" Thou shalt disgorge thy prey, give up thy spoil,
And yield thee prisoner. The time is short,
Make thy speech fitting."
BEFORE resuming with these parties, let us retire to the green wood with Harrison and the trader. We have heard the merry horn of his comrades responding freely to that of the former.
"You shall see them,"said he to Granger —
" brave fellows and true, and sufficient for my purpose. I can rely upon Grimstead, the smith, and his brother, certainly, for I left them but a couple of hours ago at the smithy. Theirs was the first answer we heard. I know not who comes the second, but I look for Wat Grayson from that quarter, and sure enough, he is here. Ha! Grayson, you are true and in time, as usual. I give you welcome, for I want your arm."
" And at your service, captain, to strike deer or enemy, for fight or labour. Ha! Granger — but you have forgotten my knife, which I've sorely wanted."
"It is here, at the Block House, ready for you."
" Good! Well, captain, what's the service now? I'm ready, you see, and glad that you feel able to count so free upon Wat Grayson."
" You shall soon see, Grayson. I wait for but a few more of the boys, to show you the work before us; and in order not to waste more time, wind your horn, and let the men come freely."
The horn was wound again, and but a few seconds had elapsed when a distant reply from two other quarters acknowledged the summons. In a few moments the sturdy blacksmith, Grimstead, followed by his younger brother, penetrated the little area, which was the usual place of assemblage. A moment after, a bustling little body, known at Dr. Nichols, the only medical man in that region, also entered the ring, mounted upon a little ambling pony, or tacky from the marsh — a sturdy little animal in much use, though of repute infinitely below its merits.
" Ha! doctor — our worthy Esculapius — how fares it? You come in time, for we look to have some bones for your setting before long,"exclaimed Harrison, addressing him.
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