“Why, Graham, what in the name of the seven wonders has brought you here? I forgot, you did promise me a visit somewhere about this time, but so many other things have transpired, as to make it slip my mind altogether. And I can assure you, I have had enough to break the heart of any ordinary mortal,” he added, in a choking voice.
Explanations were then given; and the wonder, gratitude, 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.”