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Bacon, Delia, 1811-1859

"The Bride of Fort Edward"

--He must revenge young Siganaw, but he
must keep his faith to his white friend, too.
_1st Chief_. Ah, but I know where the horse is hidden and the paper.
When the tomahawks flash here, and the war-cry is loudest, we will steal
away. Come, and I will share the prize with you.
_2nd Chief_. No, I will tell my brother chief that Manida is a
treacherous friend.
_1st Chief_. You cannot. It is too late. Hist! Quick, lower--lower--
[_They crouch among the trees_.
(_Another Soldier emerges from the wood-path, singing_.)
"_Then march to the roll of the drum,
It summons the brave to the plain,
Where heroes contend for the home
Which perchance they may ne'er see again_."

(_Pausing abruptly_.) Well, we are finely manned here!
(_1st Soldier re-enters_.)
_2nd Sol_. How many men do you think we have in all, upon this hill,
Edward?
_1st Sol_. Hist!--more than you count on, perhaps.
_2nd Sol_. Why? What is the matter? Why do you look among those bushes
so earnestly?
_1st Student_. It is singular, indeed. I can hardly tell you what it is,
but twice before in my round, precisely in this same spot, the same
impression has flashed upon me, though the sense that gives it, if sense
it is, will not bide an instant's questioning.


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