The Pathfinder

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1876. Excerpt: ... scenes she had witnessed had clothed death with unusual horrors, "Pathfinder, you have professed love for me -- a wish to make me your wife!" "I did ventur' to speak on that subject, Mabel, and the sergeant has even lately said that you are kindly disposed; but I am not a man to parsecute the thing I love." "Hear me, Pathfinder! I respect you -- honor you -- revere you; save my father from this dreadful death, and I can worship you. Here is my hand as a solemn pledge for my faith, when you come to claim it." "Bless you -- bless you, Mabel; this is more than I desarve; more, I fear, than I shall know how to profit by, as I ought. It was not wanting, however, to make me sarve the sergeant. We are old comrades, and owe each other a life; though I fear me, Mabel, being a father's comrade is not always the best recommendation with the daughter!" "You want no other recommendation than your own acts -- your courage--your fidelity; all that you do and say, Pathfinder, my reason approves, and the heart will, nay, it thall follow." "-This is a happiness I little expected this night; but we are in God's hands, and He will protect us in his own way. These are sweet words, Mabel, but they were not wanting to make me do all that man can do, in the present sarcumstances; they will not lessen my endeavors neither." "Now we understand each other, Pathfinder," Mabel added hoarsely, "let us not lose one of the precious moments, which may be of incalculable value. Can we not get into your canoe, and go and meet my father?" "That is not the course I advise. I don't know by which channel the sergeant will come, and there are twenty; rely on it, the Sarpent will be winding his way through them all. No, no, my advice is to remain here. The logs of this block-house are still green, and it will not be easy t...