Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/49

46 and apprehension, that followed Graham's story, may be imagined. Before these were given, Haverland introduced his companion, Ned Haldidge.

"Seth promised to bring Ina back," said he, "but I could not bear to remain idle while he alone was searching for her. This good friend, here, who has had much experience in the border warfare, willingly joined me. I suppose you would like to see the mother; but if you did, you would see a well-nigh broken-hearted one, and I can not bear to meet her until I have learned more of our darling daughter."

"And if them cowardly Mohawks don't rue the day they commenced their infernal work, then Ned Haldidge is mightily mistaken!" exclaimed that individual, warmly.

"I don't know," smiled Graham, "but that with our present number and present feelings, we might make an open attack upon them, especially as we have a friend in the camp."

"No, sir; that'll never do!" replied the hunter, with a shake of the head. "They can never be overcome in that way. We could have brought a dozen men with us who could have blown the cowards to atoms, but 'twouldn't do."

"You then rely wholly upon stratagem, eh?"

"Nothing else will do with them critters."

"And heaven only knows whether that will," remarked Haverland, in a desponding tone.

"Ah! don't give way, Alf, wait till it's time."

"You must pardon my exhibition of weakness," said he, recovering himself. "Though I feel the strength of an army in these limbs of mine, yet I have the heart of a father in this bosom, and I can do any thing for the recovery of my darling daughter. Oh! I can hear her screams yet, as she was torn from us on that night."

Graham and Haldidge remained silent, respecting his deep and moving grief. Soon the father spoke again, and this time his voice and manner were changed.

"But why stand we here idle? Is there nothing for us to do? Are we to remain desponding, when a single effort may save her?"

"That's just what I've been thinking ever since we stopped here," replied Haldidge. "I don't see any use in waiting, especially when there is use in doing something."