Part 49 (1/2)
”I do! You are going!... To your death, perhaps--for all I know----”
”Hus.h.!.+ And good-night----”
She held to my offered hand tightly:
”Don't go--don't go----”
”I will return and tell you if----”
”'If!' That means you will not return! I shall never see you again!”
I had flung one arm around her, and she stood with one hand clenched against her lips, looking blankly into my face.
”Good-bye,” I said, and kissed her clenched hand so violently that it slipped sideways on her cheek, bruising her lips.
She gave a faint gasp and swayed where she stood, very white in the face.
”I have hurt you,” I stammered; but my words were lost in a frightful uproar bursting from the fort; and:
”G.o.d!” she whispered, cowering against me, as the horrid howling swelled on the affrighted air.
”It is only the Oneidas' scalp-yell,” said I. ”They know the news.
Their death-halloo means that the corps of guides is ordered out.
Good-bye! You have means to support you now till I return. Wait for me; love me if it is in you to love such a man. Whatever the event, my devotion will not alter. I leave you in G.o.d's keeping, dear. Good-bye.”
Her hand was still at her bruised lips; I bent forward; she moved it aside. But I kissed only her hand.
Then I turned and ran toward the fort; and in the torch-light at the gate encountered Boyd, who said to me gleefully:
”It's you and your corps of guides! The express is from Clinton.
Hanierri remains; the Sagamore goes with you; but the regiment is not marching yet awhile. Lord help us! Listen to those beastly Oneidas in their paint! Did you ever hear such a wolf-pack howling! Well, Loskiel, a safe and pleasant scout to you.” He offered his hand. ”I'll be strolling back to Croghan's. Fare you safely!”
”And you,” I said, not thinking, however, of him. But I thought of Lana, and wished to G.o.d that Boyd were with us on this midnight march, and Lana safe in Albany once more.
As I entered the fort, through the smoky flare of torches, I saw Dolly Glenn waiting there; and as I pa.s.sed she gave a frightened exclamation.
”Did you wish to speak to me?” I asked.
”Is--is Lieutenant Boyd going with you?” she stammered.
”No, child.”
She thanked me with a pitiful sort of smile, and shrank back into the darkness.
I remained but a few moments with Major Parr and Captain Simpson; a rifleman of my own company, Harry Kent, brought me my pack and rifle--merely sufficient ammunition and a few necessaries--for we were to travel lightly. Then Captain Simpson went away to inspect the Oneida scouts.
”I wish you well,” said the Major quietly. ”Guard the Mohican as you would the apple of your eye, and--G.o.d go with you, Euan Loskiel.”