The Frozen Crew Of The Ice-Bound Ship; Or, Terrors Of The Arctic Region — page 54: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

———- rrr nn ee = gr ey ee $a 44 THE FROZEN CREW AND IOE-BOUND SHIP, as they, and that their hasty retreat had been dis- red. eiier was no time for thinking; but, obedient to the sudden order of Sumach, the two canoes separated, and, to baffle the chase, took differant courses ove? the tide. é Onward flew the barques as if life depended on each paddie’s stroke, while those following in the track gain, lose, or again make way. — . Scudding rapidly like a swift sailing schooner, Fergus and the Indian maid next sought the refuge of the loadstone rock, that reared its bosom o’er the spray. Te avi the nest of the sea-bird, and the surf hol- lowed lair of the seal. A desert to mankind. Sumach had done well in choosing this stern asylum, as she knew the superstition of her country- men would not allow them to approach. “We can rest here for awhile, at least,” said Sumach, as she made fast her canoe to a projecting fragment of the dark precipice. ‘‘T hardly like the thoughts of remaining so near our enemies,” said Fergus. ‘‘ When they discover we have concealed ourselves, instead of pursuing our course, they will at once search for us in the neigh- bourhood of this shelter.” ‘¢Sumach is wise, and what she does will shortly be seen.” ‘Have you no fear that your tribe will find us ? Depend upon it this place is not likely to escape notice.” “ The White Beaver will not enter the haunt of the Dragon.”’ Sumach had scarcely uttered these words, when the sound of a canoe upon the waters was heard. They have ventured, nevertheless, to approach it,” said Fergus starting at the noise. “The red-man’s desire for vengeance, has over- come his fears and given him strength to tread the path that leads to death—let him meet it at the hand of the evil spirit he defies.” As she spoke, Sumach led her companion into a deep fissure in the rock, and crossed a path that gave access to the steep road of the precipice, that reared its head in front of them. But long ere Fergus had reached even the upper end of the pass, the adventurous Sumach had accom- plished the dangerous enterprise he was about to undertake. He had in vain been turned aside from the direct line of ascent of the precipice, by the intervention of difficulties which could not be seen from its rugged base. His route upwards became more and more circuitous and hazardous. Every now and then large fragments, to which he wag about to trust his weight, gave way before him, and thundered down into the abyss lying at his feet. In some cases the detached pieces rushed by Fergus and threatened to bear him in their head- long course, A steady eye, a firm foot, and a courageous heart carried him through the desperate attempt, and ina few minutes he had achieved his perilous ascent, and stood by the side of Sumach on the summit of the precipice. le At this moment they beheld two forms advancing slowly and cautiously along the very steep they had lately climbed. &, _ Their dress, being that of Europeans, led the fugi- tives to hope that these individuals were some of the wandering crew of the El Malachor, and that with their assistance they might possibly elude the vigil- once of their pursuers. <=, 4s they came nearer, Fergus failed to recognise ! in the appearance of these persons (the one a tall, the other a dwarfish man) any resemblance to the parties he had expected, yet, through vbe thin haze which hung over the ascent, their aspect seemed : familiar to him. — In a few moments attracted by the shouts of Fergus, | one ofithe strangers advanced to him. He was wrapped in a rough overcoaf, with a broad leaf sugar loaf hat, ornamented with a single red feather. Beneath the outward covering was discovered a loose serge jacket; Guernsey frock and enormous breeches, thrust into boots drawn up to the knees. The features of this man, though sallow, were well formed, while his deportment was sailor like and commanding. Fergus lost in his thoughts respecting the indi- vidual who had appeared so mysteriously and ina place so remote, left Sumach to question him alone, ‘‘T bring no evil,” said the stranger, reading perhaps some superstitious feeling in the looks of the Indian maid. ‘‘Eyvil from me you never felt and never will. “ Nor do I fear any,” replied Sumach, exerting herself to throw aside her previous apprehension. ‘‘Though thou art not of my affinity, I am a well- wisher to thee ; thou art brave, kind-hearted, and to those who possess such qualities, I am ever a friend.” “Why do you tell me this?” asked Sumach. “ To warn you and your companions, whom chance has thrown upon this unholy rock.” ‘¢ Let me know the danger that surrounds us ?” ““Your enemies will seek, but fail to find you, if around your neck I hang this gifted chain. It is wrought by no earthly artist. It will give you pro- tection to pass into the recess where slumbers, in dark obscurity the scourge of the ice-girt regions.” “The Dragon’s Haunt,” interrupted Sumach, ‘the hideous reptile has ever been the harbinger of evil to the red-man and the Yengese,”’ **You must enter it.” . ‘‘T dare not.” *“You must speak more plainly,” said Fergus, awaking from his reverie, which had failed to ‘call the features of thelast speaker to his mind ; “‘I am no guesser of riddles.” ‘‘In plainer language then,” returned the other, — ‘those whom you have eluded are hurrying hither, and the White Beavers are on your trail. “Tf you like their company better than mine,’ continued he, ‘‘ I have no title to be offended.” The sound of the Indian conch at this moment echoed through the adjacent valley. Fergus, now convinced that the stranger was not deceiving him, hastily and in alarm demanded if he and Sumach might rely on his apparent friendship. Pointing in the direction of the dragon's haunt, he abruptly remarked— : “Do not fail to go thither; it may be, we shall meet before you reach the necromantic spot, if not, the charm I shall give your fair companion will pro- tect you from the fury of the monster, meanwhile, our roads lie different—farewell, and speak not till 1 again come up with you.” As he spoke, the stranger presented Sumach with the mystic chain he had previously offered to her. No sooner had she accepted it, than the super- natural demon vanished from her side, and his tall, dark form was lost among the windings of the pre cipitous track. <S_ COM)