other,
seeming to justify their silence.

The elder officer sat with his back to the window, and
immediately in front of the fire; his companion, at a
corner of the rude hearth, and in such a manner that,
without turning his head, he could command every part of
the room at a glance. In the corner facing him stood the
bed already described. A faint ray of the fire-light fell
on some minute object glittering in the chair, the contents
of which were heaped up in disorder. Urged by that wayward
curiosity, which is sometimes excited, even under
circumstances of the greatest danger and otherwise
absorbing interest, the young man kicked the hickory log
that lay nearest to it with his mocassined foot, and
produced a bright crackling flame, the reflection of
which was thrown entirely upon the object of his gaze;
it was a large metal button, on which the number of his
regiment was distinctly visible. Unable to check his
desire to know further, he left his seat, to examine the
contents of the chair. As he moved across the room, he
fancied he heard a light sound from without; his companion,
also, seemed to manifest a similar impression by an almost
imperceptible start; but the noise was so momentary, and
so fanciful, neither felt it worth his while to pause
upon the circumstance. The young officer now raised the
garments from the chair: they consisted of a small grey
great-coat, and trowsers, a waistcoat of coarse white
cloth, a pair of worsted stockings, and the half-boots
of a boy; the whole forming the drum-boy's equipment,
worn by the wretched wife of Halloway when borne senseless
into the hut on that fatal morning. Hastily quitting a
dress that called up so many dreadful recollections, and
turning to his companion with a look that denoted
apprehension, lest he too should have beheld these
melancholy remembrances of the harrowing scene, the young
officer hastened to resume his seat. In the act of so
doing, his eye fell upon the window, at which the female
still lingered. Had a blast from Heaven struck his sight,
the terror of his soul could not have been greater. He
felt his cheek to pale, and his hair to bristle beneath
his cap, while the checked blood crept slowly and coldly,
as if its very function had been paralysed; still he had
presence of mind sufficient not to falter in his step,
or to betray, by any extraordinary movement, that his
eye had rested on any thing hateful to behold.

Copyright (c) 2007. topbookz.net. All rights reserved.