Had there been any one there to note the progress of
the two canoes, he would have seen that of Judith flying swiftly
away from its pursuers, as the girl gave it freshly impelled speed,
while her mind was thus dwelling on her own ardent and generous
schemes. So material, indeed, was the difference in the rate of
going between the two canoes for the next five minutes, that the
Hurons began to be convinced all their powers must be exerted or
they would suffer the disgrace of being baffled by women. Making
a furious effort under the mortification of such a conviction, one
of the strongest of their party broke his paddle at the very moment
when he had taken it from the hand of a comrade to relieve him.
This at once decided the matter, a canoe containing three men and
having but one paddle being utterly unable to overtake fugitives
like the daughters of Thomas Hutter.
"There, Judith!" exclaimed Hetty, who saw the accident, "I hope
now you will own, that praying is useful! The Hurons have broke
a paddle, and they never can overtake us."
"I never denied it, poor Hetty, and sometimes wish in bitterness of
spirit that I had prayed more myself, and thought less of my beauty!
As you say, we are now safe and need only go a little south and
take breath.
Pages:
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604