Майн Рид
Osceola the Seminole: or, The Red Fawn of the Flower Land
Chapter Forty Four
An Eclaircissement
These were the shadows upon the water promised by Haj-Ewa – black shadows upon my heart.
Mad queen of the Micosaucs! what have I done to deserve this torture? Thou too my enemy! Had I been thy deadliest foe, thou couldst scarcely have contrived a keener sting for thy vengeance.
Face to face stood Maümee and her lover – seduced and seducer. I had no doubt as to the identity of either. The moonbeam fell upon both – no longer with soft silvery light, but gleaming rude and red, like the chandeliers of a bagnio. It may have been but a seeming – the reflection of an inflamed imagination that influenced me from within; but my belief in her innocence was gone – hopelessly gone; the very air seemed tainted with her guilt – the world appeared a chaos of debauchery and ruin.
I had no other thought than that I was present at a scene of assignation. How could I think otherwise? No signs of surprise were exhibited by either, as they came together. They met as those who have promised to come – who have often met before.
Evidently each expected the other. Though other emotions declared themselves, there was not the slightest sign of novelty in the encounter.
For me, it was a terrible crisis. The anguish of a whole life compressed into the space of a single moment could not have been more unendurable. The blood seemed to scald my heart as it gushed through. So acute was the pang, I could scarcely restrain myself from crying aloud.
An effort – a stern determined effort – and the throe was over. Firmly bracing my nerves – firmly grasping the branches – I clung to my seat, resolved to know more.
That was a fortunate resolution. Had I at that moment given way to the wild impulse of passion, and sought a reckless revenge, I should in all likelihood have carved out for myself a long lifetime of sorrow. Patience proved my guardian angel, and the end was otherwise.
Not a word – not a motion – not a breath. What will they say? – what do?
My situation was like his of the suspended sword. On second thoughts, the simile is both trite and untrue: the sword had already fallen; it could wound me no more. I was as one paralysed both in body and soul – impervious to further pain.
Not a word – not a motion – not a breath. What will they say? – what do?
The light is full upon Maümee; I can see her from head to foot. How large she has grown – a woman in all her outlines, perfect, entire. And her loveliness has kept pace with her growth. Larger, she is lovelier than ever. Demon of jealousy! art thou not content with what thou hast already done? Have I not suffered enough? Why hast thou presented her in such witching guise? O that she were scarred, hideous, hag-like – as she shall yet become! Even thus to see her, would be some satisfaction – an anodyne to my chafed soul.
But it is not so. Her face is sweetly beautiful – never so beautiful before. Soft and innocent as ever – not a line of guilt can be traced on those placid features – not a gleam of evil in that round, rolling eye! The angels of heaven are beautiful; but they are good. Oh, who could believe in crime concealed under such loveliness as hers?
I expected a more meretricious mien. There was a scintillation of cheer in the disappointment.
Do not suppose that these reflections occupied time. In a few seconds they passed through my mind, for thought is quicker than the magnetic shock. They passed while I was waiting to hear the first words that, to my surprise, were for some moments unspoken. To my surprise; I could not have met her in such fashion. My heart would have been upon my tongue, and lips —
I see it now. The hot burst of passion is past – the springs tide of love has subsided – such an interview is no longer a novelty – perhaps he grows tired of her, foul libertine that he is! See! they meet with some shyness. Coldness has risen between them – a love quarrel – fool is he as villain – fool not to rush into those arms, and at once reconcile it. Would that his opportunities were mine! – not all the world could restrain me from seeking that sweet embrace.
Bitter as were my thoughts, they were less bitter on observing this attitude of the lovers. I fancied it was half-hostile.
Not a word – not a motion – not a breath. What will they say; – what do.
My suspense came to an end. The aide-de-camp at length found his tongue.
“Lovely Maümee, you have kept your promise.”
“But you, sir, have not yours? No – I read it in your looks. You have yet done nothing for us?”
“Be assured, Maümee, I have not had an opportunity. The general has been so busy, I have had no chance to press the matter upon him. But do not be impatient. I shall be certain to persuade him; and your property shall be restored to you in due time. Tell your mother not to feel uneasy: for your sake, beautiful Maümee, I shall spare no exertion. Believe me, I am as anxious as yourself; but you must know the stern disposition of my uncle; and, moreover, that he is on the ’most friendly terms with the Ringgold family. In this will lie the main difficulty, but I fear not that I shall be able to surmount it.”
“O sir, your words are fine, but they have little worth with us now. We have waited long upon your promise to befriend us. We only wished for an investigation; and you might easily have obtained it ere this. We no longer care for our lands, for greater wrongs make us forget the less. I should not have been here to-night, had we not been in sad grief at the misfortune – I should rather say outrage – that has fallen upon my poor brother. You have professed friendship to our family. I come to seek it now, for now may you give proof of it. Obtain my brother’s freedom, and we shall then believe in the fair words you have so often spoken. Do not say it is impossible; it cannot even be difficult for you who hold so much authority among the white chiefs. My brother may have been rude; but he has committed no crime that should entail severe punishment. A word to the great war-chief, and he would be set free. Go, then, and speak that word.”
“Lovely Maümee! you do not know the nature of the errand upon which you send me. Your brother is a prisoner by orders of the agent, and by the act of the commander-in-chief. It is not with us as among your people. I am only a subordinate in rank, and were I to offer the counsel you propose, I should be rebuked – perhaps punished.”
“Oh, you fear rebuke for doing an act of justice? – to say naught of your much offered friendship? Good, sir! I have no more to say, except this – we believe you no longer. You need come to our humble dwelling no more.”
She was turning away with a scornful smile. How beautiful seemed that scorn!
“Stay, Maümee! – fair Maümee, do not part from me thus – doubt not that I will do all in my power – ”
“Do what I have asked you. Set my brother free – let him return to his home.”
“And if I should – ”
“Well, sir.”
“Know, Maümee, that for me to do so would be to risk everything. I might be degraded from my rank – reduced to the condition of a common soldier – disgraced in the eyes of my country – ay, punished, perhaps, by imprisonment worse than that which your brother is likely to endure. All this would I risk by the act.”
The girl paused in her step, but made no reply. “And yet all these chances shall I undergo – ay, the danger of death itself – if you, fair Maümee,” – here the speaker waxed passionate and insinuating – “if you will only consent.”
“Consent – to what, sir?”
“Lovely Maümee, need I tell you? Surely you understand my meaning. You cannot be blind to the love – to the passion – to the deep devotion with which your beauty has inspired me – ”
“Consent to what, sir?” demanded she, repeating her former words, and in a soft tone, that seemed to promise compliance. “Only to love me, fair Maümee —to become my mistress.” For some moments, there was no reply. The grand woman seemed immobile as a statue. She did not even start on hearing the foul proposal, but, on the contrary, stood as if turned to stone.
Her silence had an encouraging effect upon the ardent lover; he appeared to take it for assent. He could not have looked into her eye, or he would there have read an expression that would have hindered him from pressing his suit farther. No – he could not have observed that glance, or he would hardly have made such a mistake.
“Only promise it, fair Maümee; your brother shall be free before the morning, and you shall have everything – ”
“Villain, villain, villain! Ha, ha! ha, ha! Ha, ha! ha, ha, ha!”
In all my life, I never heard aught so delightful as that laugh. It was the sweetest sound that ever fell upon my ears. Not all the wedding-bells that ever rang – not all the lutes that ever played – not all the harps and hautboys – the clarions and trumpets – in the world, could have produced such melodious music for me.
The moon seemed to pour silver from the sky – the stars had grown bigger and brighter – the breeze became filled with delicious odours, as if a perfumed censer had been spilled from heaven, and the whole scene appeared suddenly transformed into an Elysium.
Chapter Forty Five
Two Duels in One Day
The crisis might have been my cue to come down; but I was overpowered with a sense of delightful happiness, and could not stir from my seat. The arrow had been drawn out of my breast, leaving not a taint of its poison – the blood coursed pleasantly through my veins – my pulse throbbed firm and free – my soul was triumphant. I could have cried out for very joy.
With an effort, I held my peace, and waited for the dénouement– for I saw that the scene was not yet at an end.
“Mistress, indeed!” exclaimed the bold beauty in scornful accent. “And this is the motive of your proffered friendship. Vile wretch! for what do you mistake me? a camp-wench, or a facile squaw of the Yamassee? Know, sir, that I am your equal in blood and race; and though your pale-faced friends have robbed me of my inheritance, there is that which neither they nor you can take from me – the honour of my name. Mistress, indeed! Silly fellow! No – not even your wife. Sooner than sell myself to such base love as yours, I should wander naked through the wild woods, and live upon the acorns of the oak. Rather than redeem him at such a price, my brave brother would spend his lifetime in your chains. Oh, that he were here! Oh, that he were witness of this foul insult! Wretch! he would smite thee like a reed to the earth.”
The eye, the attitude, the foot firmly planted, the fearless determined bearing – all reminded me of Osceola while delivering himself before the council. Maümee was undoubtedly his sister.
The soi-disant lover quailed before the withering reproach, and for some time stood shrinking and abashed.
He had more than one cause for abasement. He might feel regret at having made a proposal so ill received; but far more at the disappointment of his hopes, and the utter discomfiture of his designs.
Perhaps, the moment before, he would have smothered his chagrin, and permitted the girl to depart without molestation; but the scornful apostrophe had roused him to a sort of frenzied recklessness; and probably it was only at that moment that he formed the resolve to carry his rudeness still further, and effect his purpose by force.
I could not think that he had held such design, anterior to his coming on the ground. Professed libertine though he was, he was not the man for such perilous emprise. He was but a speck of vain conceit, and lacked the reckless daring of the ravisher. It was only when stung by the reproaches of the Indian maiden, that he resolved upon proceeding to extremes.
She had turned her back upon him, and was moving away.
“Not so fast!” cried he, rushing after, and grasping her by the wrist; “not so fast, my brown-skinned charmer! Do you think you can cast me off so lightly? I have followed you for months, and, by the god of Phoebus, I shall make you pay for the false smiles you have treated me to. You needn’t struggle; we are alone here; and ere we part, I shall – ”
I heard no more of this hurried speech – I had risen from my perch, and was hurrying down to the rescue; but before I could reach the spot, another was before me.
Haj-Ewa – her eyes glaring fiercely – with a wild maniac laugh upon her lips – was rushing forward. She held the body of the rattlesnake in her extended hands, its head projected in front, while its long neck was oscillating from side to side, showing that the reptile was angry, and eager to make an attack. Its hiss, and the harsh “skirr-rr” of its rattles could be heard sounding at intervals as it was carried forward.
In another instant, the maniac was face to face with the would-be ravisher – who, startled by her approach, had released his hold of the girl, and falling back a pace, stood gazing with amazement at this singular intruder.
“Ho, ho!” screamed the maniac, as she glided up to the spot. “His son, his son! Ho! I am sure of it, just like his false father – just as he on the day he wronged the trusting Ewa. Hulwak! It is the hour – the very hour – the moon in the same quarter, horned and wicked – smiling upon the guilt. Ho, ho! the hour of the deed – the hour of vengeance! The father’s crime shall be atoned by the son. Great Spirit! give me revenge! Chitta mico! give me revenge!”
As she uttered these apostrophic appeals, she sprang forward, holding the snake far outstretched – as if to give it the opportunity of striking the now terrified man.
The latter mechanically drew his sword, and then, as if inspired by the necessity of defending himself, cried out:
“Hellish sorceress! if you come a step nearer, I shall run you through the body. Back, now! Keep off, or, by – I shall do it!”
The resolution expressed by his tone proved that the speaker was in earnest; but the appeal was unheeded. The maniac continued to advance despite the shining blade that menaced her, and within reach of whose point she had already arrived.
I was now close to the spot; I had drawn my own blade, and was hurrying forward to ward off the fatal blow which I expected every moment would be struck. It was my design to save Haj-Ewa, who seemed recklessly rushing upon her destruction.
In all probability, I should have been too late, had the thrust been given; but it was not.
Whether from terror at the wild unearthly aspect of his assailants, or, what is more likely, fearing that she was about to fling the snake upon him, the man appeared struck with a sudden panic, and retreated backward.
A step or two brought him to the edge of the water. There were loose stones strewed thickly along the shore; among these his feet became entangled; and, balancing backward, he fell with a plash upon the pond!
The water deepened abruptly, and he sank out of sight. Perhaps the sudden immersion was the means of saving his life; but the moment after, he rose above the surface, and clambered hastily up on the bank.
He was now furious, and with his drawn sword, which he had managed to retain hold of, he rushed towards the spot where Haj-Ewa still stood. His angry oaths told his determination to slay her.
It was not the soft, yielding body of a woman, nor yet of a reptile, that his blade was to encounter. It struck against steel, hard and shining as his own.
I had thrown myself between him and his victims, and had succeeded in restraining Haj-Ewa from carrying out her vengeful design. As the assailant approached, his rage, but more, the water half-blinding him, hindered him from seeing me; and it was not till our blades had rasped together, that he seemed aware of my presence.
There was a momentary pause, accompanied by silence.
“You, Randolph!” at length he exclaimed in a tone of surprise.
“Ay, Lieutenant Scott – Randolph it is. Pardon my intrusion, but your pretty love-scene changing so suddenly to a quarrel, I deemed it my duty to interfere.”
“You have been listening? – you have heard? – and pray, sir, what business have you either to play the spy on my actions, or interfere in my affairs?”
“Business – right – duty – the duty which all men have to protect weak innocence from the designs of such a terrible Blue Beard as you appear to be.”
“By – , you shall rue this.”
“Now? – or when?”
“Whenever you please.”
“No time like the present. Come on.”
Not another word was spoken between us; but, the instant after, our blades were clinking in the fierce game of thrust and parry.
The affair was short. At the third or fourth lunge, I ran my antagonist through the right shoulder, disabling his arm. His sword fell jingling among the pebbles.
“You have wounded me!” cried he; “I am disarmed,” he added, pointing to the fallen blade. “Enough, sir; I am satisfied.”
“But not I – not till you have knelt upon these stones, and asked pardon from her whom you have so grossly insulted.”
“Never!” cried he; “never!” – and as he uttered these words, giving, as I presumed, a proof of determined courage, he turned suddenly; and, to my utter astonishment, commenced running away from the ground!
I ran after, and soon overtook him. I could have thrust him in the back, had I been sanguinarily inclined; but instead, I contented myself with giving him a foot-salute, in what Gallagher would have termed his “postayriors,” and with no other adieu, left him to continue his shameful flight.
Chapter Forty Six
A Silent Declaration
“Now for the love, the sweet young love,
Under the tala tree,” etc.
It was the voice of Haj-Ewa, chanting one of her favourite melodies. Far sweeter the tones of another voice pronouncing my own name:
“George Randolph!”
“Maümee!”
“Ho, ho! you both remember? – still remember? Hinklas! The island – that fair island – fair to you, but dark in the memory of Haj-Ewa. Hulwak! I’ll think of’t no more – no, no, no!
“Now for the love, the sweet young love,
Under —
“It was once mine – it is now yours, mico! yours, haintclitz! Pretty creatures! enjoy it alone; you wish not the mad queen for a companion? Ha, ha! Cooree, cooree! I go; fear not the rustling wind, fear not the whispering trees; none can approach while Haj-Ewa watches. She will be your guardian. Chitta mico, too. Ho, chitta mico!
“Now for the love, the sweet young love.”
And again renewing her chant, the strange woman glided from the spot, leaving me alone with Maümee.
The moment was not without embarrassment to me – perhaps to both of us. No profession had ever passed between us, no assurance, not a word of love. Although I loved Maümee with all my heart’s strength, although I now felt certain that she loved me, there had been no mutual declaration of our passion. The situation was a peculiar one, and the tongue felt restraint.
But words would have been superfluous in that hour. There was an electricity passing between us – our souls were en rapport, our hearts in happy communion, and each understood the thoughts of the other. Not all the words in the world could have given me surer satisfaction that the heart of Maümee was mine.
It was scarcely possible that she could misconceive. With but slight variation, my thoughts were hers. In all likelihood, Haj-Ewa had carried to her ears my earnest declaration. Her look was joyful – assured. She did not doubt me.
I extended my arms, opening them widely. Nature prompted me, or perhaps passion – all the same. The silent signal was instantly understood, and the moment after, the head of my beloved was nestling upon my bosom.
Not a word was spoken. A low fond cry alone escaped her lips as she fell upon my breast, and twined her arms in rapturous compression around me.
For some moments we exchanged not speech; our hearts alone held converse.
Soon the embarrassment vanished, as a light cloud before the summer sun: not a trace of shyness remained; and we conversed in the confidence of mutual love.
I am spared the writing of our love-speeches. You have yourself heard or uttered them. If too common-place to be repeated, so also are they too sacred. I forbear to detail them.
We had other thoughts to occupy us. After a while, the transport of our mutual joys, though still sweet, assumed a more sober tinge; and, half-forgetting the present, we talked of the past and the future.
I questioned Maümee much. Without guile, she gave me the history of that long interval of absence. She confessed, or rather declared – for there was no coquettish hesitation in her manner – that she had loved me from the first – even from that hour when I first saw and loved her: through the long silent years, by night as by day, had the one thought held possession of her bosom. In her simplicity, she wondered I had not known of it!
I reminded her that her love had never been declared. It was true, she said; but she had never dreamt of concealing it. She thought I might have perceived it. Her instincts were keener: she had been conscious of mine!
So declared she, with a freedom that put me off my guard.
If not stronger, her passion was nobler than my own.
She had never doubted me during the years of separation. Only of late; but the cause of this doubt was explained: the pseudo-lover had poured poison into her ears. Hence the errand of Haj-Ewa.
Alas! my story was not so guileless. Only part of the truth could I reveal; and my conscience smote me as I passed over many an episode that would have given pain.
But the past was past, and could not be re-enacted. A more righteous future was opening before me; and silently in my heart did I register vows of atonement. Never more should I have cause to reproach myself – never would my love – never could it wander away from the beautiful being I held in my embrace.
Proudly my bosom swelled as I listened to the ingenuous confession of her love, but sadly when other themes became the subject of our converse. The story of family trials, of wrongs endured, of insults put upon them – and more especially by their white neighbours, the Ringgolds – caused my blood to boil afresh.
The tale corresponded generally with what I had already learned; but there were other circumstances unknown to public rumour. He, too – the wretched hypocrite – had made love to her. He had of late desisted from his importunities, through fear of her brother, and dared no longer come near.
The other, Scott, had made his approaches under the guise of friendship. He had learned, what was known to many, the position of affairs with regard to the Indian widow’s plantation. From his relationship in high quarters, he possessed influence, and had promised to exert it in obtaining restitution. It was a mere pretence – a promise made without any intention of being kept; but, backed by fair words, it had deceived the generous, trusting heart of Osceola. Hence the admission of this heartless cur into the confidence of a family intimacy.
For months had the correspondence existed, though the opportunities were but occasional. During all this time had the soi-disant seducer been pressing his suit – though not very boldly, since he too dreaded the frown of that terrible brother – neither successfully: he had not succeeded.
Ringgold well knew this when he affirmed the contrary. His declaration had but one design – to sting me. For such purpose, it could not have been made in better time.
There was one thing I longed to know. Surely Maümee, with her keen quick perception, from the girlish confidence that had existed between them – surely she could inform me. I longed to know the relations that had existed between my sister and her brother.
Much as I desired the information, I refrained from asking it.
And yet we talked of both – of Virginia especially, for Maümee remembered my sister with affection, and made many inquiries in relation to her. Virginia was more beautiful than ever, she had heard, and accomplished beyond all others. She wondered if my sister would remember those walks and girlish amusements – those happy hours upon the island.
“Perhaps,” thought I, “too well.”
It was a theme that gave me pain.
The future claimed our attention; the past was now bright as heaven, but there were clouds in the sky of the future.
We talked of that nearest and darkest – the imprisonment of Osceola. How long would it last? What could be done to render it as brief as possible?
I promised to do everything in my power; and I purposed as I promised. It was my firm resolve to leave no stone unturned to effect the liberation of the captive chief. If right should not prevail, I was determined to try stratagem. Even with the sacrifice of my commission – even though personal disgrace should await me – the risk of life itself – I resolved he should be free.
I needed not to add to my declaration the emphasis of an oath; I was believed without that. A flood of gratitude was beaming from those liquid orbs; and the silent pressure of love-burning lips was sweeter thanks than words could have uttered.
It was time for parting; the moon told the hour of midnight.
On the crest of the hill, like a bronze statue outlined against the pale sky, stood the mad queen. A signal brought her to our side; and after another embrace, one more fervid pressure of sweet lips, Maümee and I parted.
Her strange but faithful guardian led her away by some secret path, and I was left alone.
I could scarcely take myself away from that consecrated ground; and I remained for some minutes longer, giving full play to triumphant and rapturous reflections.
The declining moon again warned me; and, crossing the crest of the hill, I hastened back to the Fort.
