He then advanced to
the extreme edge of the bridge; and, raising the form of
the female far above his head with his left hand, seemed
to wave her in vengeful triumph. A second warrior was
seen upon the bridge, and stealing cautiously to the same
point. The right hand of the first warrior was now raised
and brandished in air; in the next instant it descended
upon the breast of the female, who fell from his arms
into the ravine beneath. Yells of triumph from the Indians,
and shouts of execration from the soldiers, mingled
faintly together. At that moment the arm of the second
warrior was raised, and a blade was seen to glitter in
the sunshine. His arm descended, and Wacousta was observed
to stagger forward and fall. heavily into the abyss into
which his victim had the instant before been precipitated.
Another loud yell, but of disappointment and anger, was
heard drowning that of exultation pealed by the triumphant
warrior, who, darting to the open extremity of the bridge,
directed his flight along the margin of the river, where
a light canoe was ready to receive him. Into this he
sprang, and, seizing the paddle, sent the waters foaming
from its sides; and, pursuing his way across the river,
had nearly gained the shores of Canada before a bark was
to be seen following in pursuit.
Pages:
796
797
798
799
800
801
802
803
804
805
806
807
808
809
810
811
812
813
814
815
816
817
818
819
820