The Wild Huntress Part 49

Drawing out my pencil, and tearing a leaf from the memorandum-book, I stood ready to act as amanuensis. The intelligent though unlettered maiden, resting her forehead upon her hand--as if to aid in giving shape to her thoughts--commenced the dictation:

"Beloved sister!--A friend writes for me--one whom you know. It is Marian who speaks--your own sister Marian--still living and well. I am here with others--in the disguise of Indians--those you have seen. We are here on your account alone. We have come to save you from a danger--O sister! a dreadful danger: which your innocent heart cannot have dreamt of!"

I was not so certain of this. The shade I had observed upon Lilian's countenance--produced by the taunting speeches of the mulatta--had convinced me that the young girl was not without some presentiment of her peril, however vaguely outlined. So much the better for our purpose; and, as I had already declared this belief to Marian, I did not interrupt her. She continued: "When you have read this, do not show it to any one. Do not make known its contents even to--"

The maiden paused for a moment. Filial affection, too cruelly crushed, was causing her voice to falter. Tremblingly and low muttered came the words:

"Our father--!"

"Dear Lil!" proceeded she in a firmer tone, "you know how dearly I loved you? I love you still the same. You know I would have risked my life to save yours. I now risk that and more--ah! far more, if I could tell you; but some time you shall know all. And you, dear Lil! your danger is even greater than of life--for it is the danger of dishonour! Hear me, then, beloved sister, and _do_ not refuse to follow my advice! When it is dark--and to-night if possible--steal out from the camp. Separate yourself from the vile people who surround you--separate yourself--O sister! it is hard to say the word--from him, our father--him who should have been our protector, but who, I fear--Alas! I cannot speak the thought. To-night, dear Lil! if possible, to-night! To-morrow it may be too late. Our disguise may be discovered, and all our plans frustrated. To-night--to-night! Fear not! your friend awaits you--as also your old favourite, Frank Wingrove, with other brave companions.

Your sister will receive you with open arms."

"Marian."

Surely Lilian would not resist such an appeal? Surely it would be enough to separate her--even from him whose slight protection scarcely gave him claim to the sacred t.i.tle of parent?

Our next anxiety was, as to how the note might be delivered. We thought of Archilete; and in the end he might have been employed to convey it to her for whom it was intended. But just at that moment the Mexican was absent. In the performance of his _metier_ as guide, he had entered the corral, and was engaged with the chief men of the caravan--giving them such counsel as might enable them to pursue their route, and no doubt concealing those points that might be prejudicial to our cause. I had no reason to doubt the fidelity of the man. It is true his betrayal of us would have been fatal; though it might afterwards have brought himself to punishment. But it never occurred to me to question his loyalty. His sentiment of hostility for the Mormon "hereticos" had been freely and repeatedly expressed; and I reposed perfect confidence in the honesty of his declarations. On discovering the absence of Archilete, the idea occurred to me, that it might not be necessary to await his return to the tents. Time was too valuable to be wasted. Already had the sun sunk to rest over the grand desert of the Colorado; and the sombre shadows of the Sierra San Juan were projected far into the plain--almost to the edge of the encampment. In these lat.i.tudes, the soft eve lingers but a few minutes; and night was already spreading her russet mantle over the earth. The white tilts of the waggons gleamed paler through the grey light; and the red glare of the camp-fires, burning within the corral, now shone upon the canvas--disputing the power to illumine it, with the last touches of the twilight. Another minute--scarcely another minute--and the day would be done.

"Come!" I said to my companion, "we may go together. The guide has proclaimed us sister and brother--prophetic words, I hope. Believing in that relationship, these people will not see anything extraordinary in our taking a stroll together. _Outside_ the camp, we may find the opportunity we are in search of?"

Marian offered no objection; and, issuing together from the tent, we proceeded in the direction of the corralled waggons.

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED ONE.

A CARAVAN BALL.

As if to favour our design, the night descended dusk as the wing of a vulture. The summits of San Juan were no longer visible--their outlines becoming blended with the dark background of sky; while the more sombre slopes of the Sierra Mojada had long since faded from the view. Even light-coloured objects could be but dimly traced through the profound obscurity--such as the white covers of the waggons, our own weather-bleached buffalo-tents, the metallic sheen of the stream, and the speckled oxen browsing along its banks. Between these objects the atmosphere was filled with a uniform and amorphous darkness; and dusky forms like ours could be seen only under the light of the blazing fires.

A few of these had been kindled outside the enclosure--near the avenue entrance; but most were inside, surrounded by groups of emigrants--the flames casting their ruddy light upon the bright cheerful faces of women and children, or on the ruder and more careworn countenances of the men.

Underneath the waggon-bodies, the red light, broken by the radiating spokes of the wheels, gleamed outward in a thousand jets; and men walking outside, flung gigantic shadows over the plain. Nearer to the line of barricade, only the shadows of their limbs were projected, the upper part of their persons being shrouded from the glare by the tilts and boxing of the waggons. Under this friendly cover we were enabled to approach close up to the vehicles, without much risk of attracting observation. But few persons were straying outside--only the cattle-guards and other routine-officers of the caravan, all equally negligent of their duties. They knew they were in Utah territory, and had no enemy to fear.

It was, moreover, the hour of most interest in the daily routine of a travelling-train: when forms cl.u.s.ter around the bivouac fire, and bright faces shine cheerfully in the blaze; when the song succeeds the supper, the tale is told, and the merry laugh rings on the air; when the pipe sends up its aromatic wreaths of blue curling smoke; and st.u.r.dy limbs, already rested from the toils of the day, feel an impulse to spring upward on the "light fantastic toe." On that eve, such an impulse had inspired the limbs of the Mormon emigrants. Scarcely had the _debris_ of the supper been removed, ere a s.p.a.ce was cleared midway between the blazing fires; music swelled upon the air--the sounds of fiddle, horn, and clarionet--and half a score of couples, setting themselves _en quadrille_, commence treading time to the tune. Sufficiently _bizarre_ was the exhibition--a dance of the true "broad-horn" breed; but we had no thought of criticising an entertainment so opportune to our purpose.

The swelling sound of the instruments drowning low conversation--the confusion of many voices--the attraction of the saltatory performance-- were all circ.u.mstances that had suddenly and unexpectedly arisen in our favour. My companion and I had no longer a fear that our movements would be noted. Indeed, only those who might be in the waggons, and looking through the draw-string aperture in the rear of the tilts, would be likely to see us at all. But most of these apertures were closed, some with curtains of common canvas--others with an old counterpane, a blanket, or such rag as was fitted for the service.

We saw no face looking outwards. All were turned upon the attractive circle of Terpsich.o.r.eans, that, under the brilliant light of the fires, were bounding through the mazy figures, of the dance. The waggons forming the sides of the enclosure were in _ech.e.l.lon_; and their tilts lapping on each other, it was impossible to see between them. With the two, however, that closed the end of the _corral_, the case was different. These had been drawn up side by side, and parallel to each other; and though their wheels touched, there still remained a s.p.a.ce above the tires, through which we could command a view of the ground within the enclosure. At this point we had placed, ourselves. It proved the very vantage-ground we desired. We could view the enclosed ellipse longitudinally, and note nearly every movement made by those inside. Even should we be detected in our espionage, it would pa.s.s without suspicion as to our real object. What more natural than that we should desire to witness the spectacle of the dance? The act would be construed as springing from mere savage curiosity?

Our eyes, wandering over the different figures, soon became fixed upon two. They were men, and seated--near each other, and some paces apart from the crowd of dancers. They were Holt and Stebbins. Both were by the side of a large fire, that threw its red light in full glare over them--so that not only their figures, but even the expression upon their features we could distinctly trace. The squatter, pipe in mouth, and with head drooping down almost to his knees, looked grimly into the fire. He was paying no attention to what was pa.s.sing around him. His thoughts were not there? Stebbins, on the other hand, appeared eagerly to watch the dancers. He was dressed with a degree of adornment; and exhibited a certain patronising att.i.tude, as if master of the sports and ceremonies! Men and women went and came, as if paying court to him; and each was kept for a moment in courtly converse, and then graciously dismissed, with all the ludicrous etiquette of mock ceremonial!

I looked among the dancers--scrutinising each face as it came round to the light. There were girls and women--some of all ages. Even the gross _mulatto_ was "on the floor," hobbling through the figures of a quadrille. But Lilian? I was disappointed in not seeing her--a disappointment that gratified me. Where was she? Among the spectators?

I made a hurried examination of the circle. There were faces fair and young--white teeth and rose-hued cheeks--but not hers. She was not among them! I turned to her sister to make a conjectural inquiry. I saw that the eyes of Marian were fixed upon her father. She was regarding him with a singular expression. I could fancy that some strange reflection was pa.s.sing through her mind--some wild emotion swelling within her bosom. I refrained from interrupting the current of her thoughts.

Up to this time, the waggon beside which we stood had been dark inside.

Suddenly, and, as if by magic, a light flashed within, gleaming through the translucent canvas. A candle had been lighted under the tilt; and now continued to burn steadily. I could not resist the temptation to look under the canvas. Perhaps a presentiment guided me? It needed no disarrangement of the cover. I had only to step a pace to one side and opposite the curtain in the rear of the vehicle. The slight rude hanging had been negligently closed. An interstice left open between the two flaps permitted a fall view of the interior. A number of large boxes and articles of household use filled up the bed of the waggon.

Over these had been thrown some coa.r.s.e garments, and pieces of bed-clothing--blankets, counterpanes, and a bolster or two. Near the forward end, a chest of large dimensions stood higher than the rest; and upon the lid of this a piece of tallow-candle was burning, in the neck of an old bottle! Between the flame of the candle and my eyes a figure intervened, shadowing the rearward part of the waggon. It was a female figure; and, dim as was the light, I could trace the outlines of a lovely _silhouette_, that could be no other than that of Lilian Holt. A slight movement of the head brought the gleam of golden-hair under the flickering flame; and the features were seen _en profile_. They were hers. It was Lilian who occupied the waggon. She was alone--though in front of the vehicle, I could see forms not distant from where she sat.

Young men were loitering there. Ardent glances were directed towards her. She appeared desirous of shunning them. She held in her hands a book. One might have fancied she was reading it: for it was open. But the light fell sparingly on the page; and her stealthy glances towards it told, something else than the book was occupying her attention. A piece of detached paper that gleamed whiter between the leaves, was evidently the object of her solicitude. It was the writing upon that she was trying to decipher. I watched with eager glance. I noted every movement of the fair reader. Marian had joined me. We both watched together.

It required an effort to restrain ourselves from speech. A word would have been worth all this writing; but it might also have ruined everything. They who stood in front of the waggon might hear that word.

It was not spoken. Lilian was evidently embarra.s.sed by the presence of these young men; and cast uneasy glances towards them as she read.

Perhaps the restraint thus placed upon her hindered any violent show of emotion, which the writing on the paper might have called forth. A short suppressed sigh, as she finished reading; a quick searching glance among the groups in front--another, shot stealthily towards the rear of the waggon--this was all in her manner that might have appeared unusual.

I waited till her eyes were again turned rearward; and then, gently parting the canvas flaps, I held Marian's note between my fingers inside the curtain. The apparition of my red-hand did not cause an alarm. The poem had paved the way for the more prosaic epistle: and neither scream nor start was occasioned by its delivery. As soon as I saw that the piece of paper was observed, I dropped it among the boxes, and withdrew my hand. The fear that we might have been noticed standing too long in one place, influenced us to move away. If fortune should favour the reading of that note, on our return we might find our scheme much more ripe for execution. With this reflection, we glided silently from the spot.

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED TWO.

TO HORSE AND AWAY.

Our absence was of short duration--a turn to the tents and back again.

While there, I had spoken a word to Wingrove and Sure-shot. Archilete was still absent. I had warned my comrades not to picket our horses at too great a distance from the tents: as we knew not how soon we might need them. Little thought I, as I delivered this cautionary counsel, that within the hour--nay, almost within that minute--we should be hastening to mount and be gone! Our idea had been that some time about midnight--perhaps later--when the camp should be buried in sleep-- Lilian, already warned that we were in wait for her, would steal forth and join us at the tents. Thence, trusting to the speed of our horses, we should find no difficulty in escaping--even though pursuit might be given on the instant of our departure. We were all well-mounted--as well, at least, as the Mormons could be--and with a guide who knew the pa.s.ses, we should have the advantage of them.

It did not occur to Marian or myself, that that very moment might have been more appropriate for flight, than the hour of midnight or any other. Then, in the midst of their noisy revelry, when all eyes were turned upon the dance, and souls absorbed in the giddy whirl of pleasure--when slight sounds were unnoticed amidst the swelling music and the clangour of voices--when even the hoof-stroke of a galloping horse would have fallen unheard or unheeded--then, indeed, would have been the very time for our designed abduction! The idea did not occur to either of us. I cannot tell why it did not: unless it was that we were hindered from thinking of final measures, by our uncertainty as to the _disposition_ of Lilian. Her consent was _now_ the most important condition to our success--as her refusal would be its grandest obstacle.

Surely she would _not_ refuse? We could not for a moment harbour the apprehension. By this time she must have read the letter? We could now safely speak face to face with her--that is, if opportunity should be found for an interview. To seek that opportunity, therefore, were we returning a second time to the rear of the waggons. The candle was yet burning under the tilt. Its flame feebly illuminated the canvas. We drew near with stealthy tread, taking notice that we were not observed.

We stood once more by the end of the huge vehicle. We were raising our eyes to look through the curtain, when at that instant the light went out. Some one had suddenly extinguished it! One might have regarded this as an ill omen; but, the moment after, we could hear a slight rustling sound--as of some one moving under the cover of the waggon, and pa.s.sing along towards its hinder end. We stood silent, listening to the sound. It ceased at length; but, immediately after, the edge of the curtain was raised slowly, and without noise. A face appeared in the opening! There was scarcely any light; but even through the grim darkness that lovely face gleamed soft and white. Marian stood nearest, and easily recognised it. In a tender tone she p.r.o.nounced the magic word: "Sister!"

"O Marian! sister! is it you?"

"Yes, dearest Lil! But hush! speak low!"

"Are you yet alive, dear Marian? or am I dreaming?"

"No dream, sister, but a reality."

"O mercy! tell me, sister--"

"All--all--but not now--there is no time."

"But _he_, dear sister? who is he that is with you?"

I stepped near enough to reply in a whisper: "One, Lilian, who _thinks of thee_!"

"O sir! Edward!--Edward!--it is you!"

"Hush!" whispered Marian, again interposing with a quick gesture of caution. "Speak only in whispers! Lilian!" continued she in a firm tone, "you must fly with us!"

"From our father? Do you mean that, Marian?"

"From our father--ay, even from him!"

"O dear sister! what will he say? what will he do, if I forsake him?-- Our poor father!--"

There was anguish in the tones of her voice, that told of filial affection still strong and true, however much it may have been trampled upon.

"Say and do?" interrupted Marian. "He will rejoice--_should_ rejoice-- when he knows the danger from which you have escaped. O sister! dear sister! believe me--believe your own Marian! A fearful fate is before you. Flight with us can alone save you. Even father will soon be powerless to protect you, _as he was to protect me_. Do not hesitate then, but say you will go with us? Once beyond the reach of those villains who surround you, all will be well."

"And our father, Marian?"

"No harm will come to him. It is not his ruin they seek; but yours, sister, yours!" A choking sigh was all the reply I could hear. It appeared to be a signal that the spell was broken: as if the heart had escaped from some thraldom in which it had been long held. Had the words of Marian produced conviction? or had they but confirmed some apprehension previously conceived? Was it the snapping of the filial thread I had heard in that anguished expression? Both the sigh and the silence that followed seemed to signify a.s.sent. To make more sure, I was about to add the influence of my intervention, with all the fervency of a lover's appeal. Wild words were upon my lips; when at that moment some strange interjections reached my ears, uttered within the enclosure. I stepped suddenly to one side, and looked over the wheels of the waggon. There I beheld a spectacle that caused the blood to rush through my veins in quick quivering current. Marian saw it at the same time. Holt had been seated near the fire, when seen but the moment before; but, as we now looked through, we saw that he had risen to his feet, and was standing in an att.i.tude that betrayed some singular excitement! It was from him the interjections had proceeded. The cause was easily explained. The dog Wolf was leaping up against his legs-- uttering low growls of recognition, and making other demonstrations of joy. The animal had identified its old master! Despite the stained snout and close-trimmed tonsure--despite both paint and shears--the dog had been also identified. Between him and his master the recognition was mutual. I saw this at a glance; and the speeches of the squatter only confirmed what was already evident to the eye.