This was seen and felt by
Judith with the keenness of perception and sensibility that were
suited to her character, while the impression made on the simpler
mind of her sister was perhaps less lively, though it might well
have proved more lasting.
"Oh! Judith," exclaimed the weak minded girl, as soon as their
first care had been bestowed on sufferer. "Father went for scalps,
himself, and now where is his own? The Bible might have foretold
this dreadful punishment!"
"Hush, Hetty - hush, poor sister - He opens his eyes; he may hear
and understand you. 'Tis as you say and think, but 'tis too dreadful
to speak."
"Water," ejaculated Hutter, as it might be by a desperate effort,
that rendered his voice frightfully deep and strong for one as near
death as he evidently was - "Water - foolish girls - will you let
me die of thirst?"
Water was brought and administered to the sufferer; the first he
had tasted in hours of physical anguish. It had the double effect
of clearing his throat and of momentarily reviving his sinking
system. His eyes opened with that anxious, distended gaze which
is apt to accompany the passage of a soul surprised by death, and
he seemed disposed to speak.
Pages:
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610