Following the direction of his finger, Hezekiah saw several dark objects moving away from the island, which he made out to be canoes.
Fearful of being seen, the two whites withdrew further from the shore.
They had gone but a few feet, when they found themselves in a sort of natural clearing, some twenty yards in diameter, seemingly made by some terrific whirlwind. And here, in the centre of this clearing they saw a sight that made their blood run cold with horror!
The moon by this time was high in the heavens, and the centre of the clearing was lit up as if at noon day; and directly under the full tide of light, was stretched the lifeless form of Mr. Lander. He lay on his back, all his limbs outstretched, with his skull cloven by a tomahawk! He seemed to have made no resistance when the awful blow was given, but had fallen back, and instantly expired. His features were so disfigured that, had it not been for his clothes, our friends could not have recognized him. Spell-bound, and horror-struck, they gazed at the heart-sickening sight for a long time!
CHAPTER VII.
ADVENTURE ON THE ISLAND.
For some time after the departure of Hezekiah and Pat Mulroony, Waring and Virginia Lander stood silent and thoughtful. Several feet away, they could see the form of her father, seated upon the ground, his head bowed forward, and his whole soul seemingly stricken with despair.
"He appears to feel our sorrow more than we do," whispered Waring, whose heart bled for the suffering man.
"It is not that," replied Virginia; "it is his bodily sufferings that trouble him. Poor father! how I wish to brush the hair from his clammy brow. I will go to him in a minute—he is praying now."