This thought supported
his faltering resolution, although nearly exhausted with
his efforts--compelled, as he was, to sustain the motionless
form of the slowly reviving Clara; and he again braced
himself to the unequal flight The moon still shone
beautifully bright, and he could now distinctly see the
bridge over which he was to pass; but notwithstanding he
strained his eyes as he advanced, no vestige of a British
uniform was to be seen in the open space that lay beyond.
Once he turned to regard his pursuers. Ellen was a few
yards only in his rear; and considerably beyond her rose,
in tall relief against the heavens, the gigantic form of
the warrior. The pursuit of the latter was now conducted
with a silence that terrified even more than the yells
he had previously uttered; and he gained so rapidly on
his victims, that the tread of his large feet was now
distinctly audible. Again the officer, with despair in
his heart, made the most incredible exertions to reach
the bridge, without seeming to reflect that, even when
there, no security was offered him against his enemy.
Once, as he drew nearer, he fancied he saw the dark heads
of human beings peering from under that part of the arch
which had afforded cover to De Haldimar and himself oh
the memorable occasion of their departure with the
Canadian; and, convinced that the warriors of Wacousta
had been sent there to lie in ambuscade and intercept
his retreat, his hopes were utterly paralysed; and although
he stopped not, his flight was rather mechanical than
the fruit of any systematic plan of escape.
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